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Sweet Potato Granola

Bowl of Sweet Potato Granola made with cranberries and pepitas

Granola. Doesn’t it just scream fall? I love every kind, especially the pumpkin and spice varieties. Although I’ve never made a pumpkin granola myself, I thought sweet potato would be a fun experiment and an exciting route to take. And so I did (quite successfully, I might add).

Mixing oats and almonds in a bowl for homemade Sweet Potato Granola

This recipe begins with all things hearty and good: Nuts and oats. I opted for almonds, pecans, and  pepitas, but you could really go with any nut or seed of your choice. Just make sure they’re untoasted lest they’ll burn in le oven.

Whole sweet potato for making delicious homemade granola

This granola gets its gorgeous hue (in part) from sweet potato puree. Just bake up a sweet potato, puree a generous portion of its tender filling, and add it right into the wet ingredients. Slather the remaining portion with almond butter and shovel it directly into your face. Win win.

Plate with a freshly baked and sliced open sweet potato

Sweet potato not only provides a slight sweetness and orange hue to this granola, it also provides a ton of health benefits.

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin B6 (prevents heart attacks), vitamin C (wards off sickness), and vitamin D (boosts immune system), as well magnesium, which can help relieve stress. They also provide ample amounts of carotenoids – an antioxidants that helps fight cancer-causing free radicals in the body and even improve eyesight and immunity. Sweet potatoes are also high in fiber, iron, and potassium. The benefits are practically endless.

Coconut oil, honey, and sweet potato in a saucepanParchment-lined baking sheet with a batch of our Sweet Potato Granola recipe

This granola is super simple to throw together. You just need:

Oats
Nuts
Sugar
Honey or maple syrup
Salt
Coconut oil
Sweet potato
Cinnamon
& Dried fruit

I can imagine it would be equally delicious with pumpkin instead of sweet potato as well. I guess I’ll just have to try another batch to test out that hypothesis. Shucks.

Big bowl of our Sweet Potato Cranberry Granola recipeParchment-lined baking sheet filled with a batch of our Sweet Potato Granola recipe

I’m in love with this granola. It’s super crunchy and hearty and perfectly sweet and spicy from the cinnamon. Much to John’s pleasure, the sweet potatoes are not the dominant flavor, but rather another layer of flavor and sweetness.

The nuts give  plenty of staying power, the cranberries a little tart sweetness, and the oats tons of fiber. Health in a bowl, I say.

Bowl of Sweet Potato Granola for a delicious vegan snackPan of Sweet Potato Granola made with almonds and pepitas

I’ve been enjoying mine with almond milk or sprinkled on top of yogurt or a bowl of steel-cut oats. I’d imagine it’s also lovely on top of smoothies or straight outta the bag.

It’s simply the perfect fall food with its heartiness and spice. I can easily see it becoming a staple in our house in the chillier months to come. Though I’m not usually a fan of cold weather, if it involves lots of sweet potato granola I think I can get in the mood. Cheers!

Bowls of the perfect fall granola made with cranberries and pepitasTwo bowls of Sweet Potato Granola for a delicious fall breakfast

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4.95 from 17 votes

Sweet Potato Granola

Simple sweet potato granola with oats, nuts, pepitas, and cranberries. Crunchy, sweet, and satisfying. Perfect over oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies or swimming in a bowl of almond milk.
Author: Minimalist Baker
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 (~1/2-cup servings)
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan (optional)
Freezer Friendly 3 months
Does it keep? 2-3 weeks

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 1/2 cups raw nuts of choice (such as almonds or pecans)*
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
  • 1/3 cup honey (sub maple syrup or agave for vegan)
  • 1/2 cup sweet potato puree
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 340 degrees F (171 C).
  2. Mix the oats, nuts, cinnamon, sugar,, and salt together in a large bowl.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup) and sweet potato puree and whisk. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well with a large wooden spoon.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly onto two baking sheets (or bake in two batches // use more baking sheets, as needed, if increasing batch size) and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring a bit near the halfway point. If you like a chunkier granola, don’t stir as it breaks up the clusters. Instead, just rotate the pans at the halfway point to ensure even cooking.

  5. Add the craisins or other dried fruits, and any toasted nuts to the baking sheet in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking so they don’t get too toasty.
  6. Once the granola is visibly beginning to brown (usually 20 minutes), remove from the oven, and let cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container. Should keep for a couple weeks.

Notes

*If your nuts are already toasted, simply add them in in the last 10-12 minutes of baking and lightly toss to coat. Otherwise, they’ll get too brown by the end of baking.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.

Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 10 half-cup servings)

  • Calories: 280
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated fat: 5g
  • Sodium: 51mg
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 14.5g
  • Protein: 6g
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63 Comments 10 ingredients or less, 30 minutes or less, Breakfast, Dairy-Free, Fall, Gluten Free, Snacks, Soy-Free, Sweet (dessert), Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter

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danaHi, I'm Dana! I am a food stylist, photographer, creator of Food Photography School and author of Everyday Cooking.

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Talk About It

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All commentsI made thisQuestions
  1. Avatar for Katrina @ Warm Vanilla SugarKatrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says

    October 3, 2013 at 5:34 am

    We just pulled a crazy big load of sweet potatoes from the garden….guess I know what I’m making!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Laura @ The Green Forks!Laura @ The Green Forks! says

    October 3, 2013 at 6:31 am

    Big fan of sweet potatoes over here!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      October 3, 2013 at 11:14 am

      Meeeee tooooooo! As you might’ve guessed :D

      Reply
  3. Avatar for Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama}Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} says

    October 3, 2013 at 6:43 am

    Yes! I love this. It’s going on my must-make list. Thanks! :)

    Reply
  4. Avatar for petiscos e miminhospetiscos e miminhos says

    October 3, 2013 at 7:07 am

    Such a great recipe,
    I just love teh taste of sweet popato and I can imagine how good it must be blend in the granola!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for DidaDida says

    October 3, 2013 at 7:10 am

    Could Agave be used in place of the honey? I am excited to try this recipe!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      October 3, 2013 at 11:14 am

      Absolutely!

      Reply
  6. Avatar for thelittleloafthelittleloaf says

    October 3, 2013 at 7:10 am

    I wondered whether sweet potato would work as well as pumpkin…now I know! Yum.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      October 3, 2013 at 11:14 am

      That’s exactly why I tried this recipe. It totally works!

      Reply
  7. Avatar for Tieghan GerardTieghan Gerard says

    October 3, 2013 at 7:11 am

    Love it! Fall does scream granola and sweet potatoes, so this is perfect!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Abbie @ Needs SaltAbbie @ Needs Salt says

    October 3, 2013 at 7:36 am

    ahhh… I could go for a big bowl of this granola right now. <3 I love all the gorgeous nuts and the simplicity of this recipe!
    pinning.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for MonicaMonica says

    October 3, 2013 at 8:12 am

    all of my favorite foods in one recipe… i need to try this very soon!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Janae WiseJanae Wise says

    October 3, 2013 at 8:44 am

    Pumpkin would probably work, too, in lieu of sweet potato, don’t you think?

    So many good things in one bowl, love it.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Janae @ bring joyJanae @ bring joy says

    October 3, 2013 at 8:45 am

    Pumpkin would probably work, too, in lieu of sweet potato, don’t you think?

    So many good things in one bowl, love it.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      October 3, 2013 at 11:14 am

      Absolutely! I plan to try pumpkin next : )

      Reply
  12. Avatar for jennifer prodjennifer prod says

    October 3, 2013 at 10:30 am

    this looks delicious! i’d love to pop over to your kitchen and just smell how good this granola is :) maybe i’ll put some in mason jars with a bow and give them away as gifts :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      October 3, 2013 at 11:13 am

      That’s a brilliant idea! I think I may have just figured out Christmas gifts : )

      Reply
  13. Avatar for dixya| food, pleasure, and healthdixya| food, pleasure, and health says

    October 3, 2013 at 1:19 pm

    im a granola-nut.thanks for the new recipe. I have a open can of pumpkin will subs sweet p’s soon.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Sarah Crowder (punctuated. with food)Sarah Crowder (punctuated. with food) says

    October 3, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    Love the flavors and colors here!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Sarah | The Sugar HitSarah | The Sugar Hit says

    October 3, 2013 at 8:10 pm

    HOLLA for sweet potatoes! I just made some vegan sweet potato doughnuts – I might eat this for breakfast for the next week, while I work off the doughnuts.

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Ash-foodfashionpartyAsh-foodfashionparty says

    October 4, 2013 at 10:58 pm

    What a nice way to incorporate pumpkin. A nice granola recipe, thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for autumnautumn says

    October 5, 2013 at 6:24 am

    Love, love love this! Such a good idea/alternative to pumpkin.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for TammelaTammela says

    October 5, 2013 at 11:02 am

    Brilliant! I wouldn’t have thought of adding sweet potato puree to granola, as I’d think it might make things weird and clumpy. But since it worked for you, I just may have to try it!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Marygrace TaylorMarygrace Taylor says

    October 7, 2013 at 11:38 am

    Huh! I’ve seen a bazillion granola recipes, but NEVER one with sweet potato. I’m super curious to see how it impacts the texture of the oats, so will definitely be giving it a try.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      October 7, 2013 at 11:49 am

      Marygrace I thought it might make them mushy but it doesn’t at all! One of the best, most crispy granolas I’ve tried. Hope you give it a shot!

