Are you tired of store-bought granolas packed with unnecessary sugars and artificial ingredients? Get ready to revolutionize your morning routine with this mouthwatering Healthy Vanilla Almond Granola that's not just delicious, but incredibly simple to make! Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked granola, crispy almonds, and a hint of sweet vanilla that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This homemade recipe is about to become your new breakfast obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped almonds. Mix thoroughly to distribute the almonds evenly throughout the oats.
- In a separate small saucepan, gently warm the coconut oil over low heat until it becomes liquid. Remove from heat and add maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk the wet ingredients together until well combined.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the oats and almonds. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to carefully fold and stir, ensuring that every oat and almond is evenly coated with the sweet and fragrant liquid.
- Spread the granola mixture in an even, thin layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of a spatula to create a uniform thickness, which helps ensure consistent baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir the granola gently every 8-10 minutes to promote even browning and prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven when the granola is golden brown and has a crisp appearance. The edges will typically brown first, which is a good indicator of doneness.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will continue to crisp up and become crunchy.
- Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh rolled oats and raw almonds make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
- Watch the oven carefully: Granola can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt, so set a timer and stir every 8-10 minutes.
- Let it cool completely: Resist the temptation to break the granola immediately after baking. Cooling allows it to become wonderfully crisp.
- Customize your mix: Feel free to add other nuts like pecans or seeds like pumpkin seeds for extra nutrition and crunch.
- Store smartly: Keep your granola in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crisp texture for up to 2 weeks.
- For extra sweetness, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of dried fruits after cooling for added flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
