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To make Vanilla Almond Granola, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup sliced almonds - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) If you have allergies, here are some great substitutions: - Use sunflower seeds instead of almonds for nut-free granola. - Swap honey for agave syrup to make it vegan. - Replace coconut oil with vegetable oil if you dislike coconut flavor. - For gluten-free options, ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free. This granola is not just tasty; it is also healthy. Here’s a breakdown: - Rolled oats provide fiber and help keep you full. - Sliced almonds add healthy fats and protein. - Shredded coconut offers vitamins and minerals. - Honey or maple syrup gives natural sweetness and energy. - Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, which may boost metabolism. - Vanilla extract adds flavor and might reduce stress. - Sea salt balances sweetness and enhances flavors. - Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels. - Dried fruits add extra vitamins and fiber. This granola is a great snack, any time of day! {{ingredient_image_2}} Before you start, gather all your ingredients. You will need rolled oats, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, sea salt, ground cinnamon, and optional dried fruit. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of sliced almonds, 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir well with a wooden spoon. This mix should look colorful and inviting. 2. Prepare wet mixture: In a smaller bowl, mix 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup with 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk these until combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy. 3. Combine mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with your wooden spoon, making sure every oat and almond gets a nice coating. This is where the magic begins! 4. Spread onto baking sheet: Use a spatula to spread the granola evenly on your prepared baking sheet. An even layer helps it bake well. 5. Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in your oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir the mixture halfway to ensure it toasts evenly. Keep an eye on it until you see a golden brown color and smell a lovely aroma. 6. Cool completely: Take the granola out of the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet. It will become crunchier as it cools. Avoid touching it until it is at room temperature. 7. Add optional fruits: If you want to use dried cranberries or raisins, toss them in after the granola cools. Mix them well to spread the sweetness. 8. Store wisely: Once cooled and mixed, transfer your granola into an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about two weeks. To check if your granola is done, look for a golden brown color. Also, trust your nose; it should smell deliciously toasted. If it still looks pale, give it a few more minutes. Remember to stir it halfway through baking for an even color. When making vanilla almond granola, avoid these common mistakes: - Not measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure the right texture and flavor. - Skipping the stirring step: Stir halfway through baking for even toasting. - Not cooling completely: Granola needs time to firm up after baking. To achieve that perfect crunch, follow these tips: - Use rolled oats: They create a hearty base that bakes well. - Add enough oil: Coconut oil helps everything stick together and crisp up. - Spread evenly: Make sure the granola is in a thin, even layer on the baking sheet. You can boost flavor with these simple additions: - Spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth. - Nuts: Mix in walnuts or pecans for different textures. - Seeds: Flaxseeds or chia seeds add nutrition and crunch. - Sweet fruits: Dried apricots or cherries can give a fruity twist. These tips will help you create a delicious and crunchy vanilla almond granola. Enjoy your cooking! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh rolled oats and high-quality nuts. Store your nuts in the fridge to maintain their crunchiness. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also experiment with adding other sweeteners like agave or brown sugar. Mix and Match Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients such as seeds, chocolate chips, or different dried fruits to tailor the granola to your taste. Store Properly: For maximum freshness, keep your granola in an airtight container and consider storing it in the fridge during warmer months to prevent it from going stale. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your granola. For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder or dark chocolate chips. If you want a nut-free option, just skip the almonds and use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. This keeps it crunchy and tasty without nuts. This granola shines as a topping. Try it on yogurt for breakfast or dessert. It adds a nice crunch and flavor. You can also sprinkle it on ice cream or blend it into smoothies for texture. It’s super versatile! Seasonal flavors make this granola fun. In fall, add pumpkin spice to give it warmth. For summer, try adding fresh berries or coconut. Each season brings new tastes to explore, keeping your snacks exciting and fresh! To keep your granola fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars work well. Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This helps prevent moisture and keeps the crunch intact. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap air and moisture, making the granola soggy. When stored properly, this granola lasts up to two weeks. After that, it may lose its crunch and flavor. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or unusual texture, before eating. If you notice these changes, it’s best to discard it. For longer storage, you can freeze your granola. First, let it cool completely. Next, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. It can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw it at room temperature. Enjoy the same great taste! You can use any light oil. Great options include canola oil or avocado oil. If you want a buttery flavor, try unsalted butter. Each option will still give your granola a nice texture and taste. To get clumpy granola, add more sweetener. Honey or maple syrup helps bind the oats. Mix the wet ingredients well and coat every piece. Press the mixture down on the baking sheet for better clumping. Yes, you can use any nuts you like. Pecans, walnuts, or cashews work great. Just make sure to chop them up to keep the size even. This adds variety to your granola. Yes, this granola can be vegan. Use maple syrup instead of honey. Check that your coconut oil is fully plant-based. This way, you can enjoy a tasty treat that fits your diet! Understanding the ingredients, steps, and tips from this blog post helps you make delicious granola. You learned about substitutions and nutrition for healthier options. The steps for mixing and baking guide you to success. Common mistakes are easy to avoid, ensuring a perfect crunch every time. Remember to try variations and storage methods to keep your granola fresh. With these insights, you can customize your granola recipe to fit your taste and needs perfectly. Enjoy your granola journey!

Vanilla Almond Granola Delight

A delicious and crunchy granola mix with vanilla and almond flavors, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional for sweetness)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While it warms up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, unsweetened shredded coconut, fine sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Use a wooden spoon to stir until all the ingredients are evenly mixed and colors are well blended.
  • Prepare the wet mixture: In a separate small bowl, take the honey (or maple syrup) and add the melted coconut oil. Pour in the pure vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully combined and uniform in texture.
  • Combine mixtures: Carefully pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, ensuring all components are coated. Stir thoroughly with your wooden spoon or spatula, making sure the oats and almonds are well covered with the sweet coconut oil mixture.
  • Spread onto baking sheet: Transfer the granola mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula, spread the mixture out evenly, creating an even layer for consistent baking.
  • Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, but make sure to stir the mixture halfway through for an even toast. Watch closely until the granola reaches a beautiful golden brown color and has a delightful toasted aroma.
  • Cool completely: Once out of the oven, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crunchier as it cools, so resist the urge to touch it until it's at room temperature.
  • Add optional fruits: If you opted for dried cranberries or raisins, once the granola has cooled, gently toss them into the mixture and stir well to distribute evenly throughout.
  • Store wisely: Transfer the granola into an airtight container and store it at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Notes

For an eye-catching treat, serve the granola in a clear glass jar or bowl. Layer it with creamy yogurt and a mix of your favorite fresh fruits for a visually stunning and delicious breakfast parfait.
Keyword breakfast, granola, healthy, snack