      Reply
  20. Avatar for DorDor says

    October 7, 2013 at 1:39 pm

    Whoa and whoa. I just made a batch of these and they are so so so good. Thank you for the recipe! Followed it exactly, threw in some ground flaxseed as well. I can’t stop munching on them.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Megan LopezMegan Lopez says

    October 7, 2013 at 5:35 pm

    This sounds delicious!! I was wondering if there could is a substitute for the coconut oil

    Reply
  22. Avatar for EuniceEunice says

    October 7, 2013 at 7:03 pm

    I’m thinking of trying quinoa flakes in place of the oats…

    Reply
  23. Avatar for JessJess says

    October 7, 2013 at 11:12 pm

    Oh how I love this idea, Dana. What a great trick for adding some extra nutrients, and makes for such a lovely color on that granola! Yum!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for JuliaJulia says

    October 10, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    OH MY GODDD this is perfect I’m literally gonna make a batch per week, I’m in love with this recipe.

    Reply
  25. Avatar for KathrynKathryn says

    October 14, 2013 at 3:34 am

    Totally totally love the idea of the sweet potato in this. High five for some tasty looking granola!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for willbnycwillbnyc says

    October 19, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    Just want you to know that of the last five recipes I googled your recipes were the clear winners. Beet hummus and sweet potato granola were both huge hits with my very picky, foody, gay, NYC hiking group. Food for thought: for a change, replace the beets with roasted sweet potato for the hummus and you’ve got something amazing!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      October 20, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      So glad to hear it! Thanks for sharing! And great idea on the sweet potato hummus. I’m sure that would be so delicious, and perfect for the holidays :D

      Reply
  27. Avatar for Sarah McMullinSarah McMullin says

    October 24, 2013 at 5:42 pm

    YUM! And gorgeous pics. I shared this recipe on my blog.

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Carol GrahamCarol Graham says

    December 6, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    I am baking this granola right now. I used coconut oil, coconut nectar and pure maple extract as the sweetener. I also roasted the sweet potatoes to bring out their sweetness. I used raw almonds, pecans, walnuts, crystalized ginger, flax seeds, hemp seeds, cacoa nibs, and raisins. It smells wonderful. Thanks for posting this recipe.

    Reply
  29. Avatar for Shanna MallonShanna Mallon says

    December 6, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    That top picture is seriously woah.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      December 7, 2013 at 6:21 pm

      *blushing*

      Reply
  30. Avatar for Crystal M.Crystal M. says

    December 11, 2013 at 1:39 am

    Just recently discovered your blog and tried this recipe today–absolutely LOVE it!!!

    Thanks so much for sharing. It’s a real keeper. :-)

    Reply
  31. Avatar for Baked Potato BakerBaked Potato Baker says

    December 19, 2013 at 1:20 am

    They look so amazing and the color is so so yummy.I m gonna make on this Big fat Xmas!!!!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for TimareeTimaree says

    January 9, 2014 at 7:24 pm

    This sounds really good! I’ll have to try this one for my vegan son.

    Reply
  33. Avatar for ElienElien says

    January 15, 2014 at 7:35 pm

    Made a batch of this last weekend. My boy friend and I are looooving it! (He even asked for the recipe ;) woohoo score!)

    Thank you for this amazing addition to our breakfast!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      January 15, 2014 at 10:01 pm

      The ultimate stamp of approval! Yay! Thanks for sharing :D

      Reply
  34. Avatar for katekate says

    January 17, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    I think I should point out a serious error in the recipe. You suggest it lasts two weeks, I have made this four or five times now and on not one occasion has it lasted two weeks…all eaten in two days!
    Thanks

    Reply
  35. Avatar for LeighLeigh says

    February 24, 2014 at 7:09 am

    I made your banana bread granola last week (which I had this morning and every morning since making it) and now I think this is the next granola on the roster! LOVE IT!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for RobinRobin says

    April 13, 2014 at 10:08 pm

    Made it. Loved it. Can’t stop eating it.

    The end!

