There is no better time to start sharing ALL the granola recipes! Why? Granola is basically the quintessential perfect foodie gift to give during the holiday season. Am I right? Yes, of course I am! Not only does giving granola make some happy tummies, but it also shows you took the time and love to actually prepare a thoughtful creation with your own two hands. You didn't just run out and pick up a bottle of wine or grab a gift card. You actually made something, which I think is often sadly neglected now-a-days.
With just a few simple ingredients and under an hour of your time, you could have some wonderful, from the heart, granola to give to a loved one. (Or just keep it for yourself...I won't tell! But to be safe, just make a double, even triple batch!). This isn't your typical run-of-the-mill granola either. It will wow whomever you give it to, I guarantee!
We have a lot going on here to make the perfect, subtly sweet, and festive healthy granola! I've included tri-colored quinoa, honey roasted pecans, and the best fragrant spices of the season! Gluten-free, vegan (if you're okay with honey!), and protein packed! A healthy "indulgence" to share this holiday season!
When I first tried this granola, I knew it was now one of my new favorites. I actually made this recipe in my college dorm floor kitchen! The whole 1st floor smelled lovingly of holiday spice and yumminess! A few kids in the kitchen at the time asked what I was making. I simply said, "Granola." And this time, it was all for me, mwahhh!
Maybe I'll be in the loving spirit closer to the holidays and make some of this for my peers. Probably not (poor college student budget...have to safe every penny and not waste it!). But I will make some for family when I get home! You should plan on making some too. I know it will bring some love and joy and warm hearts during your holiday season!
Festive Spiced Pecan Quinoa Granola
Ingredients: (serves 6-8)
+ 2 Cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
+ 1 Cup Salt-Free Crispy Brown Rice Cereal
+ ½ Cup Quinoa Flakes
+ ¼ Cup Living Now® Tri-Color Quinoa
+ ½ Cup NOW Real Food® Honey Roasted Pecans
(Broken into smaller pieces)
+ ½ Cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce
+ 1 TB Stevia Syrup
(or ¼ Cup Honey)
+ ½ TB Cinnamon
+ 1 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (or ½ Tsp Nutmeg + ½ Tsp Allspice)
+ ½ Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
Directions:
+ Preheat oven to 325°F.
+ In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown rice cereal, quinoa flakes, quinoa, pecans, and stir. Then add the remaining wet ingredients and spices and stir again until everything is equally coated and distributed throughout the mixture.
+ Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oiled foil. Spread the granola mixture on the sheet evenly. It should be clumpy too so you get nice clumps of granola when it's done!
+ Bake the granola for 25 minutes, stirring every 10. Remove and let cool before storing in an airtight jar or container!
See those clumps of goodness? And those hunks of pecans? It is like biting into pure holiday heaven! This granola just has so many uses! Give it as a gift in a pretty jar, set it out in some little bowls for holiday gathering snaking, simple eat it for breakfast in a bowl with non-dairy milk, on yogurt, or a topping for a smoothie! The granola possibilities are endless 😉
Want some more granola recipes? Check out my Apple Cinnamon Granola, Chocolate Banana Cashew Granola, More Than Carrot Cake Granola, Orange Hemp Seed Granola, Pumpkin Spice Granola, Vanilla Pear Quinoa Granola!
So tell me:
+ What is the best homemade gift you ever received during the holidays?
+ Would you rather bake cookies for someone or granola? Granola! Duh! Haha 😉 Cookies are so 1990s 😛
**Disclaimer: This recipe post was created as part of the NOW Foods Holiday Smart Swap Recipe Challenge. I received NOW Foods products for free to use in my original creation.**
*Recipe linking up for the week! WIAW, Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeFridays, #RecipeOfTheWeek, #StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, #WeekendBites, Real Food Recipe Roundup, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays!*
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Gin
You're right, this would make an awesome gift in a cute jar or tin. Sounds sweet and delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Nicole Neverman
This sounds like such a delicious granola recipe. I love the festive theme of it. Quinoa is one of my favorite granola additions, too. So this has gone straight on the "to make" list. If you had a spare moment, I would be delighted if you'd drop this (and anything else you'd like to share) by at the #PureBlogLove DIY and recipe link party!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Nicole! Quinoa is really the perfect crunchy protein packed addition!
