A Healthy Trail Mix Granola

Last Updated on January 8, 2025

This Healthy Trail Mix Granola is vegan, gluten free, not to mention so easy to make, and customizable!

Typically a trail mix is easy to store, provides a quick energy boost from the carbohydrates, and sustained energy from the fats and nuts.

Which makes this a easy quick snack that is great for those hiking trips and your long shopping trips!

In this recipe, I only used sunflower seeds for my seed of choice.

But there are so many other seeds to add to your own granola, such as hemp, chia, and pumpkin seeds.

I also only used 2 types of dried fruit, blueberries (My favorite!) and cranberries.

Don’t like the fruits I used? Why not give these others a try:

Raisins, goji (wolfberries), coconut, or any of these dried berries/fruits, currents, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, apples, or bananas.

To make this a gluten free granola, I used a puffed rice and gluten free oats.

Other options include: kamut, millet, and any kind of flakes, such as quinoa flakes, will work as well.

(Note: Some of these grains are not gluten free.)

You will notice that I did not add any nuts, I just didn’t have any on hand the day I made my granola.

Try adding these nuts: cashews, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, sliced almonds, pistachios, or even pine nuts.

Also, in this recipe I used real maple syrup, I personally like the flavor of this sweetener the best, but you can use a honey if you prefer.

(Note: Honey is not considered vegan.)

Add as many grains, seeds, fruits/berries, and nuts as you like to your own granola, customize each time you make it.

Different ways to enjoy your homemade granola

It is a wonderful filling breakfast cereal.

Sprinkle the granola on top of your favorite yogurt.

Add it on top of your favorite ice cream for a little extra crunch.

Top a bowl of berries or fruits.

Or just enjoy your granola as is.

Ingredients needed for this granola

• Oats – I have used a quick oat and a old fashioned rolled oat for my granola.
• Puffed Rice – To keep this recipe gluten free I used a puffed rice.
• Real Maple Syrup – My sweetener of choice is maple syrup. I love the slight vanilla and caramel flavor that this adds to the granola.
• Margarine – Use your favorite vegan margarine in this recipe.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – This brings out more of the vanilla flavor from the maple syrup.
• Cinnamon – The cinnamon adds more warmth and flavor complimenting the granola.
• Seeds – I added a unsalted sunflower seed to this granola. Add your favorite seeds.
• Dried Fruit/Berries – I added dried blueberries and cranberries. Add your favorites.

How to Make a Healthy Trail Mix Granola

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Line a 12 by 18 baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine the oats, puffed rice, blueberries, cranberries, and sunflower seeds in a large mixing bowl and set aside.

In a small sauce pan, melt the margarine, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup together.

Bring this sauce to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat after 5 minutes, pour over the cereal mixture and stir to coat every thing completely.

Spread the mix evenly onto the parchment lined baking sheet and place into the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let the granola cool on the baking sheet.

After the granola is cooled completely, scoop it into quart jars and cover.

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