This Vanilla Almond Granola is crunchy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious! Packed with oats, almonds, and a hint of vanilla, it makes for a perfect breakfast or snack.
Trust me, nothing beats the smell of fresh granola baking in the oven. I love it topped with yogurt or just munching on it straight from the jar—so tempting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect for granola because they hold their shape while baking. If you need a gluten-free option, just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, or switch to quinoa flakes for a different twist.
Almonds: Whole and sliced almonds give a great crunch. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds as tasty alternatives. They add a nice texture and flavor as well!
Maple Syrup or Honey: Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness. If you prefer or need a vegan option, honey can be replaced with agave syrup. I personally think honey gives a lovely depth to the flavor!
Coconut Oil: This adds a nice tropical taste. If you want a neutral flavor, go for vegetable oil or canola oil. I prefer coconut oil for its unique scent and health benefits.
Dried Fruit: Adding dried fruit like raisins or dates provides sweetness and chewiness. Feel free to substitute with your favorites—dried cranberries or apricots work wonderfully, too!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Toasted Granola?
Toasting granola is key for achieving that crunchy texture we all love. Follow these steps to toast it perfectly:
- Spread the granola mixture evenly on the baking sheet for uniform cooking.
- Stir halfway through baking to ensure all pieces toast evenly, preventing any from burning.
- Keep an eye on it towards the end, as it can go from golden to overdone quickly!
- Let it cool completely on the baking sheet; this helps it become crispy as it cools.
By using these tips, you’ll have a delicious batch of vanilla almond granola ready for snacking or breakfast!
How to Make Vanilla Almond Granola
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole almonds (some whole, some sliced)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/3 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates (optional)
Time Needed to Make This Granola
This delicious Vanilla Almond Granola will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to bake, followed by cooling. All in all, you should set aside around 45 minutes to 1 hour to make this tasty treat. It’s a quick and easy recipe that you’ll want to make again!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven is warming up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the granola from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a big bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole and sliced almonds, shredded coconut (if you’re using it), ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly mixed.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the maple syrup (or honey), coconut oil, and brown sugar (if using). Stir gently until everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now pour your warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix everything together until all the dry ingredients are well coated.
5. Spread and Bake:
Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to stir the granola halfway through, so it gets that nice golden brown color and toasty aroma!
6. Cool and Add Dried Fruit:
Once it’s baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will get nice and crunchy as it cools. After it’s cooled, feel free to stir in any dried fruit if you’re using it!
7. Store Your Granola:
Finally, transfer your cool granola into an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long!). Enjoy it as a topping for your favorite yogurt, or just grab a handful for a crunchy snack!
Now, your homemade Vanilla Almond Granola is ready to be enjoyed! Happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Granola?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out almonds for other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews. Just be sure to chop them into similar sizes for even baking!
How Can I Make This Granola Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free granola, ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats. Most rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the packaging!
What’s the Best Way to Store Granola?
Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before adding it to the container!
Can I Add More Sweetness?
If you like your granola on the sweeter side, you can add more brown sugar to the wet mixture or include more dried fruit. Just remember to adjust the wet ingredients slightly to keep the right texture!