EVA
Sorry if someone has already asked this, there's too many comments to read through! Can you sub the quinoa flakes for more rolled oats? I can't afford quinoa flakes, but this is FINALLY an oil-free granola which I need for my bad gallbladder diet. And it looks damn delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Of course you can, but you won't get the strong quinoa flavor if you only use the quinoa without the flakes as well in the recipe. So, you can call it Festive Spiced Pecan Granola instead I guess 😛
All my granola recipes are oil-free if you need more ideas.
Simple Hacks Living
I love the quinoa ingredient! Pinning it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's my favorite granola addition!
Stacey Guilliatt (Nobody Said It Was Easy)
This looks delicious! #tastytuesdays
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Shirley Wood
Thank you for linking up with us at the Ultimate Virtual Cookies & Goodies Party and Giveaway! Be sure to visit the party Pinterest board to see your recipes and more. #ultimatecookieparty
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Tammy @ TOTS Family
I love granola, and yours looks delicious! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party! I’ve pinned you post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Granola is the best! Thanks!
Hayley@healthyregards
One of my old neighbors use to make homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch for christmas day breakfasts for all the neighbors! She would arrange a tin full of them and then all you had to do on christmas morning was pop them in the oven for a bit and you had homemade cinnamon rolls! I thought it was the cutest and tastiest idea (:
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That is SO awesome! How sweet (literally!) 😉
Raia
I've never thought of pudding quinoa in my granola. Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing at Savoring Saturdays, Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You have to try it! You really will love it!
Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector)
What an awesome way to use quinoa! Thanks for linking up with SNF! Pinned to our party board!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Judy
Thanks for coming and linking up at our Happy Holidays Link Party!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Judy!
kimmythevegan
Oh man this sounds absolutely amazing! I love giving homemade gifts - it's one of my favourite things to do over the holidays. I tend to make something a little more decadent, but over the years have been making healthier treats and look forward to trying this out =)
Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe at Healthy Vegan Fridays. I have pinned & shared your recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hehe, I've I'm making food for someone, everyone knows it is going to be healthy but o so yummy! Homemade gifts are just the best! I've been going completely homemade with my gift giving for 3 years now and I plan on continuing that this year!
Laina Turner
This looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
I SWEAR I'm going to make granola this week. That looks too incredible! Love the quinoa. Yay protein!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yay! You really must! Everyone should always have a fresh batch on hand!
And hell yea for clean plant protein! 😉
She Rocks Fitness
This looks DELICIOUS and perfect for the holiday season...LOVE pecans and haven't had them in a long time. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! Pecans are one of the quintessential holiday nuts! They always remind me of Christmas, haha!
Stephanie
How delicious! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Natashalh
I hadn't heard of quinoa flakes before! I love breakfast quinoa, though, so I need to make some of this. Visiting from SNF!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Quinoa flakes are the "breakfast quinoa"! Best hot cereal out there!
vegetarianmamma (Cindy)
Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays Party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂 I can't wait to see what you share next time!
-Cindy
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
megabrooke
Sounds delicious! Love quinoa!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Sami
Yum! Rebecca, this looks so good! I'm def. going to have to give this a try. I love the blog, BTW...the new colors look so pretty!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Sami!
Haha, the blog has been this way since the end of August 😉
Donna
This looks very tasty. I love quinoa but I've never eaten it in granola before. Living in a vegan household I'm always on the lookout for new ideas. I love this for our home, and I also love it as a little gift idea. Now I'm going to pin this and then send it to my sister. Looking forward to trying this right away. I'm very happy to have found you through Sits.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you so much Donna! I'm so glad you like it! Using quinoa is granola is so good! The perfect nutrition addition and along with the quinoa flakes, the flavor is a standout!
