This easy Protein Granola is everything you want in a wholesome breakfast or snack! It is hearty, naturally sweetened, and packed with ingredients you won’t feel bad about later. Full of crunchy nuts and seeds, lightly spiced, and sweetened with real maple syrup for a clean, satisfying flavor.

Protein granola in a bowl with milk

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The mix of oats, coconut, and protein-rich add-ins like hemp, pumpkin seeds, and peanut butter powder makes this granola both energizing and filling. It bakes up into big, crispy clusters and stores beautifully! Perfect for topping yogurt, grabbing by the handful, or sprinkling over a smoothie bowl.

Make a batch on Sunday, and you’re set for the week!

Here’s Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High in protein: Packed with natural sources and a boost from peanut butter powder.
  • Big, crunchy clusters: Thanks to egg whites and an innovative baking method.
  • Naturally sweetened: No refined sugar here! Just pure maple syrup.
  • Customizable: Add dried fruit, change up the nuts, or swap the protein powder.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The recipe card at the bottom of the post contains the full list with all of the amounts. Refer to that when you’re cooking.

Granola ingredients
  • Old-fashioned rolled oats: A hearty base that toasts beautifully.
  • Raw pecans & almonds: Great for texture and added nutrition.
  • Unsweetened flaked coconut: Make sure you don’t get the sweetened coconut. It’ll add too much sugar to the final result.
  • Hemp seeds: Tiny but mighty! They bring protein, fiber, and omega-3s to the mix.
  • Pumpkin seeds: Another great source of protein and crunch.
  • Peanut butter powder: For flavor and an extra protein boost. You can sub in regular protein powder.
  • Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that ties all the flavors together.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors.
  • Egg whites: Help bind the granola and create those satisfying clusters.
  • Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens and adds rich flavor.
  • Vanilla extract: Rounds everything out with a hint of warmth.
  • Optional dried fruit: Sliced dates or dried cherries add a chewy contrast.

In Photos: How To Make Protein Granola

Step 1: Mix

In a large bowl, combine the oats, pecans, almonds, coconut, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanut butter powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Ingredients in a bowl

Step 2: Whisk egg, maple syrup, and vanilla

In a smaller bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the egg whites, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

Liquid ingredients in a measuring cup

Step 3: Combine

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until evenly combined.

Granola ingredients in a bowl

Step 4: Spread

Spread the mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets in a compact layer, using a spatula to gently press down slightly (this will help form some clumps).

A spatula pressing granola

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 20 minutes at 325°F, stirring gently, then bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

Baked granola on a sheet pan

Helpful Tips and Tricks

  • Protein powder swap: You can swap in regular, unsweetened protein powder for the peanut butter powder.
  • Amp up the peanut: For a more pronounced peanut flavor, use 1/3 cup of PB powder and reduce oats by 1/4 cup.
  • Get salty: Sprinkle a bit of flaky salt on top right after baking for a gourmet touch.
  • Want extra clusters? Press the granola firmly into the pan before baking and avoid stirring too much mid-bake.
  • Watch the coconut: It toasts faster than the rest! Check early to prevent burning.
  • Freeze it: This granola freezes well. Store in zip-top bags for a longer shelf life.
Granola and milk in a bowl

More Granola Recipes

Protein granola in a bowl with milk
5 stars (1 rating)

Protein Granola

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
This protein granola is packed full of healthy ingredients and lots of protein!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups (290 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup (107 g) raw pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 3/4 cup (100 g) raw almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened flaked coconut
  • 1/2 cup (70 g) raw hemp seeds
  • 1/3 cup (75 g) raw pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup (24 g) peanut butter powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3 large (100 g) egg whites
  • 3/4 cup (240 g) maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon (13 g) pure vanilla extract
  • Optional add-ins: sliced dates or dried cherries

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the oats, pecans, almonds, coconut, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanut butter powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a smaller bowl or liquid measuring cup, briefly whisk together the egg whites until frothy, then whisk in the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
  • Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until evenly combined.
  • Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets in a compact layer, using a spatula to gently press it down slightly (this will help form some clumps).
  • Bake 20 minutes, stir gently, then bake another 10-15 minutes until golden brown (keep an eye on the flaked granola since that’s likely to brown first). Allow the granola to cool, and then break into clumps. Add in dates or dried cherries, if using. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Regular protein powder can be substituted for the peanut butter powder. Ideally, pick one that is unsweetened since the maple syrup adds a lot of sweetness.
Calories: 390kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g, Monounsaturated Fat: 12g, Trans Fat: 0.004g, Cholesterol: 0.003mg, Sodium: 487mg, Potassium: 405mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 86IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 121mg, Iron: 4mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast
Tried this recipe?Mention @bakingamoment on Instagram or tag #bakingamoment.

Author

  • Thumbnail pic of Jennifer Farley.

    Hi there, I'm Jen. From 2009 to 2021, I was a full time blogger at Savory Simple, a blog dedicated to well-tested recipes and tutorials for home cooks. In 2016, I published my cookbook, The Gourmet Kitchen. I now work full time as a freelance recipe developer and food photographer from my home in Olney, MD, where I live with my husband Jeff and our 3 cats. I've written a weekly newsletter for The Washington Post's Voraciously, and I've also contributed to The Kitchn, Food52, Parade Magazine, and Better Homes & Gardens.

    Allie and I have been friends for years, and I'm thrilled to now be contributing to Baking a Moment!

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