Vanilla Nut Granola Recipe: Sweet, Crunchy, and Absolutely Irresistible

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked granola wafting through your kitchen. Homemade granola is the perfect blend of wholesome goodness and delightful crunch, and this vanilla nut granola recipe is no exception. Made with simple, natural ingredients, this granola bursts with vanilla almond flavor and offers a sweet, nutty experience in every bite. Whether you’re topping yogurt, sprinkling it on smoothie bowls, or enjoying it by the handful, this granola is a versatile and satisfying treat that’s bound to become a household favorite.

Why Vanilla Nut Granola Recipe?

Why should you choose this vanilla nut granola recipe over the store-bought alternatives? It’s simple:

• You control the ingredients, ensuring a healthy, unprocessed snack.
• It’s cost-effective and tastes infinitely better than store-bought varieties.
• It allows flexibility of choice of flavors and textures to suite customer’s palate.

Store-bought granola often contains additives and excessive sugars. By making your own, you’re crafting a snack that’s not only delicious but also nourishing.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this vanilla nut granola recipe:

• 2 and ½ cups of old- fashioned whole rolled oat (213g).
• 3/4 cup (100g) slivered or sliced almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup (56g) coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract

These simple, recognizable ingredients come together to create a granola that’s both healthy and irresistibly flavorful.

How to Make Vanilla Nut Granola Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Making this vanilla nut granola recipe is incredibly easy and requires only three steps:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Preheat oven to 375°F Place the prepared squash and apples on a large greased baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid pigments staining your baking tray.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

• In a large bowl, toss together the oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt.
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and melted coconut oil. Add the almond and vanilla extracts and stir until fully combined.
• Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix well to ensure all oats are evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

• Pour the grains of the mixture in a thin layer on the baking sheet with oil.
• Bake for about forty to forty-five minutes flipping it every fifteen minutes to let it brown evenly. The granola is done when it’s golden and fragrant.
• It has to cool in the baking sheet on which it is placed in the oven. As it cools, it becomes delightfully crunchy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vanilla nut granola recipe is a game-changer for so many reasons:

1. Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes just over an hour, with minimal hands-on time.
2. Healthy Ingredients: Made with natural sweeteners and heart-healthy fats, it’s a guilt-free snack.
3. Budget-Friendly: Skip the pricey store-bought options and make your own for a fraction of the cost.
4. Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, add mix-ins, or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
5. Vegan and Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats for a snack everyone can enjoy.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Each ingredient in this vanilla nut granola recipe plays an important role:

• Oats: Use old-fashioned whole rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can turn mushy.
• Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds add crunch. Substitute with pecans, walnuts, or your favorite nuts if desired.
• Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup provides natural sweetness. Honey or agave syrup are excellent alternatives.
• Coconut Oil: This is the key to crispy clusters. If you’re out of coconut oil, vegetable oil or melted butter can work in a pinch.
• Vanilla and Almond Extracts: These extracts create a rich and aromatic flavor profile. Adjust the almond extract to taste or omit if you prefer a subtler nut flavor.

Expert Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stir the granola every 15 minutes during baking to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
• Let It Cool Completely: Granola hardens as it cools, so don’t rush this step.
• Use Parchment Paper: It does this while avoiding any sticking, so cleaning up afterward is a breeze – or at least as easy as it can be with cast iron.
• Store Properly: Keep your granola fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Variations and Customizations

This vanilla nut granola recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add Dried Fruit: Stir in raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates after baking for a chewy texture.
• Include Seeds: Mix in pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds for added nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a warming twist.
• Chocolate Lovers: Toss in mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs once the granola has cooled.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Granola is perfect for meal prep because it stays fresh for weeks. Here’s how to store it:

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
• In the Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

No reheating is needed—just grab and go!

Serving Suggestions

This vanilla nut granola recipe shines in so many dishes:

• Breakfast Parfait: Layer with Greek yogurt and fresh berries.
• Cereal Bowl: Enjoy with milk or a plant-based alternative.
• Smoothie Bowl Topping: Add crunch to your favorite smoothie bowl.
• Dessert Garnish: Sprinkle over ice cream or baked fruit for a sweet, crunchy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is my granola not sticking together?

A: Ensure your ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture, and avoid over-stirring after baking. Let the granola cool completely to help clusters form.

Q: Is vanilla granola healthy?

A: Yes! This recipe uses natural sweeteners and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice compared to many store-bought options.

Q: What does granola taste like?

A: Granola is sweet, nutty, and crunchy. This version has warm vanilla and almond flavors with a hint of cinnamon.

Q: How do I eat granola healthily?

A: Pair it with protein-rich Greek yogurt, enjoy it as a topping for oatmeal, or eat it plain as a portion-controlled snack.

Notes

• Make Ahead & Freezing: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks or freeze for 3 months.
• Substitutions: Honey roasted almonds can replace plain almonds but will make the recipe non-vegan.
• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy as a snack or breakfast topping.
• Special Tools: Baking sheet, silicone mat, mixing bowls, whisk, and spatula.

This vanilla nut granola recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile—perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even gifting. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and bake up a batch of this delightful granola today. You won’t regret ditching store-bought for this homemade masterpiece!