Keto Birthday Cake Granola: A Delicious and Healthy Treat

This article explores how to make a delicious and healthy keto-friendly birthday cake granola. It is an amazing protein snack that would make the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or cereal to start your day. This granola is not only tasty but also packed full of healthy ingredients like nuts, coconut flakes, and sugar-free sprinkles. Whether you're following a keto diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional granola, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why Choose Keto Birthday Cake Granola?

Traditional granola is often loaded with sugar and grains, making it unsuitable for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. This keto birthday cake granola offers a delicious and nutritious alternative, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of birthday cake without the guilt. It's also a great option for those with gluten sensitivities, as it's entirely grain-free.

Ingredients for Homemade Keto Granola

This recipe is inspired by a "Keto" Birthday Cake Granola. Here are the basic ingredients you’re going to need.

• Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: These can be found in the baking aisle of most local retailers. Opt for the bigger flakes if available, ensuring they are unsweetened to avoid unwanted sugars.
• Sliced Almonds: Either sliced almonds with skins or blanched and sliced almonds will work. Ensure they are raw and unsalted.
• Sunflower Seeds: Easily found already shelled, usually in the nut section or near salad toppings.
• Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): These green seeds can be found raw and unsalted in bulk stores, online, or in health food stores.
• Pecans: Raw unsalted pecans can be located in the baking aisle of most stores.
• Hazelnuts (Filberts): These nuts can be harder to find in grocery stores, so check your local health food store or the bulk section of stores like Whole Foods.
• Monk Fruit/ Allulose Sweetener: These sugar alternatives work great in this granola. Since they are sweeter than regular sugar, only a few tablespoons are needed.
• Salted Butter or Coconut Oil: Salted butter enhances the sweetness of the granola. For dairy-free options, substitute with coconut oil.
• Vanilla and Almond Extract: Vanilla extract is a must, while almond extract adds a birthday cake flavor. Use sparingly, as it can be overpowering.
• Keto Rainbow Sprinkles: These are optional but add a fun touch. Purchase them online or make your own at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Combine dry ingredients: Add all of the coconut and nuts to the baking sheet.
4. Add sweetener and flavorings: Sprinkle over the sweetener, melted butter, and vanilla. If using almond extract, add it now as well.
5. Mix thoroughly: Stir the granola thoroughly so that all the ingredients are combined.
6. Spread evenly: Spread the mixture as evenly as possible on the baking sheet. Use two baking sheets if needed.
7. Bake: Place the granola into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, watching carefully.
8. Toss and bake again: Remove the granola from the oven and toss thoroughly, then return to the oven.
9. Final bake: Bake for another 6 to 8 minutes or until it has reached the desired golden brown color. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
10. Cool completely: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.

Tips and Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to modify this recipe to fit your taste. Swap out nuts or coconut flakes for your favorite snacks.
• Not Keto? Toss in some oats, and dried cranberries, or use honey for your sweetener instead of Monk Fruit. Adding any dried fruit or grains will increase the carb count.
• Sprinkles: Swap out the Keto Rainbow Sprinkles with a brand that you can make at home or purchase locally.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 206
• Total Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 4mg
• Sodium: 20mg
• Carbohydrates: 6.3g
• Net Carbohydrates: 1.8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 1.4g
• Sugar Alcohols: .5g
• Protein: 4.8g

Other Granola Flavors

Chocolate Granola Clusters

For chocolate lovers, a keto-friendly chocolate granola can be made with cacao powder, nut butter, and a sugar-free maple flavored syrup. This granola is perfect for breakfast or as a quick pick-me-up during the day.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup flaked almonds
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped cashews
• 1 1/2 cup shredded or flaked coconut
• 1 cup mixed seeds
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup sugar-free maple flavored syrup
• 1/2 cup almond butter or any nut or seeds butter
• 1/3 cup virgin coconut oil
• 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 150 °C.
2. Mix the cacao and hot water until a thick paste forms.
3. Mix in the nut butter, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Add in the salt and stir until combined.
4. Add the nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, and almond meal to a large bowl, and stir to combine.
5. Pour over the chocolate mixture, and stir to coat evenly.
6. Spread over a lined baking tray and bake until the granola feels firm to touch, around 40-50 minutes.
7. Let cool completely on the tray before breaking it up.
8. Store in a sealed container up to three weeks.

Birthday Cake Granola with Oats

For those not strictly adhering to a keto diet, adding oats can create a more traditional granola texture and flavor. This version includes oats, puffed millet, and rice krispies for a delightful crunch.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

• Oats
• Crispy rice cereal
• Puffed millet
• Natural colored sprinkles
• Liquid honey mixture

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine oats, crispy rice cereal, puffed millet, and natural colored sprinkles.
2. Pour liquid honey mixture over the top and mix again.
3. Lay the mixed granola out in a single layer on lined cook sheets.
4. Bake for 40 minutes.
5. Let cool and break apart.

Serving Suggestions

This granola can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

• As a cereal with almond milk or coconut yogurt
• As a topping for yogurt or ice cream
• As a snack straight from the bag
• On top of keto pancakes or cupcakes

Keto Pancakes with Birthday Cake Granola

These low carb pancakes are light, fluffy, and deliciously festive. The addition of NuTrail Birthday Cake Granola adds a delightful crunch and burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

• Almond flour
• Sweetener (erythritol)
• Eggs
• Vinegar
• NuTrail Birthday Cake Granola

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the vinegar, eggs, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream until well combined.
2. Continue whisking until only a few lumps remain.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat for at least 5 minutes.
4. Place 1/4 cup of pancake batter into the skillet and use a spoon to smooth into a pancake shape.
5. Place a lid on the pan. Cook the pancake for 1 1/2 -2 minutes, until bubbles begin to form at the edges and center.
6. Then, remove the lid and flip the pancake. Continue cooking for 30-45 seconds without the lid. Work in batches as needed.
7. Serve warm with choice of toppings and sprinkled with the remaining granola.

Low-Sugar Birthday Cupcakes with Keto Granola

These vanilla cupcakes have classic Funfetti flavor without the sugar or carbs. Instead of rainbow sprinkles, these cupcakes get crunch, color and texture from grain-free granola.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Reduce the speed to low and add ⅓ of the dry ingredients, followed by 1 tbsp of the buttermilk, then ⅓ of the dry ingredients, the second tablespoon of buttermilk, and finish with the last ⅓ of the dry ingredients.
3. Divide the batter between the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
4. To make the frosting, whisk together the butter, powdered sweetener, vanilla, and cream until light and fluffy.
5. If your frosting is too thick, add heavy cream, 1 tbsp at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
6. The most important decoration, of course, is a generous sprinkling of NuTrail Birthday Cake Granola on top.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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