This buckwheat granola is super crunchy and makes an awesome snack or the perfect topping for smoothie bowls!
Made with buckwheat groats, seeds, oats, and honey, it's a simple recipe that changes up your traditional granola recipe. Buckwheat also offers a gluten free alternative to a lot of breakfast cereals, giving this recipe an extra crunch that holds up well to liquids without getting soggy.
My favorite way to use this buckwheat granola is with acai bowls, whipped cottage cheese, or as a snack. This is also a perfect low histamine granola option! And if you're looking for another recipe without any grains, check out my other nut free granola.
The idea for this recipe came from a trip to LA where we went to eat breakfast at The Butcher's Daughter. I had the most amazing acai bowl topped with "buckwheat granola" which I had never had before! I knew I had to recreate it at home.
However, the first time I bought buckwheat groats I thought I'd buy the pre-toasted "kasha" thinking it was the same thing, just toasted. It's not the same thing! I'll save you a tooth by telling you exactly what to get here for the perfect granola.
You'll love this buckwheat granola recipe because:
- Super crunchy - Buckwheat groats don't get soggy like a lot of oats or other types of cereals do so it's perfect as a topping for smoothie bowls!
- Gluten free - This recipe is gluten free and can also be vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.
- Easy to meal prep - A big batch of this stores great in the refrigerator or freezer for a couple weeks, but it rarely lasts that long!
- High in fiber and protein - Buckwheat is naturally higher in both protein and fiber making it a great addition to a well-rounded breakfast.
Jump to:
What are Buckwheat Groats?
Don't let the name fool you, buckwheat is not actually a grain but it is a seed. Buckwheat groats are just hulled seeds from the plant. It is not only gluten free, but it is also shown to lower blood pressure and relieve symptoms of Type II diabetes.
Buckwheat contains 11-14 grams of protein for every 100grams, making it a better option for breakfast than most grains. It can have a strong earthy flavor, so I find I have to balance it when I use buckwheat flour.
Another positive for people focusing on brain health or migraine is that it contains a good amount of magnesium as well.
Can I Use Buckwheat Kasha?
The first time I tried to make this recipe I made the mistake of buying "buckwheat kasha" which is roasted buckwheat groats thinking it would just be more flavorful. Note to everyone - DO NOT GET ROASTED BUCKWHEAT/"KASHA". It was like eating rocks.
I can usually find them in the bulk section of my grocery store if you feel like testing them out before buying a big package. You'll want ones like Bob's Red Mill Buckwheat Groats.
Ingredients
- Raw Buckwheat Groats - Bob's Red Mill has these, you can usually find in bulk at health food stores or order online.
- Oats - Whole rolled or old fashioned oats (not steel cut or quick cooking) are best for this recipe.
- Sunflower and pumpkin seeds - You could even use all of one or another.
- Honey - This can also be substituted with maple syrup but I prefer the flavor of honey.
- Cinnamon - Mix this up with other spices if you like ginger or pumpkin spice.
- Vanilla - Any type of vanilla extract will work.
- Oil - You could use canola, olive oil, or coconut oil here.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Combine ingredients
Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the dry ingredients (buckwheat groats, rolled oats, seeds, cinnamon/spices). Then stir in the oil, vanilla, and honey
Step 2: Prepare a baking sheet
Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spread granola on top in an even layer.
Step 3: Bake the granola till golden brown
Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes so it toasts evenly.
Step 4: Cool
Remove from the oven and cool completely, which will allow the oats to crisp up more.
Variations
- Substitute seeds with your favorite nuts (if not doing a migraine diet).
- Spices - Instead of cinnamon, try ginger, nutmeg, or just use the vanilla extract.
- Gluten free - Use certified gluten free rolled oats.
- Low FODMAP - Use all pumpkin seeds.
Storage Information
Cool the granola completely before storing to prevent it from forming condensation and becoming soggy. Store in an airtight container (like a mason jar) in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
Recipe FAQ
Buckwheat groats can be a little more difficult to locate, but are generally found with other grain cereals in grocery stores or in bulk at specialty food stores (like Central Market). You can either order them off Amazon or make a different recipe like this nut free granola.
With lots of fiber, some added protein, and vitamin benefits like riboflavin and magnesium, buckwheat is a great brain boosting food to add to your diet!
Not for this recipe! As long as the buckwheat is roasted the full amount of time, it's still crunchy but not too hard to chew.
How to Serve Buckwheat Granola
Obviously this homemade granola is great on it's own as a snack, but here are a few other pairings to serve it with. One of my favorites is this Healthy Pear Crumble!
