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- 3 cups old-fashioned oats - 1 cup chopped almonds - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - Optional ingredients: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins, 1/4 cup chia seeds To make a tasty Vanilla Almond Granola, you need simple and healthy ingredients. Old-fashioned oats give this granola its base. They are hearty and fill you up. Chopped almonds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Honey works as a sweetener. It helps hold the granola together. Melted coconut oil adds richness and helps the oats crisp up. Vanilla extract gives that warm, sweet aroma. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, making each bite more enjoyable. For extra nutrition, you can add dried cranberries or raisins. They bring a chewy texture and sweetness. If you like, chia seeds can boost fiber and healthy fats. This ingredient list makes sure your granola is both crisp and nutritious! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of old-fashioned oats and 1 cup of chopped almonds. - In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until well blended. - Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture. Stir until all oats and almonds are coated. - Spread the granola evenly on the baking sheet. - Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to promote even browning. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. - After baking, let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps it become crunchy. - If you want, stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins and 1/4 cup of chia seeds. - Store the granola in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to two weeks. Enjoy it anytime! How to achieve the ideal crunch To get that perfect crunch, you must bake the granola until it turns golden brown. Stir halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. The oats and nuts should be well-coated with the wet mix to help them crisp up nicely. Importance of cooling time Cooling time is crucial. Once you take the granola out of the oven, let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps it firm up and become crunchy. If you rush this step, the granola may stay soft and chewy. Substituting ingredients for taste You can switch ingredients to match your taste. Try adding different nuts or seeds. If you love coconut, add some shredded coconut. For a sweeter touch, mix in more honey or maple syrup. Customize it to your liking! Ideas for serving granola Granola is super versatile. Serve it as a snack on its own or sprinkle it over your favorite desserts. You can also enjoy it as breakfast with milk or yogurt. Pairing with yogurt or milk Pair your granola with yogurt for a tasty treat. Greek yogurt adds protein, while regular yogurt brings creaminess. Drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top for extra sweetness. Using granola in smoothies or baked goods You can add granola to smoothies for a delicious crunch. Blend it in or sprinkle it on top before serving. It also works well in baked goods like muffins or bars. Use it as a topping to add texture and flavor! Pro Tips Perfectly Crunchy: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before storing. This helps it achieve that delightful crunch! Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to your taste. You can also substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Mix and Match: Feel free to add other nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds, for extra texture and flavor. Storage Savvy: Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to two weeks. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your granola. Here are some fun ideas: - Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger: A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth. Ginger lends a zesty kick. Try both for a unique blend. - Substituting nuts or seeds: Swap almonds for walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds. Each nut gives a different crunch and flavor. Experiment to find your favorite mix. - Exploring other dried fruit options: Instead of cranberries or raisins, use dried apricots, cherries, or figs. They add sweetness and chewiness. This keeps your granola exciting. You can also adjust this recipe to fit your diet: - Gluten-free alternatives: Use gluten-free oats if you need them. Most brands offer certified gluten-free options. This keeps the granola safe for those with gluten allergies. - Nut-free version suggestions: Replace nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. This makes the granola nut-free but still tasty and crunchy. - Vegan modifications: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This keeps the granola sweet and vegan-friendly. Enjoy the same deliciousness without animal products. To keep your vanilla almond granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from making it stale. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids work well. Avoid leaving it in the original baking sheet or open bags. Your granola stays good for about two weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, try freezing it. Can you freeze granola? Yes, you can freeze granola. Freezing helps it last longer than two weeks. How to properly freeze and thaw To freeze, place the granola in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. Label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to eat, just take out what you need. Let it thaw at room temperature. You can also heat it in the oven for a few minutes to refresh it. How do I make granola clusters? To make granola clusters, use more sticky ingredients. You can add extra honey or syrup. Spread the mixture tightly on the baking sheet. Press it down firmly before baking. This helps it stick together. Can I use rolled oats instead? Yes, rolled oats work well! They provide a great texture. Old-fashioned oats give a hearty crunch, but rolled oats will still be tasty. Just make sure they are not instant oats. Is it possible to make this granola without honey? Absolutely! You can use maple syrup or agave syrup instead. These options will add sweetness and flavor. Just keep the same amount as honey in your recipe. How long will homemade granola last? Homemade granola can last up to two weeks when stored properly. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. What can I substitute for coconut oil? You can use vegetable oil or melted butter as a substitute. They both work well and add moisture. If you want a different flavor, try using almond oil or olive oil. In this post, we explored how to make delicious granola at home. We covered the ingredients, preparation, baking steps, and storage tips. You learned how to customize the recipe to fit your taste and diet. Remember, the key to great granola is mixing flavors and letting it cool properly. With these tips, you can enjoy a tasty snack anytime. Making granola is easy and fun. Try it out and share your variations! Your kitchen will smell amazing. Enjoy your homemade granola adventure!

Crunchy Vanilla Almond Granola

A delicious and healthy granola packed with oats, almonds, and a hint of vanilla.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup almonds, chopped
  • 1 2 honey
  • 1 4 coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 2 cinnamon
  • 1 2 dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
  • 1 4 chia seeds (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats and chopped almonds.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until well blended.
  • Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
  • Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
  • Once out of the oven, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. This will help it become crunchy as it cools.
  • Once cooled, if using, stir in the dried cranberries or raisins and chia seeds.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks or enjoy immediately!

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Keyword breakfast, granola, healthy