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To make delicious vanilla almond granola, you'll need a few basic ingredients: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup sliced almonds - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt These core ingredients create a perfect balance of taste and texture. The oats provide a chewy base, while almonds add crunch. Honey or maple syrup gives sweetness, and coconut oil helps everything stick together. You can easily customize your granola with a few optional ingredients: - 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins Adding dried fruit gives a sweet burst in each bite. You can also mix in nuts, seeds, or even coconut flakes. Experimenting with flavors makes this granola truly yours. This recipe serves about ten people. Each serving offers a good amount of fiber and healthy fats. The oats and nuts help keep you full and energized. - Calories: Approximately 200 per serving - Protein: 4 grams - Fiber: 3 grams - Sugar: 9 grams (if using honey) Always check the labels if you use different sweeteners or add-ins. This granola is a wholesome choice for breakfast or a snack. It is tasty, filling, and easy to make! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup sliced almonds - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low heat helps the granola become crunchy. Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easy. In a big bowl, mix the rolled oats, sliced almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to blend these dry ingredients. This mix gives your granola a great base. Now, let’s create the wet mix. In a small saucepan, combine honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Heat it on low, stirring until smooth. This mixture adds sweetness and flavor. Pour the wet mix over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated. This step is key for even flavor. Spread the granola mix evenly on your lined baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to stir halfway through. This ensures even baking and a lovely golden color. Once your granola is golden brown, take it out of the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step helps it become crunchy. If you want to add dried cranberries or raisins, do that now. Mix them in well. Finally, store your granola in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy your tasty snack! To make crunchy granola, focus on the baking time and temperature. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even browning. Watch closely for a golden color. If you want it crunchier, leave it in the oven a bit longer. Just be careful not to burn it! You can swap ingredients to suit your needs. If you have a nut allergy, try seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. Use agave syrup or brown rice syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. If you dislike coconut oil, olive oil or butter works well too. Feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you like! Want to jazz up your granola? Add fun flavors! Try mixing in dark chocolate chips after baking for a sweet treat. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a kick. Fresh fruits like banana chips or apple pieces mix in nicely too. Experiment to find your favorite blend! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh rolled oats and nuts to enhance the flavor and crunchiness of your granola. Customize Your Sweetener: Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option or to tweak the sweetness to your preference. Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stir the granola halfway through baking. This prevents burning and ensures even browning for a perfect crunch. Store Properly: Keep your granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from becoming soggy. {{image_2}} You can change the nuts in this granola. Try walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Each nut adds its own flavor and crunch. Seeds are also a great choice. Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra nutrients. Mixing different nuts and seeds keeps your snacks fun and tasty. Want to spice up your granola? You can add different flavors easily. Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist. You can also mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor. Add orange or lemon zest for a fresh taste. Each flavor will give your granola a new life. You can boost the nutrition of your granola with simple add-ins. Mixing in protein powder helps keep you full. Superfoods like chia seeds or flaxseeds give extra fiber and omega-3s. Adding dried fruits can increase vitamins and sweetness too. These small changes make your granola not just tasty but healthy as well. To keep your vanilla almond granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. Choose a container that seals well to keep air out. Glass jars or plastic bins work great. Make sure to place it in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent moisture. To extend the shelf life of your granola, consider freezing it. Place portions in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you want to eat some, just thaw it at room temperature. This method can keep it fresh for up to three months. Check your granola for signs of staleness. If it feels soft or loses its crunch, it’s time to toss it. Also, look for any off smells or unusual colors. If you see any mold, discard it immediately. Keeping your granola fresh helps you enjoy every bite! Yes, you can use quick oats. However, the texture will change. Quick oats cook faster and can become mushy. Rolled oats keep a nice crunch. I recommend using rolled oats for the best result. Homemade granola lasts up to two weeks. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature. After two weeks, check for freshness. If it smells stale, it's time to toss it. This granola can be gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free oats. Check labels on all ingredients. Honey, coconut oil, and nuts are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy it safely! You can serve this granola in many ways. Try it with yogurt and fresh fruit. It also works well as a topping for smoothie bowls. You can even eat it as a snack by itself. You learned about vanilla almond granola from ingredients to storage. You can customize it to your taste and diet needs. Paying attention to texture and flavor helps make your granola just right. Store it well to keep it fresh. With these tips, you can create a healthy snack you'll enjoy. Try different options to make it your own. Now, it's time to make your first batch and savor every bite!

Vanilla Almond Crunch Granola

A delicious and crunchy granola made with rolled oats, almonds, and a hint of vanilla.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, sliced almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Pour the wet mixture over the oat and almond mixture. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking, until golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cool, add the dried cranberries or raisins if using, and mix to combine.
  • Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

Serve in bowls topped with yogurt and fresh fruits for a delicious breakfast or snack, or package in mason jars as lovely gifts!
Keyword breakfast, granola, healthy, snack