This keto granola has all the crunchy clusters you crave, with none of the grains or sugar. It makes a healthy low carb breakfast or an easy on-the-go snack. Sweet and crispy!
I think we can all agree that the big, crunchy clusters are the best part of any granola. Sometimes they have them and it’s like you hit the jackpot. Sometimes they don’t and the granola is somehow less delicious and satisfying. Why is that?
I have been a granola girl for a very long time. My mother made the best granola, chock full of nuts, seeds, and nice big clusters. Of course, it was also chock full of carbs and sugars. But oh boy, I used to love that stuff.
I started making my own keto granola almost from the moment I went low carb. I have several recipes, each with their own special twist. Readers love my Peanut Butter Granola and Banana Nut Cereal for the flavors and the simplicity.
But this keto granola recipe is all about the crunch factor. Crispy clusters of goodness!
Why you will love this recipe
I started thinking about good low carb back-to-school snacks (scary how quickly the summer goes!) and it occurred to me that big chunks of keto granola would be ideal. I mean, what’s not to love?
These keto granola clusters are crunchy, sweet, and slightly salty too. The ideal snack, really, and they appeal to all ages. Oh and did I mention can be made ahead and stored for two weeks?
They’re perfect for adding to lunch boxes when hunger strikes at school. Or kept on the counter for after school snacks, when hungry kids rummage around the kitchen, looking for anything that stands still long enough to be eaten.
And my kids did love this keto granola, but you know who I think loved it best? My husband. He ate a few clusters every time he came through the kitchen. And he made big breakfast parfaits with yogurt, berries, and a some crumbled clusters over top.
They’re great for snacking but they’re also just as good for breakfast. Or even dessert over some Keto Vanilla Ice Cream.
Reader Reviews
“If there were 10 stars on this recipe, I would have given it an 11. This isn’t just Granola…it’s a religious experience, meant to be eaten with swoon-like reverence.” — Lynn
“OMG indeed. Brown “sugar” and butter…. I had this for breakfast and it was like eating cookies.” — Sara
“Uhm, this didn’t even last 48 hours in my house! Unquestionably the best snack ever made. You are a true culinary goddess and I worship you.” — Jennifer
Ingredients you need
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- Raw nuts: I used pecans and almonds, but you could also use walnuts, macadamia nuts and cashews.
- Flaked coconut: If you aren’t a fan of coconut, use sliced almonds instead.
- Pumpkin seeds: You will need shelled pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas. You can use sunflower seeds instead.
- Salt: This balances the sweetness of the granola.
- Sweeteners: if you want truly crunchy clusters, you need to use erythritol based sweeteners. Any amount of allulose or xylitol will keep the keto granola from crisping up properly. See the Expert Tips section for a detailed discussion of what sweeteners work best.
- Butter: I think this granola works best with butter but you can try coconut oil for a dairy free version.
- Flavoring: You can use vanilla extract or maple extract.
Step-by-step directions
1. In a food processor, combine the nuts, seeds, and salt. Process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. A few larger pieces are okay.
2. In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the butter and sweeteners. Whisk until the butter is melted and the sweeteners are mostly dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Stir in the nut mixture into the butter mixture until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out evenly. Top with waxed paper or parchment and press down firmly and evenly to a uniform thickness.
4. Bake at 300ºF for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and let cool completely, then break into large chunks with your hands.
Expert Tips
As I experimented with this recipe, I did learn a few useful things along the way.
Pressing the mixture down firmly onto the pan is key to getting bigger clusters. It helps the mixture stick together and bake into a single piece. It can feel a bit greasy, so use some parchment or waxed paper overtop as you press down.
The edges will get more brown than the center so if you want to remove them early and keep baking the rest, you can do so. And as always with recipes like this, let it cool completely before breaking into clusters or chunks. It won’t be fully crisp until you do.
Sweetener Options
As mentioned above, only erythritol-based sweeteners allow keto granola to become truly crisp, so be sure to check the ingredients in your sweetener. Even the smallest amount of allulose, xylitol, or BochaSweet will prevent it from becoming crispy. If your sweetener contains monk fruit or stevia, that’s okay.
I used the OLD version of Swerve Brown, but the new version contains allulose so it’s not a good choice. They do now have an organic version Swerve Brown that’s mostly erythritol and monk fruit, so you can use that. I know this is confusing so make sure you read the labels.