Kierston
Mmmmmmmmmyum. Thanks for linking up to #recipefriday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
And thank you 😉
joiedevivrebypia
Hahaha I was just thinking about holiday presents and granola was one of the first things on my mind! I got addicted to homemade granola, so I haven't eaten any store bought since I tried making my own 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You sound just like me 😉
Julia @ Swirls and Spice
I've ever tried quinoa in my granola before. You've convinced me--that needs to change!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It so does Julia! You won't be sorry 😉
Sunnie@Moderngirlnutrition
Whattt I need this in my life <3 haha. Your recipes are so perfect! They always turn out amazing
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you so much Sunnie 🙂
Amanda
Wow this looks so delicious!!! What a great recipe, thank you for sharing 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Amanda!
Honest mum
Delicious, love how inspiring your blog is-you make me want to eat the best I can! I love this just can't eat nuts Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Aw, thank you so much! That is my intent!
Skip the pecans and add in some pumpkin seeds!
Heidi Fowler
I love the addition of quinoa! Pinned. Can't wait to try it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Heidi!
melody
YUM!! I need to try this!!!! LInking from Katherines Corner. If you get a chance stop by and visit!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! I hope you do try it!
Aubrey
This sounds amazing, and the pictures are making me drool. I have definitely saved it for future yumminess.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes please! Save it for the very near future 😉
Aubrey
No worries. My husband will love it. I'll let you know when we try it out.
Marla
Sounds like a great snack for anytime of the year but certainly does go well with Christmas. I love all your ingredients filled with a wealth of health. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays blog hop. Pinned & twitted.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! It sure is!
Meredith
this sounds amazing! Will definitely try this out. He quinoa is uncooked right?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
YES!
Athletic Avocado
this looks amazing! love the addition of quinoa! yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! The quinoa and quinoa flakes just rock this!
Tina Muir
This sounds loooovveellly! I am a huge fan of granola, but have never tried it with quinoa...maybe I should!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Maybe! YES you should! It tastes like magic 😉
Nicole Neverman
Homemade granola is absolutely worth the effort. I love making my own, and especially love finding new flavors. Yours sounds amazing. On the to make list!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It takes no effort! Homemade granola should be even a new bakers essential! Its so easy and so yummy!
EA-The Spicy RD
Loving everything about this yummy granola! Last year I gave out my homemade gingerbread pancake mix as gifts...maybe this year it will be granola 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Gingerbread pancake mix sounds like a winner too 😉
David @ Spiced
I just made a fresh batch of granola last night! I've never added quinoa flakes to my granola...but I'll have to give that a shot next time. And I absolutely love that you made this in your dorm kitchen. I'm guessing that was not the easiest of adventures! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I love adding all things quinoa to granola! It just gives such a great flavor and extra dose of protein!
Haha, it was easy since we have a full kitchen on our floor. However, I didn't have a mixing bowl, so the mixing happened just right on the baking sheet!
Bethany
Wow this looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog
Quinoa in granola is such an awesome idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is the best!
Teffy
YUM! This sounds absolutely delicious!
I love making my own granola, and just love how this is so festive! Definitely need to give this one a go =)
{Teffy's Perks} X
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you lovely friend! XOXO
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits
Oh my gosh, if you were baking that in the kitchen on my floor, I'd totally pop out into the hallway to see where the yummy smells were coming from! LOVE homemade granola!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, o yes! And it was one lovely smell! Homemade rocks world!
Natalie
Cookies may be old school, but you can't decorate granola with colorful frosting in holiday themed colors. However, granola making is a heck of a lot faster and a more unique gift!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Challenge is on! I bet you I CAN decorate my granola 😉
Jenny
Looks delish! Pinned for future reference.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Jenny!
GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth
LOL @ cookies are so 90s. I'd probably make granola too tho, but mostly because you can make more at once. I HATE having to do multiple batches when I'm making cookies over the holidays...not looking forward to that.
And tri-coloured quinoa in granola is the BOMB 😀 Pinning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Screw cookies! Granola rocks!
