Raw Dehydrator Granola Recipe: Vegan and Gluten Free

This healthy, raw, vegan, gluten-free dehydrator granola recipe will be your go-to granola for breakfast, a snack, or any time of the day.

I am a big fan of granola, and this raw dehydrator granola recipe has the perfect combination of sweet and salty. It is also quite healthy and contains an even ratio of protein, fibrous complex carbohydrates, and healthy fat.

Many granola recipes contain high amounts of refined sugars and fats, like brown sugar and coconut oil. This recipe contains nothing but good quality, natural ingredients. And it is a much better choice when you are craving a quick snack.

There is nothing I love more than a bowl of homemade granola topped with fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, and a sliced banana. Add a dollop of fresh homemade yogurt, and then pour some cold plant-based milk on top – like organic unsweetened soymilk or flax milk. Ohhhh yummy, delicious, good for you, goodness!

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Raw Foodists Movement

According to Wikipedia,

“Raw foodism, also known as rawism or a raw food diet, is the dietary practice of eating only or mostly food that is uncooked and unprocessed.”

Depending on your lifestyle, a raw foodist can be vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or even omnivorous. The main thing is that the majority of their food is either uncooked or cooked at very low temperatures (104-120°F).

Sometimes raw foodists will consume fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut but rarely foods that have been pasteurized or homogenized. And they also steer clear of foods that have been grown using synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, solvents, and food additives.

Is A Raw Food Diet Healthy?

A raw food diet can be healthy but, if you are not aware, it could lead to nutrient deficiencies.

The pros of raw foodism are that usually, raw foodists consume lots of fruits and vegetables which contain plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.

It can be a great way to lose weight or jumpstart an overall healthy lifestyle.

The cons of a raw food diet are that it can be quite constrictive, which if you have any kind of eating disordered type of personality, could lead to even more disordered eating.

A strict raw food diet could also lead to some nutritional deficiencies if you are not careful.

Is Dehydrator Granola Healthy?

Well…dehydrator granola can be healthy or unhealthy depending on the ingredients. Just because it is made in a dehydrator does not automatically make it healthy.

This raw dehydrator granola recipe however is nothing but healthy! There are no processed ingredients, or refined sugars and oils.

And, if you make all of the ingredients certified organic, then you will also be greatly reducing the number of toxic pesticides and herbicides you put into your body. so YES, this dehydrator granola is very healthy.

Personally, rather than eating completely raw, I like to focus on consuming a whole-food, plant-based diet that is rich in fruits, veggies, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Yes, I play around with raw foods but I do not live it as a firm lifestyle.

I like to incorporate some raw food recipes into my diet, and this homemade dehydrator granola recipe does just that.

Dehydrator versus Baking – Which Is Better?

The theory behind dehydrating food is that, due to the low heat, dehydrating food better preserves its nutrients. That said, there are some foods, like animal products, that you must heat to higher temperatures to kill off any potential bacteria.

Also, when you dehydrate food in an oven, your oven is basically out of commission for many hours. Using a separate dehydrator will free up your oven for other things.

Finally, most food dehydrators will use less energy in the long run than if you were to dehydrate food in your conventional oven.

Raw Dehydrator Granola Recipe Variation Tips

If you don’t like or prefer not to use maple syrup feel free to swap it out for other natural sweeteners like raw honey or date syrup.

You can also use any other kind of dried fruit if you don’t like cherries. Some examples are dried cranberries, blueberries, figs, or raisins.

Instead of chia seeds, you can also use flax seeds. The measurements will be the same.

If you do decide to use flax seeds, it is best to make sure they are ground before using them. Your body will better absorb the nutrients.

Feel free to add other super nutrient-dense ingredients like hemp seeds, wheat germ, quinoa, or buckwheat groats.

1-2 tablespoons are perfect for hemp seeds or wheat germ.

1/4 cup is all you need for the quinoa or buckwheat groats.

Raw Dehydrator Granola Recipe Notes

In regards to the nuts and seeds, you can use whatever you prefer. For example, if you don’t like pecans, just add more almonds and walnuts. Or if you like hazelnuts, omit one of the others and add the hazelnuts.

You can be the best guide according to your own taste buds. Just make sure the nuts and seeds measurement comes out to 1 1/4 cup total.

If you do not have a dehydrator, and you do not feel like purchasing one at the moment (although I have to say, dehydrators are so handy and they are a GREAT way to make healthy snacks without processed fats and sugars), you can also make oven-baked granola.

Just preheat your oven to 275°, and line a baking sheet with either a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper (preferably unbleached).

Bake the granola in the oven for approximately 40 minutes, making sure to toss a time or two to prevent burning.

Handy Kitchen Tools To Consider

food dehydrator – there are a few different types of dehydrators out there but this is the one I use, and I absolutely love it.

An important feature to look for when you are shopping to purchase is to make sure it has a timer. Oftentimes you are dehydrating your food for many hours at a stretch so it is super convenient to be able to set a timer versus going back to it again and again to reset.

In my opinion, the Excalibur dehydrator is the Cadillac of all dehydrators.

dehydrator sheets – these sheets are top-of-the-line, and very convenient when you are making food that is moist and wet to start.

Food Processor – a staple in any home. I really like this one and I use it all the time.

It’s strong and powerful, plus it comes with a ton of different attachments to chop, slice, whisk, and knead.

