Crunchy Protein Granola

If you love big, crunchy granola clusters but don’t love how much sugar most recipes rely on to make them happen, this one’s for you.

This granola uses egg whites and protein powder to bind everything together, giving you that bakery-style crunch with way less added sweetener. It’s lightly sweet, deeply cozy, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever nuts or seeds you have on hand. I make it different every time with the items in my pantry!

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Why This Recipe Works

Most granola recipes lean hard on honey, maple syrup, or oil to create clusters. Here’s what’s different:

• Egg whites act as a natural binder when baked

• Protein powder adds structure and nutrition

• Just ¼ cup light agave gives subtle sweetness without overpowering

The result: crisp, clustery granola that doesn’t feel like dessert masquerading as breakfast.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup nuts or seeds of choice
  (walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or a mix)

• 1 scoop protein powder
  (unflavored Clean Simple Eats or YL Vanilla protein both work well)

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tablespoons egg whites

• ¼ cup light agave

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

• Unsweetened shredded coconut

• Raisins or other dried fruit

• Ground flaxseed

• Chia seeds

Tip: Add dried fruit after baking to prevent burning.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Combine dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts/seeds, protein powder, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Add wet ingredients
   Stir in egg whites, agave, and vanilla until everything is evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky but not wet.

4. Press for clusters
   Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet and press it down firmly with a spatula. This step is key for creating large clusters.

5. Bake
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Do not stir while baking.

6. Cool completely
   Remove from the oven and let cool fully before breaking into clusters—this is when the crunch sets.

7. Add extras
   Once cooled, gently mix in any dried fruit or delicate add-ins.

Why Protein Powder Works Here

• Adds structure so clusters hold together

• Boosts protein without extra sugar

• Unflavored keeps it neutral, vanilla adds warmth

How to Enjoy

• Over Greek yogurt

• With milk as cereal

• On smoothie bowls

• Straight from the container (the real test 😌)

Let me know if you try this one…I have a lot of granola recipes, but this one is by far the best!

XO,

Sarah