Haha it is BOMB 😉 Makes it extra festive 😉
Jen
This granola looks amazing! Pinning so I can enjoy this sprinkled into my favorite almond milk yogurt!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! That sounds like a delicious plan to me 😉
Heather @ fit mama real food
I would totally make granola over cookies to share. Any day. Cookies are what people would expect... but granola is something special and unexpected. This mix sounds awesome!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Heather!
I totally agree! Granola is so much better! There are too many cookies to be had anyway during the holidays! Let's switch it up with healthy granola!
Emily @ Sweets and Beets
That looks amazing -- your photos are gorgeous. I've only made homemade granola once, but I love the thought of being able to actually control the ingredients that goes into it. The store-bought stuff can be so sugary!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Homemade is 1000000x better and healthier. Really just so much tastier! You need to make some ASAP!
Julie @ Run Away Freckles
I am thinking about making candied nuts for people's gifts this year. I am not too huge on cookies.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Throw those nuts into a granola! 😉
Annmarie
Mmmmm quinoa granola...something else I need to try soon. Looks so good 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is the best addition to granolas!
Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite
This looks seriously delicious. Granola is one of my all time favorite foods - perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert! I'm right there with ya on the budget though since my husband is in dental school. Someday I'll make a million batches for friends and family!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yea! At least I know if I DO make it for friends and family, I don't have to spend extra on special GF oats like I have to do for myself!
Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge)
I love giving- and receiving- granola for gifts! I usually give soup or brownie mixes and granola! Love that you've made this one so healthy- pinning to save for later!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Alex! Those make the best gifts! Something that WILL get used and enjoyed 😉
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
I love making and giving granola to other people too! I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy a good batch of it. I also really like knitting headbands for others. I tried to pin your images but for some reason it "couldn't fetch" the image... I will definitely come back and do it later, once the Internet has sorted itself out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Granola truly is a gift of love 😉
I'd totally dig a homemade headband! I wear them everyday!
You can always just Repin my pin on pinterest!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
YUMMMM!! I'd love this to sprinkle on my yogurt! And the ingredients are on point! Thanks for sharing
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Perfect festive topping 😉
Lean Lena
I love home made granola! Store bought always tastes so super sweet, and making my own I don't add any sweeteners at all, except maybe some honey.
Pinning this recipe 🙂
Thanks for linking to Tasty Tuesday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Same here! Oil-free, sugar-free goodness!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl
The fact that you added quinoa to this makes me so happy! I love when I see quinoa in breakfast recipes 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Quinoa in granola is SO good! I've been adding it to all my granolas!
Rebecca
Yum! Embarrassed to say that I never really thought about gifting granola, but it's such a great idea! & this looks delicious
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You'll be everyone's favorite person if you do!
Alyssa
Yum! That looks delicious. I always make the same old granola (which is pretty fantastic) but I think it is time to shake things up and make this Christmas-y granola recipe! Thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is always time to shake up your granola recipes! I always make a new creation when I make a new batch!
Georgie
What a great idea! I personally LOVE granola and my family might be getting some this year 😉 shh don't tell
Great pictures - I wanted to reach into my computer to grab some!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you!
Yea...they might get some...if you don't eat it all first! It's too good!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
ooh yummy! Thanks for linking up another great recipe with us this week Have a great day
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks friend!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Your homemade granola always looks amazing. I'd love to try this for my family!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Do it! They will love you soooo much, haha 😉 XOXO
Allie
I love making my own granola too
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is the best!
Linz @ Itz Linz
i LOVE homemade granola! so much better fresh!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! I refuse to ever by "machine-made" granola, haha! I just have to much fun making my own now anyway!
Vicki Montague
That looks and sounds super delicious! I love granola but once I get started on it I can't stop eating it, and since I try to avoid too much sugar that is not good!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well this one isn't loaded up on sugar! Totally clean for munching!
Tina Muir
This sounds wonderful! Love the combination! I am definitely more of a cookie than a granola, but its close, I LOVE granola! Thanks for the recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think we need some GRANOLA COOKIES!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
I drool!!! YUM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, me too 😉
Kelly
This looks delicious! I'll be the house smells amazing when it's cooking, Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The smell was incredible! Just like Christmas!