Vanilla Almond Granola: A Crunchy, Healthy Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade vanilla almond granola offers the perfect balance of flavors with its crunchy texture, sweet vanilla taste, and nutty almonds. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and honey, making it healthier than many store-bought options that are filled with refined sugars. Additionally, it’s completely customizable, allowing you to add or substitute ingredients based on your dietary preferences. Gluten-free, high in fiber, and a good source of protein, this granola is a wholesome breakfast or snack that will keep you energized all day long.

Ingredients

• 3 cups gluten-free oats

• ¼ cup oat flour

• 1 ½ cups almonds, chopped

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 3 tablespoons cinnamon

• ¼ cup chia seeds

• ¼ cup vegan protein powder (optional)

• ½ cup coconut oil, melted

• ½ cup maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ⅓ – ½ cup oat milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: oats, oat flour, chopped almonds, sea salt, cinnamon, chia seeds, and protein powder (if using).

3. Pour in the wet ingredients: melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and oat milk. Mix everything thoroughly until the oats and nuts are well-coated.

4. Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure it’s in a single layer.

5. Bake for 45 minutes, flipping the granola halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, especially towards the end of the baking time.

6. After baking, let the granola sit on the sheet pan for a few hours to harden and become crispy. Once fully cooled and crunchy, transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Servings: 12

Variations

• Nuts and Seeds: Feel free to add or swap out the almonds for other nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can also add sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp seeds for extra texture.

• Sweeteners: If you don’t have maple syrup, honey is a great alternative. You can also experiment with other natural sweeteners like agave nectar or coconut nectar.

• Protein Boost: For a higher protein granola, include more vegan protein powder or add a scoop of your favorite protein powder.

• Spices: To enhance the flavor, try adding nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cloves for a spiced variation.

• Fruit: Add dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, or apricots after baking for a burst of sweetness and color.

Storage/Reheating

Store your vanilla almond granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. If the granola loses its crunch, leave it out for a few hours to harden before storing.

To reheat, spread the granola on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 5-10 minutes until it’s warm and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I make this granola without oats?

Yes! You can replace the oats with quinoa flakes, rice flakes, or another gluten-free grain for a different texture.

2. Can I use a different nut besides almonds?

Absolutely! You can use walnuts, cashews, pecans, or any other nut of your choice.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan, as it uses maple syrup and oat milk, with coconut oil as the fat.

4. How can I make my granola crunchier?

Let your granola cool on the baking sheet for several hours before storing it. You can also bake it a bit longer to ensure it crisps up.

5. Can I substitute the coconut oil with another oil?

Yes, you can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter if you prefer.

6. How should I store my granola?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to the granola?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips after the granola has finished baking and cooled down a bit. This prevents the chocolate from melting too much.

8. Can I use a different sweetener besides maple syrup?

Honey or agave nectar are great substitutes for maple syrup. You can also use brown rice syrup.

9. How do I know when the granola is done baking?

The granola should be golden brown and smell fragrant. Make sure it’s crisp before removing it from the oven.

10. Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegan protein powder or any protein powder you prefer to boost the protein content.

Conclusion

This vanilla almond granola is a simple yet flavorful recipe that is perfect for anyone looking for a healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought granola. It’s easy to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, or sweeteners, and it’s perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or topping for yogurt. Enjoy this crunchy, wholesome treat that’s full of good ingredients, and say goodbye to the overly sweet, preservative-filled options on the market!