Ginger Molasses Granola

Name: Ginger Molasses Granola
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups whole rolled oats; 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup sunflower seeds; 1/2 cup pepitas; 1/2 cup coconut flakes; 1/3 cup extra virgin coconut oil; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients

Whole rolled oats - Our foundation for granola!

White whole wheat flour - Flour helps lightly bind ingredients together so you can create lovely granola clusters.

Ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt - These are the spices you'll use to flavor this granola.

Sunflower seeds, pepitas, coconut flakes - Some seeds and dried fruit for extra nutrients, flavor, and texture.

Unrefined coconut oil - A bit of fat in helps coat the granola to provide incredible flavor, nutrients, and also helps prevent it from burning.

Molasses - To sweeten the granola and create that iconic ginger molasses flavor.

Maple syrup - For sweetness and balancing out the molasses.

Vanilla extract

Substitutions & Variations

Below are some substitutions and variations to help you make this granola recipe work for you!

Nuts & seeds - Feel free to sub in different nuts and seeds to get different textures and flavors.

Dried fruit - Golden raisins, dried cranberries, or candied ginger would be delicious in this granola!

Gluten free - Use gluten free flour instead of wheat-based flour, and make sure your oats are certified gluten free.

We also have other granola recipe variations you can try when you're in the mood to completely switch up the flavor! Simple coconut chia granola is a reader favorite, and I ADORE this maple cinnamon walnut granola.

Instructions

Dry granola ingredients in clear glass bowl

Step 1: Combine oats, flour, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, pepitas, ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

Coconut oil, maple syrup, and molasses in small sauce pan

Step 2: Melt the coconut oil, molasses, and maple syrup in a saucepan together over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once it comes to a boil, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Granola mixture in clear glass bowl being stirred with a bamboo spoon

Step 3: Pour the molasses mixture into the dry granola ingredients and stir until all dry ingredients are evenly coated.

Ginger molasses granola on sheet pan lined with parchment paper and wooden spoon resting on granola

Step 4: Spread granola onto a parchment-lined sheet pan in an even layer. It's okay if the layer is somewhat thick.

Step 5: Finally, bake the granola at 300 degrees for 30-35 minutes, stirring gently halfway through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan. It will harden as it cools, and then you can break it up into clusters of your desired size.

Hint: A convection oven tends to cook granola very quickly, so if you bake this granola on a convection setting, the outer edges may get too browned and slightly dried out.

Top tip

For giant granola clusters, don't stir your granola too much while cooking (stirring separates the pieces). Also, let the granola cool completely before you stir or try to break it apart on the pan. This allows the ingredients to cool together in clusters that you can break into the size you want. Note, this doesn't mean you can't take a little taste test while it's cooling 😉

Hand holding a large flat chunk of ginger molasses granola, with sheet pan of granola in background

FAQ

What kind of molasses should I use?

I recommend using unsulphured or dark molasses in this granola. One of my favorite kinds is the molasses by Wholesome!

Can I use an oil other than coconut oil?

Yes! I've tested my granola recipes with olive oil as well, and it works really well and tastes just as delicious. You can swap a liquid oil 1:1 for the coconut oil. I haven't tested other oils, but given that olive oil is a liquid, I expect other oils (such as avocado or grapeseed) would work as well.

What should I eat with granola?

Yogurt is an obvious choice, but I also recommend topping smoothies, overnight oats, and even hot oatmeal with granola. Something about the crunchy sweetness against a creamier texture is so satisfying. See my recommended pairings below!

How do I store or freeze leftover granola?

After allowing it to cool completely, store your ginger molasses granola in an airtight container in a cool, dry place (such as a pantry or kitchen shelf). This granola is best when enjoyed within two months. You could also freeze it in a reusable zip-top bag or airtight container for up to three months.

📖 Recipe