    My family and I all agree that this is my best batch of granola yet. So addicting! My favorite part about granola is that it’s a delicious topping to absolutely anything or just on its own.
    In this batch I used pecans, cashews, and pumpkin seeds. Also threw in a few chopped dates and a handful of dried cranberries. Great, now I’m craving granola…good thing it’s waiting in the fridge for me ;)

    Thanks for your neverending array of flawless recipes (and photos)!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      April 14, 2014 at 10:36 am

      So glad you’re all enjoying this, Robin! Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your experience.

      Reply
  37. Avatar for admattaiadmattai says

    June 26, 2014 at 1:43 pm

    I made this granola and it turned out great! I’ve had it for breakfast with greek yogurt, honey, and blueberries for the 2nd time this week. I had family over and they also loved it. thanks so much for the great recipe.

    Reply
  38. Avatar for AlexisAlexis says

    August 15, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    I made this with only 1 tbsp sugar, just 1/4 cup maple syrup and grapeseed oil and it turned out great. Dana, you have really cracked the code when it comes to granola by using fruit/veggie puree to add moisture and depth of flavour.

    Reply
  39. Avatar for Sherrie | With Food + LoveSherrie | With Food + Love says

    September 8, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    I NEED this in my life.

    Reply
  40. Avatar for PhoebePhoebe says

    November 5, 2014 at 10:53 am

    A question: I have everything except coconut oil. Is it absolutely necessary for this recipe to work? Is there something else I could substitute? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerDana @ Minimalist Baker says

      November 5, 2014 at 11:55 am

      You can sub another oil, such as olive, grape seed or canola!

      Reply
  41. Avatar for KathrynKathryn says

    February 3, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    I have been making so many of your granola recipes lately. I can’t get enough! Dug this one up at the perfect time as I had some sweet potato mash leftovers in the fridge that needed a use! Can’t wait to enjoy with yogurt tomorrow morning.

    Reply
  42. Avatar for RuthRuth says

    January 15, 2016 at 5:50 pm

    omg im in love.just made two batches!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for MorganMorgan says

    February 25, 2016 at 9:47 am

    Question! I just pulled mine out of the oven. Should it come out crispy or does it harden once cooled?

    Reply
  44. Avatar for christinachristina says

    April 18, 2016 at 9:32 am

    Just made this and added toasted quinoa for fun. It is delicious – you can’t even tell the sweet potato is there. And it was splendid on some plain yogurt.

    Reply
  45. Avatar for RebeccaRebecca says

    September 25, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    I ended up making this recipe using leftover butternut squash puree, and WOW! Delicious granola! Very crunchy and fantastic flavour!

    How is it that every. single. recipe you post is amazing?! Keep up the great work!! <3

    Reply
  46. Avatar for CristieCristie says

    September 30, 2016 at 10:23 am

    Love love love this granola! I’m glad I found your blog, Dana and thanks for the great tips and recipes. I’m now baking granola and moving on to the chocolate pudding cake for my hubbys birthday cake. ??

    Reply
  47. Avatar for VeronkaVeronka says

    September 24, 2017 at 2:29 am

    I made this granola last week to take with myself to hospital (we are expecting a baby very soon), i put 2 sweet potatoes in it as I love the taste, but the baby hasn’t decided to come yet, how long can i store it out of fridge in a plastic container ?
    Thank you for your time

    Reply
  48. Avatar for KrystalKrystal says

    November 19, 2017 at 6:54 pm

    I made this recipe with pumpkin instead of sweet potatoes (which I didn’t have on hand). Overall it turned out great! I would suggest watching closely after the 20min mark, as I almost burned my second batch. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for ErinErin says

    January 27, 2018 at 3:27 pm

    With the addition of sweet potato, I was skeptical about whether this granola would come out crunchy. Though it came out of the oven a bit tender, the granola “crisped” while cooling. This is light and subtly sweet with a hint of cinnamon spice. Delicious! This will likely replace my old granola recipe, which has much more sugar and fat.

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Hillary SpiekerHillary Spieker says

    September 21, 2018 at 3:55 pm

    I just finished making my second batch of this delicious granola. It has become my family’s go to snack- including my 2 & 3 year old! I used almonds, pepitas, sunflower seeds and pecans this time around and enjoying the “crunch” they add. I especially love the spicy fall aroma that fills are home while it’s baking.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Support @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      September 22, 2018 at 7:32 am

      Yay! Glad to hear it, Hillary!

      Reply
  51. Avatar for Kendall StarkKendall Stark says

    January 20, 2019 at 1:52 pm

    Wow, just when I thought your granola recipes couldn’t get any better! The aroma from the cinnamon and honey is divine, and I can’t wait til morning to have a bowl!

    Reply

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