The warming spices of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper make for a spice-filled and aromatic gluten-free and vegan French Toast Granola.
There’s something about breakfast that I just love. Maybe it’s the time of day. The calm before the storm. The simplicity.
Whatever it is, I do know it is where I can reflect, reset, and re-energize. And while most of us can’t have long leisurely breakfasts with pancakes, fruit, waffles, eggs, and the most crispy of hash browns, I’ve come up with a workweek compromise.
French toast granola.
I’ve been thinking, Why wait until the weekend when you can have something just as comforting? Sure, we’re missing those decadent pieces of bread dipped into a spice-filled batter, but the aroma, flavor, and satisfying bites are still in full force.
Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and a touch of black pepper give this granola a warmth and a soothing aroma. I chose to use olive oil with this recipe to add to the richness of flavor that you’d find in the bread-heavy namesake and to keep it dairy-free for those seeking that option.
Flecked with pecans and almonds for both protein and crunch and drizzled with maple syrup while using a touch of coconut sugar for that French toast sweetness, I promise your kitchen will smell amazing.
French toast granola. It’s happening.
French Toast Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups gluten-free oats
- 1 cup raw pecans chopped
- 1/2 cup raw almonds chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- dash of cloves
- couple dashes of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl combine oats, pecans, almonds, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and coconut sugar. Stir to combine.
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In a small bowl add olive oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined. Pour liquid over dry ingredients and stir with a large spoon until the oat mixture is completely coated.
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Transfer mixture to prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through bake time and flattening back into an even layer. You may find halfway through that you want to cover pan lightly with a sheet of foil in case your pecans look as though they are browning quickly.
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Remove from oven and allow granola to cool completely before placing in an airtight container. This will ensure there are clumps!
Recipe Notes
Adapted from my Cinnamon Apple Granola.
Tori//Gringalicious says
YES! Thank you so much for sharing, this looks incredible!
Tessa says
Thank you, Tori! Any excuse for ‘french toast’ and I’m on board. ;) Enjoy! xoxo
Abby @ Heart of a Baker says
Why why whyyyy have I never thought of this?! French toast granola would make my mornings so much better, even when I’m rushing around like a madwoman (because I try to do ALL the things in the mornings). Enjoy Chopped dear friend! xo
Tessa says
Hahaha, I am pretty sure I am your partner in morning madness. It is ridiculous every single morning. Missed your face this weekend! <3
Joyce @ Sun Diego Eats says
LOVE this!! Especially the touch of cardamom, cloves and black pepper :)
Tessa says
Yay! Thank you, Joyce. Those spices sealed the deal for me. Hope you’ve had a great weekend!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I can’t wait to try this granola Tessa! Love the hint of cardamon and black pepper!
Tessa says
Thanks, Mary Ann!! The kitchen smells so great when this is baking up. xoxo
cynthia says
I love everything about the sound of this!! Not to mention it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Tessa says
Aw, thank you Cynthia!!! I want to bottle up the aroma so our place can smell like those spices all the time. Hope you are doing well! <3 <3 <3
Rachel @ Bakerita says
French toast granola?!?!! BRB, off to dream about this! It looks so so good – full of all my favorite things. This has got to make it’s way into my kitchen soon.
Tessa says
Hahaha, yay!! The spices are where it is at! ;) Thanks, Rachel!
Jess @Nourished by Nutrition says
Could this be the sophisticated version of cinnamon toast crunch?! I love this recipe! Healthy and comforting. I also love the simplicity of mornings. Having a quiet breakfast and “me” time is something I look forward to everyday.
Tessa says
Ohh, I like that idea very much. Thank you! Yes, quiet ‘me’ time is so essential, I think. I tend to be on the introverted side, so pretty much necessary for me! ;) Hope you had a wonderful weekend, Jess! xoxo
traci | VanillaAndBean says
You know I’m all over grab-n-go snacks and I looove this Tessa. So many warming spices and the addition of black pepper ties them all together. Why not have french toast during the week? I like how you think! (That bowl is sooo pretty!! I’d love to know where you found it!). Beautiful work my dear! xo
Tessa says
I’m just doing what I can to make French toast accessible at all times. Haha. ;) I found bought the bowl from Facture Goods from their online shop (they are actually located not far from KC!). Really beautiful stuff. Thank you, my friend!! xoxo
Alida | Simply Delicious says
Um, so I am totally on board with the idea of French toast granola. Just genius! And your photos are so beautiful. :)
Tessa says
Yay! I’m so glad. Makes breakfast a little more fun. :) Thank you so much, Alida!
Gena says
I love the idea of adding a pinch of black pepper here! Along with all of these other, wonderful granola spices and flavors. Can’t wait to try.
Tessa says
I think the addition of black pepper is my very favorite part! :) xoxo
Julia says
This French toast granola is delicious! Thank you for this recipe! And I really love the bowl you used, do you remember where you purchased it from?
Tessa says
Thank you!! The bowl is from Facture Goods! https://www.facturegoods.com