Lakanto Brown, Gold So Nourished, and Purecane Brown should also work.
Serving Size and Storage Information
Unlike most recipes, I found there isn’t a good way to measure a serving by volume, as the clusters can be all sorts of different sizes. In the end, I weighed out the entire recipe and divided it up that way.
This recipe makes 8 servings of each about 64g, or a little over 2 ounces. But it’s rich and filling so could easily be divvied up into 10 or even 12 servings, especially as a snack.
I stored my granola clusters on the counter in a covered container for over a week. Because it has no eggs or super perishable ingredients, it can be easily stored at room temperature. Glass jars work well, if you have one big enough to keep all the clusters. Tupperware is fine too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conventional granola is made with oats and typically has a lot of added sugar, so it’s not a keto-friendly option. However, keto granola uses nuts, seeds, and low carb sweeteners to simulate the same taste and texture. You should still pay close attention to the carb count.
These keto granola clusters make an excellent healthy breakfast or snack. They are low carb and packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber. It’s a delicious way to satisfy that craving for crunch!
This recipe for keto granola has 6.5g of carbs and 3.7g of fiber per serving. That means it has 2.8g net carbs.
Store this granola on the counter in a covered container for up to 10 days. Because it has no eggs or other perishable ingredients, it can be stored at room temperature.
More crunchy keto snacks
Keto Candied Pecans
These easy Keto Candied Pecans are the perfect crunchy, salty-sweet snack. They take only 5 ingredients and you can make them in your slow cooker or on the stovetop. They make a great last minute gift too!
Keto Cheese Crackers
Make easy Keto Cheese Crackers with only 5 ingredients! Crispy, salty, and deliciously cheesy, they taste like your favorite snack crackers but with a fraction of the carbs.
Keto Granola Bars
These easy keto granola bars are sweet, salty, and delicious. Chockfull of healthy nuts and seeds, they’re one of my favorite keto snacks!
Keto Granola Clusters Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar replacement
- ¼ cup powdered Swerve Sweetener
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or maple extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300ºF and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine the pecans, coconut, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and salt. Process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. A few larger pieces are okay.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the butter and sweeteners. Whisk until the butter is melted and the sweeteners are mostly dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Stir in the nut mixture into the butter mixture until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread out evenly. Top with waxed paper or parchment and press down firmly and evenly to a uniform thickness.
- Bake 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and let cool completely, then break into large chunks with your hands.
- Store on the counter in an airtight container for up to a week.
Karlyn says
These are absolutely addicting! Love this recipe and will keepit in regular rotation!
Claire says
I’ve really missed cereal since starting keto about 6 months ago. I got some granola from the Granola Bakery and loved it, but for a couple of servings it was super expensive. So I looked for recipes to try my own, sadly assuming I’d be disappointed because there aren’t very many sweet keto recipes I’ve really enjoyed. I made two granola recipes, this one and ADIDAF Mixed Berry Keto Granola. Both were incredible and were one of the very best, most satisfying recipes I’ve made. Both were very simple which is always a huge plus. I think the brown Swerve in the granola cluster really added another dimensions to the flavor, but I would also consider mixing them together as well for slightly different texture. The only change I made was I’m not crazy about almonds so I just traded the almonds for macadamia nuts in both recipes. I also added Butter Pecan extract to the clusters which was delicious!
I was concerned because both recipes didn’t seem completely dry after baking. In particular the Mixed Berry Granola seemed super wet even after cooking it until it was really, really toasted and left in far longer than the recipe’s recommendation to help it dry a bit. I was a little concerned as I didn’t know what would happen when I added milk, but it was totally fine and was absolutely delicious!
Thank you so much for your recipes!! You’re really gifted, your recipes never fail me and I’m grateful for your website!
Jan Lewis says
Are the pumpkin seeds in the shell or have they been shelled?
Carolyn says
Shelled.
ANITA says
This was very simple to make. I only had shredded coconut but it worked. The taste is very good and it seems to have some crunch.
Sherry Smith Cook says
I just made aa batch of these clusters. OMG are they good?! Can’t wait for breakfast in the morning. I didn’t have pumpkin seeds (not going to pay that price) so I used sunflower sees. Also threw in some macadamias and walnuts. Thanks for the recipe!
Shirley says
Really good recipe. Easy. Delicious. Thank you Carolyn for all you do. My husband and I really like your recipes. I cook them often.
