overhead photo of bowls of gingerbread protein granola; high protein granola; protein granola recipe — Makes: *7 Servings*
Per Serving: *12g Protein | 180 Cal*

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This time of the year, it can be easy to be tempted to indulge in all of the treats and pastries that are available. After all, they’re seasonal, and only really pop up once a year. But if you’re trying to strike a balance between enjoying seasonal flavors like gingerbread and peppermint while also meeting your macro goals, it can feel a little tricky.

My gingerbread protein granola is here to save the day. The perfect holiday-themed topper for yogurt bowls, fresh fruit, smoothies and smoothie bowls, even ice cream (no judgment here), it also works well as a quick snack to help you power through a workout or wrap up holiday shopping.

Ready in under 30 minutes, made with easy-to-find simple ingredients, and oh-so-cozy, it’s the perfect treat to have on hand so you don’t have to choose between your goals and celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Granola Recipe

It packs in a little protein: Thanks to the addition of whey protein powder, liquid egg whites, and protein oats, you get 12 grams of protein per serving.
Crispy and crunchy: Crunchy clusters just may be the best part of eating granola. And in this recipe, you’ll get plenty of them without using tons of oil to add crispiness.
Festive flavors: You know you’re going to get plenty of warm baking spices from anything called “gingerbread” granola. The spice blend plus a touch of molasses makes each bite taste like a healthier gingerbread cookie.
Pick your sweetener: You can use any sweetener you like best in this recipe: pure maple syrup, monk fruit, brown sugar, coconut sugar, the list is endless.
Great for gifting: Have a list of people you’d like to give gifts to, but you don’t want to spend a fortune? Pack up some of this granola in a glass jar, add a cute ribbon, and you’re all set! A thoughtful, easy gift they’re sure to love.
Perfect for meal prepping: Bake once, have easy breakfasts all week long.
Wholesome ingredients: Made with whole grains, nuts, and protein, it's a mostly healthy snack, with a little fun too.

gingerbread protein granola recipe; high protein granola

Ingredients

1 cup protein oats (such as Bob’s Red Mill)
2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder, I used Clean Simple Eats (code: PROTEINSNACKQUEEN for 10% off)
¼ cup slivered almonds
⅛ cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons gingerbread spice blend, grab the exact one I used HERE on Amazon
2 tablespoons sprinkles (grab my exact sprinkles on Amazon here)
Pinch of sea salt
3 tablespoons liquid egg whites (about 1 egg white)
1 tablespoon brown sugar or sweetener of choice (monk fruit works well)
1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses (or sub 1 tablespoon more maple syrup)
2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prep the pan: Turn the oven on and set it to preheat to 325 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set the pan aside.
Mix the dry ingredients: Add the protein oats, protein powder, almonds, pecans, gingerbread spice blend, sprinkles, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine.
Mix the wet ingredients: Add the egg whites, your sweetener of choice, molasses, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a small bowl. Whisk well to combine. Pour the molasses mixture over the oat mixture and stir well until everything is coated.
Bake the granola: Spread the granola mixture in a thin, even, single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring it halfway through, until golden brown. Make sure you keep a close eye on the granola near the end of the baking time. It can brown quite quickly.
Cool and store: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely for the best texture. If you store it when it’s still warm, it’ll get soggy. Break the granola up into clusters and store it in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving - Makes 7 Servings)

Calories: 180
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 5g

close-up of bowls of gingerbread protein granola recipe; high protein granola

How to Serve Your High-Protein Granola

Over Greek yogurt
Sprinkled on a protein shake
With almond milk (or your milk of choice) like cereal
As a grab-and-go snack
On top of chia pudding or smoothie bowls
Mixed with chocolate chips and dried fruit for a high-protein trail mix

Mix It Up With These Flavor Variations

Once you figure out how to make your own granola, you can riff on this recipe all year long. Here are some fun, macro-friendly granola recipes so you can figure out your favorite way to make it:

Chocolate Peppermint: Swap gingerbread spice for 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder + ½ teaspoon peppermint extract. Add mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs after baking if you’d like.
Maple Cinnamon Crunch: Replace the molasses with more maple syrup and use a simple cinnamon blend instead of gingerbread spice.
Banana Bread Granola: Add 2 tablespoons of mashed banana to the wet mixture and use chopped walnuts instead of almonds. You can also top with banana chips!
Mocha Protein Granola: Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Carrot Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of finely shredded carrot + ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg + ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Use pecans for the mix-in and add some coconut flakes if you'd like.

photo of gingerbread protein granola recipe; high protein granola

FAQs

You can, but I would add a splash of almond milk or a little extra maple syrup to the mixture to help.
Nope! If you have a nut allergy or just don’t want to add them, try adding more oats, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, buckwheat groats, hemp seeds, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds for a delicious twist.
If you want to make sure your protein granola stays crunchy for as long as possible, make sure you let it cool completely before storing it and then store in an airtight container at room temperature. Storing while the granola is still warm or popping it in the fridge can make things soggy.
Spice blends can vary a little bit depending on the brand, but most will include a combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. If you’d prefer to make your own instead of purchasing it, go right ahead!

This festive homemade granola recipe is the perfect thing to have on hand throughout the winter. Whether you’re mixing up a batch to give away to friends and family, need a seasonal treat to serve to overnight guests, or just want something sweet and cozy for breakfasts and snacks, I think you’re going to really enjoy this gingerbread granola. Let me know what you think!

Gingerbread Protein Granola

Yield: 7

Author: Ashley aka The Protein Snack Queen

My gingerbread protein granola recipe is going to be one you make all holiday season long. Ready in under 30 minutes and great for gifting or meal prep, it’s a real winner!