Black Tahini Granola | Crunchy, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free
This Black Tahini Granola is rich, crunchy, crispy, deeply nutty, and full of bold dark clusters. Made with oats, raw nuts, seeds, cacao nibs, black tahini, warm spices, and natural sweetness, it has the most beautiful sweet, earthy, almost umami flavour. Perfect with yoghurt, milk, smoothie bowls, chia pudding, fruit, or simply by the handful.
Ingredients
For the Granola Base
- 2 ½ cups oats gluten-free if needed (250 g)
- 1 cup raw cashews roughly chopped (130 g)
- 1 cup raw almonds roughly chopped (140 g)
- 1 cup raw walnuts roughly chopped (100 g)
- ⅓ cup black raisins 55 g
- ½ cup sunflower seeds 70 g
- ¼ cup cacao nibs 30 g
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds 35 g
- ¼ cup poppy seeds 35 g
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ⅓ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp cacao powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Black Tahini Coating
- ⅓ cup coconut oil 75 g
- ½ cup black tahini 120 g
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup 110 g honey or 105 g maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the ovenPreheat the oven to 160°C fan, or 320°F convection. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- Soak the black raisinsWash the black raisins, then soak them in warm water for at least 5 minutes. Drain well before adding them to the granola mixture.
- Chop the nutsRoughly chop the cashews, almonds, and walnuts. Keep some pieces larger for extra crunch and chunky texture.
- Mix the dry ingredientsAdd the oats, chopped cashews, chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, drained black raisins, sunflower seeds, cacao nibs, black sesame seeds, and poppy seeds to a large mixing bowl. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Warm the black tahini mixtureIn a small pot, add the coconut oil, black tahini, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cacao powder and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth, glossy, and well combined.
- Coat the granolaPour the warm black tahini mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir very well until everything is evenly coated and no dry patches remain. You can also add the dry ingredients into the pot if it is large enough, then mix everything together there.
- Spread and pressDivide the granola mixture between the two prepared baking trays. Spread into an even layer that is not too thick or too thin, then press the granola firmly down with a spatula or the back of a spoon. This helps create chunky clusters.
- BakeBake for 20 minutes, then remove the trays from the oven. Gently press the granola down again, rotate the trays 180 degrees, and return them to the oven for another 10 minutes.
- Cool completelyLet the granola cool completely on the trays before touching or breaking it apart. This is very important because the granola firms up as it cools and creates those crunchy clusters.
- StoreOnce completely cool, break the granola into chunks and store in mason jars or an airtight container.
Notes
- Tray size note: I used two trays that are approximately 38 x 26 cm (15 x 10 inches) each. Try not to spread the granola too thick or too thin so it bakes evenly and forms crunchy clusters.
- Use certified gluten-free oats if you need this recipe to be fully gluten-free.
- Do not break the granola while it is warm. It needs to cool completely on the tray to become crunchy and form clusters.
- For bigger clusters, press the granola firmly before baking and again after the first 20 minutes.
- Store in an airtight jar or container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Honey gives a slightly stickier cluster, while maple syrup keeps the recipe vegan-friendly.
Nutrition Facts per Serving:
Nutrition per serving: ⅓ cup (1 of 24 servings), Calories: 203 kcal, Protein: 5 g, Carbohydrate: 15 g, Net Carb: 12 g, Sugars: 5 g, Fat: 15 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sodium: 75 mg
Nutrition Facts Notes:
✔️ Rich in healthy fats: Black tahini, almonds, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds and black sesame seeds provide mostly unsaturated fats that support heart health and sustained energy. ✔️ High in fibre: Oats, nuts, seeds, raisins and cacao nibs contribute fibre that supports digestion, gut health and helps keep you feeling satisfied. ✔️ Good source of plant-based protein: Nuts, seeds and oats provide plant protein, making this granola a more balanced breakfast or snack option. ✔️ Contains omega-3 fats: Walnuts naturally provide plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which support overall health and wellness. ✔️ Rich in minerals: Black tahini, sesame seeds, nuts and oats provide important minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and manganese. ✔️ Source of vitamin E: Almonds and sunflower seeds are naturally rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports healthy cells, skin health and overall eye health. ✔️ Antioxidant-rich ingredients: Black sesame seeds, cacao nibs, cinnamon and walnuts contain beneficial antioxidants and plant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress. ✔️ Naturally gluten free option: When prepared with certified gluten-free oats, this granola is suitable for a gluten-free diet. ✔️ No refined sugar: Sweetened with honey or maple syrup, this granola contains no refined white sugar or artificial sweeteners. ✔️ Supports sustained energy: The combination of complex carbohydrates, fibre, healthy fats and protein helps provide longer-lasting energy compared to many store-bought granolas. ✔️ Nutrient-dense superfood ingredients: Black tahini, black sesame seeds, cacao nibs and nuts add a wide range of beneficial nutrients and plant compounds. ✔️ Perfect for breakfast or snacking: Enjoy with yogurt, milk, smoothie bowls, fresh fruit or simply by the handful as a satisfying snack.
Note: Estimated nutrition is based on 26 servings and using honey. Values may vary slightly depending on the exact brands of ingredients used and the final yield after baking.
