This homemade Orange Walnut Granola is bursting with flavor! It's crunchy, lightly sweetened, and packed with the warm flavors of cinnamon and allspice. You may also like our Vanilla Almond Granola.
With toasted walnuts, bright citrus zest, and chewy dried apricots, this healthy granola makes the perfect topping for smoothie bowls and plant-based yogurt. It can also be enjoyed as a cereal with homemade almond milk and fruit or as a snack straight from the jar! Great for kids and adults alike.
Why You'll Love This Orange Walnut Granola
- Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup.
- Perfectly crunchy, thanks to toasted walnuts and rolled oats.
- Infused with citrus for a refreshing, zesty kick.
- Easy to make in just one bowl with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Enjoy it with our rich and creamy homemade almond milk, as a snack, or sprinkled over fresh fruit, and this easy 5-minute soy yogurt.
- Kid-Friendly: Delicious and nutritious! Packed with healthy ingredients that are great for kids.
Health Benefits
- Whole grains & fiber from rolled oats support digestion and stable blood sugar.
- Healthy fats & omega-3s from walnuts, which are good for heart and brain health.
- Antioxidants & anti-inflammatories from spices like cinnamon and allspice, and from orange zest (vitamin C, flavonoids).
- Lower sugar load than many store-bought granolas, because this is sweetened with maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
- Plant-based protein and nutrients from nuts and oats.
What You'll Need to Make This Orange Walnut Granola
- Rolled Oats: The base of any great granola, rolled oats provide a hearty, chewy texture.
- Walnuts: They add a delicious crunch and nutty richness. Toasting them in the oven enhances their flavor and brings out their natural oils.
- Salt: A tiny bit of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the depth of the spices.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and taste. It’s also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making this granola as healthy as it is delicious.
A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Variations
✔️ For chunkier granola: Press the mixture down before baking and avoid stirring too much while baking.
✔️ Add chocolate chips: Toss in a handful of dark chocolate chips after baking for an added treat. The kids will love it!
✔️ Try different nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for variety.
✔️ Adjust the sweetness: Add a little more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter granola.
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How to Make This Orange Walnut Granola
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, salt, cinnamon, allspice, vanilla powder, and orange zest. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 2: Drizzle the olive oil and maple syrup over the oat mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated. This step ensures that every bite is crispy and delicious.
Step 3: Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, stirring around the edges of the sheet pan halfway through to ensure even browning.
Step 4: Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and add in the diced dried apricots. The residual heat will help soften them just a bit while keeping their chewy texture.
Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to an airtight container. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.
Ways to Enjoy This Orange Walnut Granola
- Sprinkled over our Overnight Oats Parfait with Berries for a crunchy parfait.
- Mixed with fresh fruit like mandarin oranges, berries, or sliced bananas.
- Served with homemade almond milk for a nutritious breakfast.
- Toppings on our Sunrise Sunset Smoothie for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoyed as a snack straight from the jar!
Recipe FAQs
You can enjoy granola as part of a balanced diet, but don't overeat it. It's calorie-dense, and eating large portions can contribute to excess calorie intake, leading to weight gain.
The maple syrup acts as a binder, causing the granola to stick together.
Generally, overnight oats or cooked oats without added oil and sweeteners are healthier. Oats that are cooked in water or soaked in plant-based milk and served with fresh fruit and a small amount of nuts or seeds will offer more nutrients and fewer calories per serving, such as lemon blueberry overnight oats, apple cinnamon overnight oats, or oat groats with berries.
Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer for up to three months. Just let it come to room temperature before serving.
This homemade orange walnut granola is a must-try for anyone who loves crunchy, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors with a hint of citrus. It's easy to make, nutrient-dense, and perfect for meal prep.
Other Breakfast Recipes to Check Out
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Orange Walnut Granola Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free if gluten-sensitive)
- 1 cup walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla bean powder (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, added to wet ingredients)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh orange zest
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup dried apricots, diced (about 8 to 10, diced)
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, salt, cinnamon, allspice, vanilla powder, and orange zest. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Drizzle the olive oil and maple syrup over the oat mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated. This step ensures that every bite is crispy and delicious.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, stirring around the edges of the sheet pan halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and add in the diced dried apricots. The residual heat will help soften them just a bit while keeping their chewy texture.
- Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to an airtight container. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.
Notes
- Equipment & supplies: Baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowl
- For chunkier granola: Press the mixture down before baking and avoid stirring too much while baking.
- Add chocolate chips: Toss in a handful of dark chocolate chips after baking for an added treat. The kids will love it!
- Try different nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for variety.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add a little more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter granola.
- Storage tips: Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer for up to three months—just let it come to room temperature before serving.
Gigi & Sersie says
Love this with fresh mandarin orange segments.