Purely Elizabeth Granola Recipe

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Purely Elizabeth Granola has long been one of my go-to favorites for its perfect balance of nourishing ingredients and irresistible taste. But have you ever wondered if you could recreate this magic in your kitchen?

How to make Purely Elizabeth Granola

Purely Elizabeth Granola is a line of plant-based, certified organic granola products created by the wellness-focused company Purely Elizabeth, founded in 2009 by Elizabeth Stein.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
• 1 cup raw nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts work great)
• ½ cup raw seeds (try pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds)
• ½ cup coconut flakes (unsweetened and shredded or flaked)
• ¼ cup almond flour or oat flour (this adds crunch and binds everything together)

Binding & Flavoring

• ⅓ cup coconut oil (melted)
• ⅓ cup maple syrup (or honey for a non-vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Optional Add-ins

• 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal or hemp hearts (for added nutritional benefits)
• ¼ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates—add after baking)
• Dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs (add after cooling for a treat)
• Probiotic powders (optional to mimic the probiotic blend from Purely Elizabeth’s original recipe)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, almond/oat flour, cinnamon, sea salt, and any other dry add-ins like flaxseed meal. Mix well.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.

4. Combine & Toss: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, toss everything together until the oats, nuts, and seeds are evenly coated. This step ensures you get that classic granola clumping!

5. Spread Evenly: Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. For clumpier granola, gently press the mixture down with the back of your spatula.

6. Bake Until Golden: Bake the granola for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning. The granola is done when it turns golden and your kitchen smells amazing!

7. Cool Completely: Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crisp as it cools.

8. Add Final Touches: Once cooled, stir in any add-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or cacao nibs. Transfer to an airtight container or jar for storage.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Granola

• Customization is Key: Feel free to switch up the nuts, seeds, or sweeteners to suit your taste. Want a keto-friendly version? Use more nuts and seeds, and swap maple syrup for a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup.
• Don’t Over-Stir: If you love chunky granola clusters, avoid stirring too frequently during the baking process. Let the granola cool undisturbed as well to maintain clumps.
• Probiotic Boost: If you want to replicate Purely Elizabeth’s signature probiotic granola, you can add a shelf-stable probiotic powder to the dry mixture (make sure it can withstand heat).
• Storage: Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks! For longer storage, freeze in a resealable bag for up to 3 months.
• Get Creative: Use your granola in multiple ways! Top your smoothie bowls, sprinkle it over yogurt, mix it into baked goods, or munch it straight out of the jar.

What to serve with

Purely Elizabeth Granola (or a homemade version!) is more than just a simple breakfast cereal—it’s incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and snacks.

1. Yogurt Parfaits

Create a layered yogurt parfait with Purely Elizabeth Granola for a visually stunning and nutrient-packed treat.

How to Serve:

• Fill a glass or jar with alternating layers of Purely Elizabeth Granola, Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative), and fresh fruits. Choose from berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), sliced bananas, or tropical fruits like mangoes and kiwis.
• For added texture and flavor, drizzle honey or maple syrup between layers, and sprinkle some additional nuts or seeds on top.

2. Smoothie Bowls

Granola is a natural topping for smoothie bowls, adding crunch and visual appeal to your favorite blended beverages.

How to Serve:

• Blend fruits like frozen bananas, berries, or spinach with almond milk or Greek yogurt to create a thick smoothie base.
• Pour into a bowl and top with Purely Elizabeth Granola, fresh fruits, shredded coconut, and chia seeds for a well-rounded breakfast or snack.

Ingredients Substitutes

One of the best things about homemade Purely Elizabeth Granola is its adaptability. If you don’t have a specific ingredient on hand (or need to avoid a certain ingredient for dietary reasons), you can easily swap it for something else. Purely Elizabeth Granola is known for its clean, wholesome ingredients like oats, seeds, nuts, and unrefined sweeteners. But the beauty of making your own is that you can tailor it to fit your pantry, preferences, or diet!

1. Substitutes for Rolled Oats

Rolled oats are the base of most traditional granola recipes. They provide structure, texture, and nutrition. However, if you’re looking for alternatives (whether you’re gluten-free, grain-free, or simply keeping it exciting), here’s what you can use:

• Quick Oats: These work in a pinch, but the texture will be finer, so your granola may bake faster. Keep an eye on the oven.
• Steel-Cut Oats: For a heartier texture, you can use steel-cut oats, but they will take longer to cook. Try lightly steaming or soaking them first.
• Quinoa Flakes: A gluten-free substitute that’s high in protein and has a mild flavor. These work well for a lighter texture but tend to absorb less of the binding mixture.
• Buckwheat Groats: Naturally gluten-free, nutty, and crunchy, buckwheat groats make an excellent oat replacement, especially for grain-free or paleo versions.
• Coconut Flakes or Shreds: For a grain-free base, large coconut flakes or shredded coconut create a delicious, chewy texture.
• Grain-Free Granola Bases: A mix of nuts, seeds, and almond flour can create a satisfying replacement if you’re following a paleo or keto diet.

