Granola isn't usually too surprising in flavor and texture. Some spice, lotsa crunch, plenty of nuttiness and richness from the baking (or dehydrating) process. But this granola feels different to me and I get excited just writing about it. This crunchy granola is so easy to make and carries a unique flavor profile from earthy-sweet matcha green tea, vanilla and nutty, buttery pumpkin seeds. And to me, these flavors actually taste very familiar. Like a cereal from my childhood even. And yes, there is a whole story behind why I say that. Check out my Lucky Charmless Vanilla-Green Tea Latte Granola! Perfect for springtime crunching in the morning!..
So you will think I am nuts at first glance. But I am telling you, this is my vegan version of Lucky Charms cereal. Ya, I know. There are no rainbow colors. No fluffy marshmallows. Not charms at all even. But close your eyes, take one bite and see what I mean. (Well, imagine much much less sugar too..) Here is how I came to this recipe and cereal revelation..
Backstory. Every time I order a matcha latte from Starbucks or Urth Caffe or Peets they usually use vanilla flavored soymilk, or sometimes I add vanilla syrup. But every time I sip my matcha-with-a-hint-of-vanilla latte I have the weird flavor memory of Lucky Charms cereal milk. Slightly nutty, but mostly sweet and creamy. It is odd, really, but the next time you sip your sweetened matcha latte at least consider this taste connection. I am curious, is it just me?? 🙂
Anyways, so this lead me to think that vanilla-sweetened matcha, all creamy and lovely, resembles Lucky Charms. So, I decided to make it into a cereal. But instead of processed grains and such I just went all whole foods on it and did granola.
Best part: This recipe is SO simple. Oh and totally healthy since it contains whole grain rolled oats and whole, raw pumpkin seeds - rich in a plethora of minerals like magnesium and healthy fats too.
This bowl, I totally love it. I let it sit and soak at least ten minutes before eating so it has a soft-meets-crunchy texture.
It is my very healthy version of kids cereal 🙂
And the green color is perfect for spring eating! Wake up to matcha in your bowl!..
Lucky Charmless Vanilla-Green Tea Latte Granola
5 servings, about 4 cups
2 ½ cups rolled oats
1 ½ cups raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds (whole and some chopped)
¼ - ⅓ cup agave syrup (sweeten to taste if desired)
¾ - 1 teaspoon matcha green tea
1 ½ - 2 tablespoon melted extra virgin coconut oil
½ teaspoon vanilla bean powder (or use a vanilla bean pod or real vanilla extract)
*I bought my Vanilla Bean Powder from OneLuckyDuck.com
a few pinches of cinnamon
¼ teaspoon pink salt
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and toss very well.
3. Spread the tossed granola on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet - a rimmed baking sheet is easiest for tossing granola.
4. Bake granola for 25-35 minutes, tossing it every ten minutes. (Or bake until toasted and lightly browned.) The granola will firm up a bit as it cools because of the coconut oil.
5. Allow the granola to cool at least 15 minutes before serving or transferring to storage jars or baggies.
Serve as cold cereal, over top smoothies, parfaits and more! You could even soak overnight for overnight oats.
Meg Marron says
Made this recipe this morning, and all I can say is wow! So good! Thank you so much for sharing. I have been enjoying reading your blog and recipes a lot lately. Wish I would have found it sooner, but am so grateful for it now! I have a few more recipes on my list... 🙂 Thanks again.
Kathy Patalsky says
yay! yay! yay! so glad to hear that
The Vegan Cookie Fairy says
I think I'm going to make some right now and have it for breakfast tomorrow 🙂 What a gorgeous recipe!
Kathy Patalsky says
thanks lovely!
pgyx says
Could I add the matcha after baking but just before eating?
Kathy Patalsky says
yup! It will not be as infused, but I did this sort've by adding a bit more after baking and it was great
The vegan 8 says
LOVE this! I make a 5 ingredient cinnamon granola and I need to add matcha to it next time. It sounds so wonderful. I laughed too, because Lucky Charms used to be my favorite cereal, haha!
Kathy Patalsky says
loved Lucky Charms... ahhhh someone needs to make a healthy vegan version 🙂
Katie @ Produce on Parade says
Yum! I looove matcha. This is so creative 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
TY Katie!
Leslie Bennett says
Oh my gosh! I always get a decaf soy latte and every time I tell whoever with me that the first few sips taste like Lucky Charms!! I am not crazy 🙂 I am going to try this recipe today.
Kathy Patalsky says
oh hooray!!! Glad i am not alone!
Karissa Bowers says
This looks delicious! Your recipes are always so innovative and creative!
Kathy Patalsky says
thanks Karissa!
Jess Sans says
Can you recommend a matcha powder that you like? I find myself swarmed with options, but they're often so expensive that I don't want to take the risk! This looks really good--- and I TOO have noticed the marshmallow-y flavor of the Starbucks GTLs, which makes me want them even though they upset my stomach.
Kathy Patalsky says
check out my new matcha review post!
Robin P says
Yum! I love the combination!
Kathy Patalsky says
thanks Robin!
Adriane says
Do you know of any subs for coconut oil in this? My skin reacts like crazy but it's so delicious!!! Great recipe!!
Kathy Patalsky says
Any oil will work. Safflower, EVOO, walnut... Even vegan butter can work for vegan granola - hope that helps!
Adriane says
Thank you so much! I can't wait to make this!
John Hartil says
Something new to me but it looks just right to start the day!
Kathy Patalsky says
🙂
Heather McClees says
This is SO cute! You know, that's funny about what you said about the Lucky Charms. I've never thought of that! I often drink a little matcha powder blended with ice, cinnamon, stevia, and almond milk before I workout, and it does have a taste similar to that! Interesting:) I love pumpkin seeds too. They're so fun and festive! Great recipe Kathy!!<3
Kathy Patalsky says
🙂 right?! kinda lucky charms-ish! mmm perfect pre-workout boost!
Adam says
clever! and now that you mention it, I think I know what you mean about the flavor of vanilla sweetened matcha lattes! I'm going to get one today and pay extra attention, haha
Kathy Patalsky says
yes! glad you think so too!
BabyJune says
This looks delish! I love green tea, but I've never eaten it as granola. I bet this would make some really awesome cereal milk! (and maybe even with some added vegan marshmallows...:D )
Kathy Patalsky says
thanks!
coconutandberries says
Such a pretty colour! They didn't sell Lucky Charms in England when I was a kid but we holidayed in Bermuda a lot and them and Froot Loops were such a treat! I adore matcha too and just made Gena's vanilla matcha avocado smoothie this morning 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
I loved that recipe that Gena posted! Yay green things in spring, right?
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Oh my gosh, I am totally pinning and trying this! I LOVED Lucky Charms as a kid, and was one of those children who picked out all the marshmallows, at the cereal, then tossed the marshmallows ALL in my mouth at once at the end. The thought of all that sugar makes me cringe now, but I'm so excited to make this granola!
Kathy Patalsky says
I hope you tried it and loved it Angela!
Sarojini says
Never tried it before, but you convinced me I must get some matcha! Thanks for posting 🙂
Kathy Patalsky says
oh good!