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Get ready to fall in love with this Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Granola! This super flavorful, zesty, and healthy granola tastes just like a lemon poppy seed muffin! It's naturally vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for a budget-friendly, crunchy snack or breakfast.
If you've ever craved the light, tangy sweetness of a lemon poppy seed muffin but wanted something a little healthier, this granola is for you! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it's incredibly easy to whip up and comes together super quickly.
I love snacking on it by the handful, sprinkling it over plant-based yogurt with fresh berries, or even topping vanilla ice cream with it (yum!). It's so zesty and delicious that it has quickly become one of my favorite granola recipes! If you're a lemon lover, this lemon poppy seed granola will be your new fave!
TIPS & TRICKS:
- Make it Oil-Free: To make this recipe oil-free, simply omit the oil. Be sure to check the granola 5-10 minutes earlier than the suggested bake time to prevent it from over-browning.
- Make it Chunkier: This recipe yields a loose granola, but if you prefer chunkier clusters, press the granola firmly into an even layer on the baking sheet before baking. Stir once during baking, then gently press it down again before finishing. Allow the granola to cool completely on the pan before breaking it apart.
- Swap the Almonds: You can swap the almonds for just about any nut or seed you have on hand. Walnuts, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts, pepitas, or sunflower seeds will all work well.
- Try Adding Dried Fruit: If you'd like to add dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates, stir them in after the granola has cooled to avoid them becoming too hard or burnt during baking.
- Serve it Up: This granola is super versatile! Enjoy it by the handful as a snack, sprinkle it over plant-based yogurt or smoothie bowls, or use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream. It also makes a great addition to oatmeal or cereal, and it's perfect for gifting to friends and family!
HOW TO MAKE EASY LEMON POPPY SEED GRANOLA:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, sliced almonds, and poppy seeds to the bowl with the maple mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Bake the Granola: Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 22-28 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the oats are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will crisp up as it cools.
Store: Transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 4 weeks, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. It defrosts quickly at room temperature and remains fresh and crunchy.
Serving Suggestions: Sprinkle over plant-based yogurt, smoothie bowls, vegan ice cream, or oatmeal for a delightful crunch. Pair with fresh fruit or berries for added freshness. Or enjoy as a cereal with your favorite plant-based milk.
This Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Granola…
- healthy, gluten-free, and vegan
- zesty, delicious, and easy to make
- tastes just like a lemon poppy seed muffin
More healthy breakfast ideas:
- Easy Vegan Pancakes (that are secretly healthy)!
- 5-Minute Chia Pudding
- Pumpkin Spice Granola
- Gingerbread Granola
- My Go-To Green Smoothie
- Easy Chia Jam
- Hearty Tofu Scramble
If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram. You can also pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later!
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Granola
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups rolled oats, (gluten-free if preferred)
- ½ cup sliced almonds, (or substitute walnuts, pistachios, pepitas, or sunflower seeds)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, sliced almonds, and poppy seeds to the bowl with the maple mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake the Granola: Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 22-28 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the oats are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will crisp up as it cools.
- Store: Transfer to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 4 weeks, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. It defrosts quickly at room temperature and remains fresh and crunchy.Serving Suggestions: Sprinkle over plant-based yogurt, smoothie bowls, vegan ice cream, or oatmeal for a delightful crunch. Pair with fresh fruit or berries for added freshness. Or enjoy as a cereal with your favorite plant-based milk.
Patty says
Just made this and glad that I doubled the recipe--it's delicious and it makes the house smell soooo good while it's baking too! I imagine it would make a nice crunchy topping sprinkled over vanilla ice cream (or mixed in with yogurt).
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
😍 It's SO good sprinkled over yogurt or vanilla ice cream (or honestly… eaten by the handful lol). Thank you so much, Patty!
Kate says
Can I use lemon extract if I don't have lemon zest?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Kate! Lemon extract will be much stronger than zest, so I don’t recommend swapping it here.
Emma says
This honestly tastes as if it’s from some super expensive granola brand, it’s delicious and so easy to make. Next time I’m gonna triple the batch!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That makes us so happy to hear! We're thrilled you like it!
Lindsay says
WOW!! This granola is absolutely amazing! Crunchy & lemony! Perfect topping for yogurt, overnight oats (the list goes on) and it will leave you wanting more! Thank you for this one, Sam!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
Kim says
Do you think sesame seeds or a different seed would be a good sub for poppy seeds. Poppy seeds are illegal in the country I live in 😂 Definitely bookmarking this recipe so I can make the real thing next time I visit the US
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh interesting! Yes sesame seeds would be a great substitute for this recipe 🙂
Julia says
I just made this delicious granola and both my husband and I love it. The lemon poppyseed flavours are amazing.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! I'm so happy you loved it so much Julia! Thank you for leaving the first review 🙂