Dlady says
I have made this so many times – I have the recipe memorized – this is a family favorite…thank you Carolyn! Absolutely Delicious
Carolyn says
Glad to hear it!
Pat Bumgarner says
All I can say is OMG!
This stuff is awesome!
I have recently “converted” to Keto lifestyle and have enjoyed several of your recipes and intend to keep going!
But this granola! My only regret is I didn’t quadruple the recipe!
You rock! ????????
Thanks so much!
Pat Bumgarner
North Carolina
Brenda says
Can you use monk fruit as the sweetener?
Carolyn says
That depends entirely on what your “monk fruit sweetener” is made with. It’s usually not primarily monk fruit (big marketing ploy!). Please read this article on sweeteners, it will help a lot. https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/best-keto-sweeteners/
Theresa says
I accidentally bought sunflower seeds instead of pumpkin seeds. Do you think there would be a big difference?
Carolyn says
It’s a bit higher in carbs but should work fine.
Theresa says
It worked out perfectly! I thought I would try to eat the whole pan, but it’s so rich and filling! Thank you!!
Lissaroo says
Absolutely delicious!! Great to take hiking too. Do you have a savory version as well?
Joanne says
I love this recipe, and have simplified the process so it’s ready in no time. I measure all the nuts and seeds into a large measuring cup and dump everything in the food processor. Then I add the butter and sweeteners to the measuring cup and cook the mixture in the microwave. I then add that mixture to the chopped nuts and seeds in the food processor and pulse everything a few times. So simple!
Gina says
I love these granola clusters so much. I have to halve the batch when I make them because I know I’ll eat too much. Excellent, easy recipe- thank you!
Lee says
Hi Carolyn, love all your recipe’s????
I wanted to ask what is your go to butter(brand) you mainly use for baking ?
Carolyn says
I just grab the organic Whole Foods brand or my local New Seasons organic brand mostly…
Sareeta says
Numerous people have already said how yummy and easy this is, so I’ll try not to again :)… wish I could post pics..20 stars if I could
Jay says
We are butter lovers and this was just toooo buttery for us. I followed the recipe since this was the first time. Other than being greasy and a big butter flavor it was delish. Any idea about the butter….otherwise I’ll add nuts or reduce butter next time.,
Kim says
Since restarting keto a few months back, I was heartbroken that I could no longer enjoy the mass produced oat and honey granola bars that I adored. Enter ADIDAF’s keto granola recipe…SCORE! Now, I don’t miss the sugar laden stuff one bit. Crunchy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying, whether enjoyed by itself, with a bit of macadamia milk, or as a topping for keto yogurt, it’s absolutely wonderful!
Thank you!
JoAnn says
Made this for the first time on Saturday night (3 days ago) and it is fantastic! We left for Switzerland on Sunday and took most of it with us to stay away from high carb food and it traveled on our 8 1/2 hour plane ride really well! Thank you so much for this delicious granola treat.
Melody says
Hi Carolyn!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe! It’s the first granola one I tried to make and will be a staple for me. Whether just for snacking or to put in my yogurt it’s delish. I do have a question though … I know this is might be a little odd but can either of the sweeteners be cut down at all? I find a little sweet for me …. I said Odd but I’ve never really been a sweet person more of a salty one. Hubby who is also low carb loves it as well and says it’s just sweet enough for him. LOL Thank you for all your time and effort in creating and sharing your wonderful recipes!!!!!
VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!!!!!
Melody says
Forgot to click my stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sherina Warstler says
Another amazing recipe! This was delicious as an Ice Cream topping! I can’t wait until tomorrow! Thanks again, Carolyn!
Elizabeth says
Delicious! I ran into A LOT of oil in my first batch. The bits were swimming in an excessive amount. Still, it tasted really good, but…I followed directions on measurements but I thought maybe I used too much butter w one stick. I read correctly. I was able to save the batch. I blotted as much as I could with pamper towels and put it back in a warm oven to works itself out. It did. The second batch I used same brand of butter ( Challenger Brand) but used 6 Tb or 3/4 of stick. Left all other measurements the same. This helped a lot. Still had to blot and put back in oven at 175° for maybe 5-10 minutes and left it in the OFF oven for the rest of the day. It was very humid here in FL so… a few hours later I came back to it
and it was perfect. THANK YOU for the recipe!!!!