2. Substitutes for Nuts

Granola often features nuts to add crunch, healthy fats, and protein. But if you’re out of your usual stash or have an allergy, consider these options:

• Seeds Only: Replace nuts entirely with seeds like pumpkin seeds (pepitas), sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds. They still provide crunch and a similar nutritional profile.
• Shredded Coconut: Unsweetened coconut adds a chewy texture and rich, nutty flavor without actually using nuts.
• Nut-Free Alternatives: If avoiding nuts for allergy reasons, roasted chickpeas, puffed rice, or crispy lentils are great options to bring texture and variety.
• Other Nuts: If the recipe calls for almonds, you can substitute them with pecans, walnuts, or cashews based on whatever you have available.

3. Substitutes for Seeds

Seeds like chia, flax, or pumpkin seeds boost the nutrient profile (hello, omega-3s!), but you can switch them up depending on your preferences:

• Chia Seeds: Swap with flaxseed meal (ground flaxseeds) to retain a similar nutritional benefit. You can also use hemp hearts or sesame seeds for a nutty flavor.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Substitute with sunflower seeds for a similar nut-free crunch. Roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are slightly nuttier if raw seeds aren’t available.
• Hemp Hearts: Use sesame seeds or finely chopped nuts in their place if texture is the priority.

4. Substitutes for Coconut Flakes

Coconut flakes (or shreds) provide chewiness and a tropical hint, but not everyone enjoys the flavor of coconut or has it on hand:

• Grain-Free Granola Bases: Skip the coconut entirely and increase the quantity of nuts or seeds.
• Chopped Dried Fruit: For a subtler sweetness, swap in diced dried fruits like apricots or mangoes (added after baking).
• Crushed Graham Crackers or Cookies: For a dessert-like granola, crushed biscuit pieces provide a chewy, crispy alternative to coconut.

5. Substitutes for Sweeteners

In Purely Elizabeth-inspired granola, natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey provide sweetness and help bind the ingredients. If you’re looking for alternatives, here are some ideas:

• Honey: Use maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut nectar as a vegan alternative.
• Maple Syrup: Substitute with date syrup, brown rice syrup, or even a mix of applesauce and molasses for a unique twist.
• Low-Sugar Options: Replace part or all of the liquid sweetener with Lakanto maple-flavored syrup, stevia syrup, or erythritol-based sweeteners to make the granola keto-friendly.
• Brown Sugar: Instead of liquid sweeteners, you can use raw sugar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. Mix it with the melted oil to make a thick paste for binding.

6. Substitutes for Coconut Oil

Coconut oil adds moisture and gives granola its signature golden crunch if coconut oil isn’t your thing, no worries!

• Neutral Oils: Use olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil for a neutral flavor.
• Butter or Ghee: For a richer, buttery flavor, ghee or regular butter works exceptionally well.
• Nut Butter: For a nutty flavor (and extra protein), swap coconut oil with a natural nut butter like almond or peanut butter. Just warm and loosen it with a little oil or water to ensure it coats the granola evenly.
• Applesauce: For an oil-free alternative, unsweetened applesauce keeps everything moist with the bonus of natural sweetness.

7. Substitutes for Almond/Oat Flour

Small amounts of almond or oat flour are often added to granola for better clumping and crunch. Here are some alternatives:

• Coconut Flour: A grain-free option that absorbs moisture well, but use sparingly (about half the amount as almond/oat flour), as it’s more absorbent.
• Ground Flaxseed/Flaxseed Meal: Adds fiber, omega-3s, and similar binding power.
• Protein Powder: A great substitute for those looking to bump up the protein content of their granola. Choose a natural or vanilla flavor for best results.
• Wheat Germ or Ground Whole Grains: For extra nutrients and fiber, these work well in place of the flour.

8. Substitutes for Dried Fruit Add-Ins

Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or dates add sweetness and chew to your granola. If these aren’t available or desired:

• Fresh Fruit (Short-Term): Add fresh fruit like chopped apples, berries, or bananas right before serving. Note this makes the granola perishable, so consume it immediately.
• Chocolate or Cacao Nibs: For sweetness, sprinkle in mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs instead of dried fruits. Add these after the granola has cooled to prevent melting.
• Freeze-Dried Fruit: Freeze-dried fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas are lighter and crunchier than dried fruits.

9. Substitutes for Spices and Flavorings

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract elevate the flavor, but if you want a change, consider these:

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: For a fall twist, use this warming blend.
• Cocoa Powder: Add a chocolatey profile by swapping or supplementing cinnamon with unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Cardamom/Ginger: For a more complex and earthy flavor, consider adding ground cardamom or ginger instead of cinnamon.
• Zest or Extracts: Add brightness with lemon or orange zest, or try almond or coconut extract for a unique flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making your version of Purely Elizabeth granola allows you to customize every ingredient so that it suits your taste, dietary needs, and what’s already in your pantry.

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