If you’re looking for a wholesome snack or breakfast boost that’s naturally sweet and irresistibly crunchy, this Simple Date-Sweetened Granola Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with the rich caramel notes from medjool dates and the nutty, toasty goodness of roasted oats and seeds, this granola is a perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s easy to whip up, wholesome to enjoy, and wonderfully versatile — whether you crave it by the handful, sprinkled over yogurt, or as a topping for smoothie bowls. Plus, letting the dates do the sweetening means no added refined sugars, making this a treat you can feel great about any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Simple Date-Sweetened Granola Recipe, you’ll be gathering just a handful of simple, natural ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — whether it’s the creamy peanut butter that binds everything together, the oats that bring hearty crispness, or the medjool dates that add depth and just the right touch of sweetness.
- Medjool dates (5-6 large, pitted): These are your natural sweeteners, rich and chewy, lending a deep caramel flavor that’s better than any processed sugar.
- Water (1-2 tbsp): Helps soften the dates and makes blending much easier, giving you that perfect paste consistency.
- Peanut butter (¼ cup / 60g): Adds a creamy nuttiness and helps the granola stick together in satisfying clusters.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Just a splash to round out the flavors with a warm, comforting note.
- Rolled oats (2 cups / 160g): The hearty backbone of the granola, offering crunch and substance.
- Mixed seeds (½ cup / 60g): Pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, sesame — choose your favorites for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Cinnamon (½ tsp): A hint of warmth and spice to elevate the whole flavor profile.
How to Make Simple Date-Sweetened Granola Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Setup
Start by heating your oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat — this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Getting the oven and baking sheet ready upfront ensures a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Create the Date Paste
Next, blend your pitted medjool dates in a food processor until smooth. You may want to add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help things along. If your dates are a bit tough or dry, soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes beforehand softens them and makes blending easier. The paste you create here is the heart of your Simple Date-Sweetened Granola Recipe, delivering that natural sweetness and binding power.
Step 3: Mix in Peanut Butter and Vanilla
Once your date paste is smooth, stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract. This combination lends luscious creaminess and a fragrant aroma — it’s what will help your granola clusters stick together and taste downright delicious.
Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Pour your date-peanut butter mixture into a large bowl along with the oats, seeds, and cinnamon. Stir this all together until every oat and seed is generously coated. This step ensures an even distribution of flavor and texture, key to that perfect crunchy bite.
Step 5: Press and Bake
Transfer the granola mixture to your prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to firmly press it down. Compacting the granola helps it bake into big clusters instead of just loose flakes. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges start to brown, then carefully flip the granola by breaking it into large sections. Continue baking for another 10 minutes, and keep an eye on it every 5 minutes to remove any pieces that get too dark. This slow baking brings out the deep roasted flavors and crispiness you want.
Step 6: Cool and Break Into Clusters
Once golden brown, take the granola out of the oven and let it cool right on the baking sheet. It might seem soft initially, but it will firm up and crisp as it cools. When completely cool, break it into chunky clusters. These clusters are the ultimate snack — perfect for nibbling or sprinkling.
How to Serve Simple Date-Sweetened Granola Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your granola over bowls of creamy yogurt or drizzle with fresh honey to enhance the natural sweetness. Adding fresh berries or a light dusting of cinnamon can make your bowl look and taste picture-perfect.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs beautifully with smoothie bowls, fresh fruit salads, or even a dollop of nut butter on the side. It makes breakfast lively and satisfying, and is also a wholesome crunch add-on for snacks or light desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or simply want to jazz up your mornings? Layer the granola between Greek yogurt and fruit in a clear glass for a stunning parfait. Or mix it into pancake batter for a fun twist, adding heartiness and sweetness at the same time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Simple Date-Sweetened Granola Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Just keep it away from moisture and heat to maintain those crispy clusters.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for longer, freezing is a great option. Store the granola in a sealed freezer bag or container, and it will stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Usually, reheating isn’t necessary because it’s best enjoyed crunchy and cool, but if you want a warm touch, spread the granola on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye to prevent burning, and enjoy that fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can all be delicious alternatives in this Simple Date-Sweetened Granola Recipe. Just keep in mind that each nut butter will add its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment.
What if I don’t have medjool dates?
Medjool dates are preferred for their softness and sweetness, but you can substitute with other dried dates if needed. You may want to soak firmer dates longer to achieve the right paste consistency for this recipe.
Is this granola gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats and check your other ingredients, this Simple Date-Sweetened Granola Recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add dried fruits or chocolate chips?
Definitely! After baking and cooling the granola, folding in dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or handfuls of chocolate chips adds a fun burst of flavor and texture without altering the baking process.
How do I make the granola clusters bigger?
Pressing the granola firmly on the baking sheet before baking is key for big clusters. Avoid stirring it too much during baking, and break it into large pieces once cooled to keep those delightful chunky clusters intact.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Date-Sweetened Granola Recipe is one I find myself turning to again and again — it’s just so good and wholesome, with that perfect natural sweetness and crunch. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, snacks, or an easy gift, it’s a beautiful way to enjoy the goodness of oats and seeds with a warm, sweet twist. Give it a try, and I guarantee you’ll love having this easy homemade granola in your kitchen!
PrintSimple Date-Sweetened Granola Recipe
This Simple Date-Sweetened Granola is a wholesome, naturally sweetened treat packed with nutritious seeds and oats. Sweetened with medjool dates and peanut butter, it offers a healthier alternative to sugar-laden granolas. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or topping your yogurt and smoothie bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 5–6 large medjool dates (pitted)
- 1–2 tbsp water (to help blend)
- ¼ cup (60g) peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (160g) rolled oats
- ½ cup (60g) seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, etc.)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Date Paste: Blend the pitted dates in a food processor or mash them with a fork until they become a smooth paste, adding 1-2 tablespoons of water to help the blending process. If your dates are hard or dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes beforehand, then drain thoroughly before blending.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add peanut butter and vanilla extract to the date paste and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Transfer the date and peanut butter mixture to a large bowl. Add rolled oats, mixed seeds, and cinnamon, stirring well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Form Granola Layer: Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Press down firmly with a spatula to compact the granola, which helps create clusters during baking.
- Bake and Monitor: Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until edges begin to brown. Carefully flip the granola by breaking it into large sections, then return to the oven for another 10 minutes. After that, stir and check every 5 minutes, removing any pieces that brown too quickly to avoid burning. Total baking time is about 40 minutes.
- Cool Granola: Remove the granola once it is golden-brown. It may feel soft initially but will crisp up as it cools on the baking sheet.
- Store: Once cool, break the granola into clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- If dates are hard or dry, soaking them before blending ensures smoother paste.
- Pressing the granola before baking helps form crunchy clusters.
- Flipping the granola midway ensures even browning and texture.
- Store granola in an airtight container away from moisture to maintain crispness.
- Feel free to customize seeds based on preference or availability.