It comes with a small juicer, and it also contains a mini-food processor attachment, so you can quickly grind up nuts, herbs, or anything that is a small amount.

glass mixing bowls – this set is perfect, inexpensive, and glass, which I like.

measuring cups – wood instead of metal, which I also like! 😉

measuring spoons – wood again, and fun to use.

silicone spatula – another staple around the home.

glass storage container – I prefer to store my food in glass containers versus metal or plastic. I have these in every size, shape, and color in my kitchen. And they also store well in the freezer.

Raw Dehydrator Granola Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups organic, rolled, gluten-free, old-fashioned oats (regular oats, not instant oats)
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (unsalted, unroasted)
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (unsalted, unroasted)
• 1/4 cup coconut flakes (low fat preferred)
• 1/4 cup walnuts (unsalted, unroasted, organic preferred)
• 1/4 cup pecans (unsalted, unroasted, organic preferred)
• 1/4 cup almonds (unsalted, unroasted, organic preferred
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (alcohol-free preferred)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon preferred)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp chia seeds (golden or black is fine)
• 3 Medjool dates
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup dried cherries (optional)

Other ingredients you may want to consider

The great thing about making homemade granola is you can tailor it according to your specific tastes.

Some other ingredients you may want to use and/or swap out are things like hemp seeds, wheat germ, quinoa, buckwheat groats, dried cranberries, blueberries, figs, or raisins.

Have fun, experiment, and play in your kitchen – no fuss!

Raw Dehydrator Granola Recipe Instructions

PREPARATION:

In a small bowl, measure out the chia seeds. Add 5 tablespoons of filtered water. Stir to combine. Set aside to thicken.

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a food processor, add all of the nuts and seeds. Pulse and blend to break down into fine pieces. Pour seed and nut mixture into a large bowl.

NOTE: Do not blend so much where a flour-type mixture is formed. Just enough to make fine pieces of nuts and seeds.

In the food processor, add the oats, cinnamon, and salt. Blend and pulse until the oats are broken down into a medium-to-fine texture but not into a flour mixture. Add this oat mixture to the nuts and seeds.

In the food processor, add the chia seed mixture, dates, maple syrup, and vanilla. Slowly blend until a paste is made.

NOTE: You may need to add a bit of warm water to help break down the dates into a paste. Add 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a semi-thick paste.

Fold the coconut into the granola mixture.

Last, fold the chia seed and date mixture into the dry ingredients. Continue to mix and fold until all of the granola has been combined and coated with the wet ingredients.

NOTE: If you are using dried cherries, hold off on putting them in the mixture until after the granola has cooked.

Pour the granola onto the dehydrator trays, spreading it out thinly and evenly.

Place mixture in the dehydrator at 120°F for 24-48 hours, and until golden brown.

NOTE: If you prefer your granola to be perfectly dry and crunchy, it will take closer to 48 hours than 24. On the other hand, if you like your granola just a touch soft with a slightly chewy texture, then pull the granola out of the dehydrator around the 24-hour mark.

Once done, pull the dehydrator sheets out of the dehydrator, and allow the granola to cool slightly.

If using, add the dried cherries to the granola mixture, and gently fold to combine.

Allow the granola to cool to room temperature before transferring to a glass air-tight container for storage. ENJOY!

How To Store

The best way to store this homemade granola is in a glass air-tight container. It will keep well in your pantry for 10-14 days.

You can also freeze this granola in a freezer-safe container. The granola will last up to 6 months in the freezer.

Dehydrator Granola Recipe Q&A

• How long does dehydrator granola last?

If stored properly in an air-tight container, dehydrator granola can last a couple of weeks on your kitchen counter or in your pantry.

If you want your granola to last longer, then I would put it in the freezer, using a freezer-safe container. Dehydrator granola can last up to 6 months in the freezer.

• Why is my homemade granola not crunchy?

Granola that is oven-baked versus using a dehydrator can sometimes turn out soft and “uncrunchy.” That is because of temperature. Unlike food dehydrators, oven temperatures are hard to get low enough to cook the granola for hours on end without burning it.

Oftentimes the granola will look done on the outside but it has not been heated long enough to properly dry out. That is one of the benefits of using a food dehydrator to make granola.

• Do I add dried fruit to my granola before or after dehydrating it?

It is best to add the dried fruit after the granola has been fully baked, especially if you are using a regular oven versus a food dehydrator.

• Is it cheaper to make homemade granola?

Yes, it is absolutely cheaper to make homemade granola. In a grocery store or supermarket, you are paying for packaging, shelf space, and everything else. Plus the ingredients in boxed granola more often than not are of poor quality.

Making your own dehydrator granola will not only save you money but will also be better for you.

Check out these other nourishing recipes and joyful living tips for busy caregivers

Let’s be social

If you make and enjoy this Dehydrator Granola Recipe, I would love it if you give it 5 stars and comment below.

You can also follow me, and my life on Cape Cod, on my Instagram page @parkinsons_and_us.

VIDEO: Step-By-Step Instructions On How To Make This Raw Dehydrator Granola Recipe

JUST FOR YOU: A Caregiver Wellness Planner

I created this self-care wellness planner specifically for caregivers. It is a 10-page planner designed to help make your own health needs a priority.

It is not always easy to prioritize your needs over those you care for, but it is critically important for your own health and well-being.

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A simple download so you can print a new one out each and every year!

Printable recipe for you to enjoy