Golden Granola (Superfood Turmeric Granola)

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(Note: this post was originally published on September 22, 2022. It has since been updated with a few tweaks).

Turmeric Granola: A Healthy Superfood Granola

Are you excited for another turmeric recipe? Turmeric is a fragrant, anti-inflammatory root that is a nutritional powerhouse with a stunning golden color. Although it can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways, I think you're especially going to love it in this unique breakfast recipe. This turmeric granola is delightfully crunchy and satisfying, plus it's made with much healthier ingredients than store-bought versions.

Believe it or not, there's an entire tablespoon of golden, nourishing, anti-inflammatory turmeric in this superfood granola recipe. When combined with cozy spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamon, the turmeric flavor is detectable but not overpowering; it provides a subtle earthy backdrop to the other flavors. Overall, this granola's flavors are inspired by Goldenmilk, which is nut milk (typically coconut milk) blended with turmeric and other warming spices.

Are you a turmeric lover like I am? The first turmeric-focused recipe here on the blog was this caramelized lemon turmeric sauce; it's pure magic on roasted veggies. More recently I've shared this turmeric tahini sauce, my favorite creamy vegan turmeric pasta, and this surprising turmeric farro risotto. I even like to use turmeric as a food coloring in sweet recipes, like these adorable unicorn cheesecake bites.

Wooden bowl of gold-colored turmeric granola, shown from above with white flowers.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Although turmeric has been enjoyed in some cultures for centuries, it has only recently become trendy in the western world. It has many health benefits but is most often touted for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric generally comes in two forms: powdered (like any powdered spice) and fresh (as a root). Although fresh turmeric is a fabulous treat, I suggest using powdered turmeric in this recipe so that it will coat the superfood granola more evenly.

What Does Turmeric Taste Like?

Turmeric has a unique flavor that is hard to describe. It's earthy and has some tropical notes, and overall is somewhat similar to saffron. It's also a bit of an acquired taste. Therefore, if you're new to turmeric, I suggest starting with less than what the recipe calls for and working your way up; that goes for this turmeric granola recipe in particular and any other recipe. If you're still feeling skeptical, try this turmeric tahini sauce first because you can taste it and adjust the ratios to fit your palette.

Bowl of healthy superfood turmeric granola, shown with white flowers and a glass of soy milk.

How to Make Healthy Granola

If you've made granola before (or looked at the ingredients in store-bought granola), you'll know that many recipes use a large amount of both oil and sugar. Those ingredients help the granola to crisp up as it bakes, but unfortunately they also mean that most granolas are basically cake in disguise. Some granolas even use powdered milk or egg whites to help with crisping and clumping.

This unique vegan turmeric granola ditches all the refined sugar and low-quality oil. Instead, it uses just a modest amount of maple syrup and coconut oil. In fact, there's only half a cup of each in the whole recipe, which yields 12-16 servings. Additionally, this superfood granola is packed with anti-inflammatory turmeric. Finally, because granola is a whole grain food, it's rich in fiber.

Other Healthy Granola Recipes

This is actually the fourth granola recipe I have here on the blog. Be sure to also check out this Coconut Macadamia Granola, which is what this golden superfood granola is based on. This cozy Banana Bread Granola uses mashed banana in place of much of the fat. For a special fall treat, check out this Apple Pie Granola and this Pumpkin Pie Granola, which get their crisp from applesauce and pumpkin puree, respectively.

Close-up of a bowl of turmeric granola, shown from above with pink and white flowers.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's what you'll need for this turmeric granola recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

  • Coconut oil
  • Maple syrup. Honey will also work as the sweetener, although you may want to use less since honey is actually sweeter than maple syrup.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Old fashioned rolled oats. This superfood granola recipe will not work with quick-cook or steel-cut oats. As always, make sure to choose certified gluten free oats if needed.
  • Macadamia nuts. I suggest using coarsely chopped nuts so they mix more evenly into the granola, although you can keep them whole if you prefer. You could also make an almond, cashew, or even peanut version of this granola, since all go well with turmeric. For a nut-free version (or if you love tropical flavors), try adding 0.5-1 c coarse shredded coconut five minutes before the end of the baking time.
  • Turmeric (powder). Although fresh turmeric root is a fabulous ingredient, it won't work well in this recipe since it will burn during the long cooking time. Feel free to decrease the amount if you're new to turmeric.
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger (powder). Similar to above, fresh ginger won't work well.
  • Cardamon

Healthy turmeric granola in a wooden bowl, showing the golden color and large pieces of macadamia nuts.

Closing Thoughts

I can't wait for you to try this anti-inflammatory, nutritious turmeric granola. It's crunchy and satisfying, yet is much healthier than store-bought options so it's a granola you can feel good about enjoying. You'll never believe that it's low in both added sugar and oil, and that a single serving contains more turmeric than a standard turmeric supplement capsule.

How will you enjoy this crunchy superfoood granola? Granola can be used in many different ways, so it's a great treat to bake on a weekend and then enjoy all week long. You can sprinkle this turmeric granola on top of yogurt, oatmeal, smoothie bowls, or fruit, either for breakfast or for a nourishing dessert. It also travels well, so it's a great on-the-go snack and even makes for a wonderful homemade gift.

Bowl of vegan turmeric granola, shown with a wooden spoon and pink flowers.

Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

Suggested Pairings

Blue Coconut Matcha

Tropical Fruity Brunch Salad

Berry Banana Breakfast Popsicles

Healthy Vegan Banana Bread

Orange Ginger Blueberry Tahini Muffins

Golden Granola (Superfood Turmeric Granola)

Bursting with anti-inflammatory turmeric and other cozy spices, this golden-hued superfood turmeric granola is easy to make and healthy. It's a lovely breakfast, a quick on-the-go snack, a great dessert, or even a special homemade gift.

Author:
Lee

Ingredients

  • 0.5 c coconut oil, melted
  • 0.5 c maple syrup
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 3 c old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 c macadamia nuts, coarsely chopped
  • 1 tbsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ginger root powder
  • 0.25 tsp cardamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 and bring all of the ingredients to room temperature.
  2. Combine the melted coconut oil with the room-temperature maple syrup and vanilla, then stir to mix.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, macadamias, and spices.
  4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well to combine.
  5. Spread the granola across a very large sheet tray.
  6. Bake at 350 for about ~35-40 minutes until the oats are evenly and lightly browned. Stir every ten minutes, keeping a close eye on it toward the end of the baking time.
  7. Cool completely by setting the sheet tray on a wire rack.
  8. Store the turmeric granola in a sealed container to keep it crunchy.

Leave a Comment

Please Share Your Thoughts!

Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.

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Karrie h
January 13, 2025
The addition of turmeric is brilliant. Thank you!
Dawn
January 11, 2025
I finally got around to making this, and it's delicious.
Andy
April 20, 2023
Wow I’ve never heard of turmeric in granola or in any baked items before. I’m excited to try this.