This cinnamon roll granola tastes like a gooey cinnamon bun, in granola form! It's ultra crispy and is perfect for topping breakfast bowls, snacking, or eating straight from the jar.
If you're a fan of Trader Joe's famous cinnamon roll granola, you need to try my homemade, healthy twist! It has all the best cozy cinnamon flavours, and trust me, it doesn't miss on the crunch factor either. Since we don't have Trader Joe's in Canada, this has been my go to granola recipe and I honestly like it even more than the original version. Plus it will make your kitchen smell like a dream!
I love eating this by the handful but it is also incredible stirred into yogurt, layered over my warm chia pudding or poured over a bowl of almond croissant baked oats for extra crunch and texture.
Why you'll love this
- This granola recipe is refined sugar free! Rather than using pure cane sugar, we're using only pure maple syrup which has a better nutritional content.
- It's also completely vegan and gluten free, making it a suitable option to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences
- This recipe is made with whole grains to keep you energized and help fuel your mornings.
Substitutions
- Whole Grain Oats - be sure to use gluten-free rolled oats for gluten free diets. Instant oats will not work for this recipe as they will change the texture and baking time.
- Pure Maple Syrup - if you're not following a vegan diet, honey can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio
- Nut butter - I use creamy cashew butter for this recipe, but you can use any preferred nut butter such as peanut butter or almond butter
- Walnuts - you can use any raw nuts or seeds you'd like
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
- White Chocolate Chips (melted) - for a delicious white chocolate drizzle on top of this granola. This step is optional, but highly recommended!
See recipe card for quantities.
More Cinnamon Recipes You'll Love
- Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal - same cinnamon roll flavour in a warm baked oatmeal if you want something more substantial
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars - a chewy, baked version of the same flavour profile
- 2 Ingredient Cinnamon Rolls - for when you want the real cinnamon roll thing
📖 Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Granola
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2 c rolled oats
- ⅓ c cashew butter (or any nut butter)
- ⅓ c maple syrup
- ½ c chopped walnuts
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Drizzle:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped walnuts, cinnamon and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together cashew butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until oats are completely coated.
- Spread mixture onto baking sheet in a ¼in single layer and PRESS down with spatula.
- Bake at 325F for 25 mins until lightly golden.
- Let cool completely (~1hr) (Don't skip this step as this is when the granola gets crispy!)
- Once cooled, drizzle on melted white chocolate. Place in the fridge until set. Then break into clusters and enjoy!
- Store in an airtight container or mason jars!
Notes
- Let your granola cool completely on pan before touching or breaking into clusters. The cooling time allows your granola to firm up and become extra crispy!
- Press your granola mixture down into your baking sheet before baking. This will help it cook in a single piece and form delicious granola clusters
- Don't overbake! Remove your granola when it's golden brown at the top. Granola can go from golden to burnt very quickly so be sure to keep an eye on your granola as it's baking.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions for Copycat Trader Joe's Cinnamon Roll Granola
Why does my granola not form clusters?
Two things make clusters happen. First, press the mixture firmly into an even layer on the baking sheet before it goes in the oven. Second, let it cool completely without touching it after it comes out. Most people break it up too early. Give it a full hour. The clusters form as the sugars cool and harden.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes. Peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work at the same ratio. Almond butter gives the most neutral flavour but any drippy nut butter will do the job.
Can I customise this granola?
Once it has cooled and set, mix in whatever add-ins you love. Dried fruit, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, or extra chocolate chips all work well.
How long does this keep?
Up to 3 weeks in an airtight container or mason jar at room temperature, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
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