Vegan Cheesy Granola is a sweet and savory snack that is deliciously crunchy and incredibly nutritious - completely plant-based and oil-free.
People often ask me if I have cravings for certain foods since becoming a vegan. And my answer is mostly no. I rarely miss any non-vegan foods.
Plant-based foods have so much flavor. It's hard to think of a food or flavor that I can't get on my plant-based diet.
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Take cheesecake, for example. Cheesecake was one of my favorite foods before I adopted a plant-based diet. It's thick, creamy, rich, decadent. My mouth is watering a bit just thinking about it. I don't miss it though because I made my own vegan cheesecake and it was just as incredible. AND THEN I made these cheesecake cups and they were delicious too!
I also don't miss feeling awful after eating foods like cheesecake. I know everyone metabolizes food differently, but I remember the last time I ate cheesecake before I became vegan. And I felt terrible. With vegan cheesecake, I feel GOOD after eating a slice.
Long story short: I don't often have cravings for non-vegan foods, but if I do, I just make something that satisfies it.
Like this granola. I wasn't the biggest cheese person before I went vegan, but sometimes I just want something cheesy and salty and delicious. This Vegan Cheesy Granola is all of those things.
What's the cheesy secret?
Nutritional yeast.
Nutritional yeast is so cool. It's got tons of vitamins and minerals (read: it's super good for you) and it has a cheesy taste that makes it perfect for satisfying cheese cravings.
I added some other spices to the granola to jazz it up a bit. They also enhance the cheesy flavor.
Vegan Cheesy Granola Ingredients
- Rolled Oats: The basic ingredient in granola 🙂
- Chopped Pecans: I added pecans for an extra crunch and a delicious nutty flavor
- Nutritional Yeast: For cheesy flavor!! (And nutrition...)
- Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Cayenne: Like I mentioned, spices really enhance the cheesy flavor. They provide a depth to the granola
- Date Syrup: Date syrup adds sweetness and is the key to making the delicious clusters.
- Maple Syrup: A slightly different flavor than date syrup, maple syrup adds another layer. But if you don't want the no-fiber, all-sugar ingredient, use more date syrup.
- Liquid Smoke: I've been obsessed with this stuff lately. It adds a smoky edge that works so well with the savory/cheesy flavor of the granola.
How to make Vegan Cheesy Granola
Step 1. Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2. Combine the oats, pecans, nutritional yeast, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne. Add the date syrup, maple syrup, and liquid smoke and stir until all the oats are coated.
Step 3. Spread the granola on the baking sheet and bake. The granola may still be sticky when it is done baking - let it cool for a bit on the baking sheet. This lets it get nice and crispy. Then enjoy!
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for flavorful food. We are grateful for healthy foods that satisfy cravings. Amen.
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Cheesy Granola
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Rolled Oats
- ¼ Cup Chopped Pecans
- ¼ Cup Nutritional Yeast
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ⅛ Teaspoon Cayenne
- ¼ Cup Date Syrup
- 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup*
- 1 Teaspoon Liquid Smoke
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the oats, pecans, nutritional yeast, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne. Add the date syrup, maple syrup, and liquid smoke and stir until all the oats are coated.
- Spread the granola on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. The granola may still be sticky when it is done baking - let it cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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