- Whipped Cottage Cheese
- Mango Lassi
- Acai Bowl
- Berry Protein Smoothie Bowl
- Cottage cheese with fruit Bowl
Final Tips
Here are my top tips for making the perfect buckwheat granola!
- Use buckwheat groats and not kasha.
- Buy old fashioned oats and not quick cooking or steel cut.
- Cool completely before storing!
Nut Free Snacks
For more recipes like this buckwheat granola, don't miss my Buckwheat Pancakes. And see the below for more nut free snacks and breakfasts!
If you make this, tag me #thedizzycook or @thedizzycook on Facebook and Instagram. And if you love the recipe, please leave a review below! Follow along on my Pinterest for more great recipes.
Buckwheat Granola
Ingredients
- 1½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup buckwheat groats
- ½ cup unsalted sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup unsalted pumpkin seeds
- 3 tablespoons oil of your choice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine dry ingredients and stir. Add oil, vanilla, and honey and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Prepare baking sheet by covering with parchment paper. Spread granola in even layer on sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes total, stirring granola every 15 minutes to brown evenly.
- Remove from oven and cool completely before sealing in a container. This will allow it to crisp up. Can be stored in an airtight container, however it probably won't last very long because it will be gone before you know it!
Notes
- For oil, I've used olive oil but love the flavor. Use a vegetable oil for a less noticeable flavor or coconut oil for a hint of coconut!
- Buckwheat groats can be found online or in health food stores. Bob's Red Mill makes a good option.
- For vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- This stores well in the fridge for around 2 weeks.
- If buckwheat groats cannot be found, I've seen some readers use all oats, but that does take away from the crunch and health benefits.
I was so excited to make this. I did everything the instructions said, but mine came out charred. What can I do?
Hey Amanda,
So sorry! I had this issue when I switched from a gas oven to an electric one when we moved. This recipe was developed with a gas oven. I believe electric ones tend to cook a little faster, but also I had to have someone come out to calibrate my oven as it was running about 50 degrees higher than I thought! All this to say, I recommend checking the heat level of your oven with an oven thermometer to make sure that's accurate. If it is accurate, I just recommend cutting down on the cooking time and checking it every 10-15 minutes. Once it starts to get golden brown, remove it. The cooking times are really just an approximation as everyone's ovens cook differently!
Tried again this morning and it came out perfect! I dropped my oven temp to about 275, stirred everything around every few minutes, and removed it when it was golden. Didn’t make it to even 30 minutes but it still turned out beautifully crunchy. This is going to be a regular thing. Thanks so much!
Looks delicious but one serving for 586 calories! I’ll have to pass on this one
The calculations were off from the program I used. If that's something that's important to you, I recommend calculating your own calories per serving. These things are never super accurate. On any website.
Thank you for fixing it
Hi Alicia! I bought all the ingredients to make this but I just realized I didn’t buy gluten-free oats ????. Do I need to get a new bag?
Hey Jenny - it doesn't matter unless you have a gluten allergy. No worries! 🙂
It sounds great, but I'm wondering where the sodium comes from? Most of the ingredients seem salt free..I'm going to make this, but .I'm trying hard to watch my sodium, so I'm just wondering. Thanks
Hi Anne, I tell people this all the time, but just ignore the sodium counts that the nutritional info gives ESPECIALLY if you're using for Meniere's. I use a program that calculates it, so if they happen to use the sodium count for a salted sunflower seed instead of what I use then it throws the whole count off. I find it runs very high compared to calculating yourself. I tend to use products that are low sodium as well.
This has become my go-to snack, Alicia, so thank you. Unfortunately, the whole family loves it, so the bin empties too fast!
It's my family's favorite too. 🙂
Make this every week! Love it!
Yay, so happy to hear!
Addictive
I love this granola! It is my work-week go-to breakfast with plain yogurt and berries. I have made it 3 or 4 times and have used both canola oil and coconut oil. Haven't noticed any difference. So happy to have a great granola that is nut-free and not too sweet.
This granola is pretty decent. I have not been able to find buckwheat groats (will have to look online), so I substituted them with stone ground oats. Still good, just cut down the cook time by 5-7 min. I also use agave instead of honey. I’ve made this a few times and the last time I did I doubled the cinnamon and added a tablespoon of agave.
I'm glad you enjoyed it! The buckwheat really makes this recipe fantastic because it adds that extra crunch. Sometimes I have to get it on amazon, but if you get the two pack it's a pretty good price here.