Gluten-Free Granola Recipe (No Oil) – The Perfect Travel Snack

Whether you’re catching an early flight or prepping for a road trip, having a reliable, nourishing snack on hand makes all the difference. This gluten-free cinnamon granola recipe is one of my go-to travel staples—it’s crunchy, naturally sweetened, and totally free of refined oils.

Not only is it easy to make ahead, it’s also versatile enough to enjoy on its own, sprinkled over yogurt, or tossed into a trail mix. And bonus: it travels beautifully.


✨ Why You’ll Love This Granola Recipe

  • ✅ Gluten-free & dairy-free
  • ✅ No refined sugar or oils
  • ✅ Easy to pack in zip-top bags or containers
  • ✅ Made with pantry staples
  • ✅ Naturally sweet, with cozy cinnamon flavor

Whether you’re prepping for a long-haul flight or just want to level up your everyday snacks, this one’s a winner.

Healthy Cinnamon Granola

It makes about 16 half cup servings of granola, so it’s perfect for a monthly meal prep or easily halved. Also easily customizable to what you have on-hand!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160

Ingredients
  

  • 4 c rolled oats gluten free, if needed
  • 4 c puffed rice or crispy rice cereal gluten free, if needed
  • 2 c nuts and seeds of choice this time I used 1c pumpkin seeds, 1/4c pecans, 1/4c almonds, and 1/2c buckwheat groats
  • 3 T flaxseeds or chia optional, just to boost nutrition. I used 2T ground and 1T whole flaxseed
  • 2-3 T cinnamon according to taste
  • 1/2 t salt
  • 1/3 c vanilla protein powder optional, add more to increase protein content
  • 1 c applesauce
  • 1/3 c brown sugar

Method
 

  1. Just preheat the oven to 325*F and grease two large baking sheets.
    Grab a large bowl, and add all the dry ingredients. Mix together REALLY well until all the pieces are coated with cinnamon and protein powder (if using). Mix applesauce and vanilla extract into dry ingredieents, and stir it up until everything is well coated.
    Spread half the mixture onto each prepped baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating pans from top to bottom halfway through.
    Let cool and break apart!
    Last step is optional, but for extra crispy granola, I twice bake! Just add pans back into the oven for about 3-5 minutes after letting them cool for about 15-20 minutes and breaking up some of the clusters. WATCH CLOSELY to ensure edges don’t burn.
    Remove again, cool completely, and store in airtight containers. Stores well for about a month!

Video

✈️ Granola Travel Tips

  • Divide into individual portions in snack bags for grab-and-go ease
  • Pack with a silicone travel container of yogurt or single-serve nut butter…unless flying because of the liquids rule 🙁
  • Great for long flights, hikes, and mid-day energy slumps

💡 Pro tip: Combine a batch of this granola with my International Travel Checklist to prep like a pro for your next trip abroad.


🛍️ Travel Snack Essentials

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🍴 Want More Globally Inspired Recipes?


✈️ Planning a Trip?

If you’re dreaming up your next escape and want a personalized, stress-free itinerary (plus all my favorite food-friendly tips), schedule a complimentary planning call. Whether it’s gluten-free travel or planning a scenic foodie road trip, I’ve got you covered.


📌 Save for Later

Use the image below to pin this gluten-free cinnamon granola recipe for your next vacation meal prep session!
(Tag @cupcakeandcarryon on Instagram if you make it—I love seeing your kitchen travel adventures!)

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