Sweet, sticky, and crunchy granola exploding with vanilla and almond flavors. Ditch store-bought, healthy homemade granola is easy!
I’m a little granola obsessed. Can’t get enough of it, any which way. Like this pumpkin spice granola and chocolate peanut butter granola! And this triple chocolate crunch granola basically doubles as a healthier dessert. So much to love about this tasty little treat!
Homemade granola may be boring to some people, but it is actually one of my favorite things to munch on. I can say no to Doritos and french fries. Sometimes. But fruity, nutty, crunchy granola? My self control never stands a chance.
The other day I came home from running 5 miles (for my 100 mile goal this month – am I crazy?) and craved crunchy carbs like a mad woman. I had quite the interesting array of ingredients and flavorings in the pantry and decided homemade granola was on the menu.
Today’s crunchy granola recipe is filled with so much flavor… it’s sort of a mish-mash of my post workout cravings. Aromatic vanilla, pure maple, almond, and cinnamon merge together bite after bite. This stuff is seriously the best.
Have you ever read the ingredient list on a bag of store-bought granola? Just… don’t. It’s scary. I don’t recognize half of the ingredients! What are “polyglycerol fatty acids” and why are they in my bowl of granola? No thank you.
When I make homemade granola, I like to focus on whole, natural things. Healthy foods without a bunch of excess sugar and foods that I can actually pronounce.
Thankyouverymuch.
You only need 7 ingredients to make this granola. And they’re all foods you likely have in the pantry right now. Start with some cinnamon, oats, and almonds. I used honey roasted sliced almonds that I found at Trader Joes—have you ever tried them? Regular sliced or chopped almonds would be just fine instead.
(Those honey roasted almonds make incredible homemade almond butter.)
The wet ingredients are what make the granola so sticky, crunchy, and cluster-filled… aka GOOD. A little pure maple syrup to sweeten, and vanilla + almond extracts for flavor. I use a light hand when adding the almond extract because that stuff is potent! But in this recipe, it isn’t too strong—just a nice undertone to enhance the vanilla flavor and give the granola that something special. Don’t be tempted to skip the coconut oil, just like when we make granola clusters, it’s the key to the crunch!
I love this vanilla almond granola not only for the sweet flavors, but because it is so light tasting. Which is a little dangerous because I feel I could eat the entire batch in one sitting. Sort of contradicts the whole idea of it being a healthier breakfast option, right?!
I did practice some self control—this stuff lasted 3 whole days! New record.
So ditch the pricy, sugar-laden store bought granola! I swear, that stuff has more sugar in it than a candy bar. With homemade granola, you have complete control over the ingredients. Now dive into a bowl of these naturally sweetened, nutty clusters!
More Favorite Healthy Recipes
- Baked Oatmeal (and Baked Oatmeal Cups)
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Granola Bars
- Healthy Berry Streusel Bars
- Morning Glory Muffins
- Breakfast Cookies
- No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Oat Bars
Vanilla Almond Granola
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 cups
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet, sticky, and crunchy granola exploding with vanilla and almond flavors. Ditch store-bought, healthy homemade granola is easy! This recipe is vegan and gluten free (if using certified GF oats).
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups (213g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 3/4 cup (100g) slivered or sliced almonds*
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch 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 (yes, Tablespoon)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Toss the oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the maple syrup and coconut oil together until combined. Whisk in the almond and vanilla extracts. Pour over the oats and toss to coat. Make sure all of the oats are moistened.
- Spread onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Allow granola to cool completely—the air will help the granola obtain a crunchy texture.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Granola is the perfect recipe to make ahead because it stays fresh for so long. Store this in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): Baking Sheet | Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | Rubber Spatula
- Almonds: I used honey roasted slivered almonds that I found at Trader Joe’s—they’re delicious! If you use honey roasted almonds, the granola will no longer be vegan.
Keywords: vanilla almond granola, vanilla granola
I made this over the weekend and followed the recipe exactly. All I can say is WOW! Super easy and delicious. This recipes is a keeper.
Super-great granola recipe – 3rd batch just came out of the oven and the whole house smells amazing!
A couple tweaks I made to ensure nice-sized clusters: 1) Added 1/4 white whole wheat flour and 2) baked as follows: 300 degrees for 15 minutes, then rotate pan without stirring, bake 15 minutes, remove pan from oven and gently flip granola in sections, disturbing it as little as possible, then bake the final 15 minutes, keeping an eye on it starting at the 10 minute mark to prevent over-browning.
Result is a perfect mix of clusters and crumbles, deliciously golden brown – just amazing over my homemade vanilla bean yogurt! Thanks for the wonderful recipe, Sally. 😀
Thanks for posting this! I’ve been making this for months now and regularly double the recipe with no problems. So tasty!
I tried making this for the first time but it burned. 🙁 I doubled the recipe, used two pans, and had to use honey and sugar because its all we had (I thought we had everything and then could’t go to the store). About 10 minutes in, I took the first pan out and it was “extra toasty/burned”. then I took the other one out at about 25 to 30 minutes and it was just right.
Did I do something wrong or is my oven just extra hot? Do you have any suggestions for the future?
Hi Elizabeth. Were both batches baked at 300? That’s a low temperature so I’m surprised the first batch burned and the 2nd did not. I would lower the oven temperature next time.
The only problem with this granola is that it disappeared too quickly at my house. Good thing its easy to make. Off preheating the oven now!
This is excellent granola. Thank you for the recipe.
this is a Great recipe! My family loves it!
I have been making this recipe for months now and love it. I use what ever nuts I have available and it turns out great every time. I added dried cranberries this last batch after it came out of the oven. Thanks so much for sharing.
This stuff is sooo good~! I have been making it a lot. Thank you for the recipe.
This is by far the BEST granola I have ever tasted! So easy to make and healthy. My kids take it in their lunches to eat with yogurt. 5 star recipe for sure!
I just made this today, added 3 Tablespoons of chia seeds, and it’s delicious! Thank you for a great recipe! I ate it over a smoothie bowl!
I made this today and it is so yummy! The smell as it’s baking is wonderful. The only thing I would change is baking time, at least on my oven. 45 minutes was too long and it started to smell slightly burnt. Just keep an eye on it. I did turn stir it ever 15 minutes. It’s so easy and yummy. Thank you!
Wonderful flavour. Perfect sweet and salty balance. I used combo almonds, walnuts and pecans and subed avacado oil. This will be a go-to recipe for sure.
Sally….I love…love…love…your granola recipes…Just tried this light refreshing one…Yummy…My favorite is the Cherry Nutella..
SMELLS AMAZING! Quick question, what’s the texture supposed to be like? Mine came out soft instea of crunchy. My husband says granola is supposed to be soft… But I always assume he’s wrong when It comes to the kitchen! What’s your take? 🙂 also, I substituted agave nectar for maple syrup! Could that have been the mistake?
Ha! The granola should be crunchy– and a little more time in the oven will help. The agave nectar wouldn’t make a difference.
Made this today exactly as called for and it is awesome. I need to make this for my daughter and her best friend to take back with them to college, they are going to go crazy over this. I have a feeling I will be making this a lot. Thanks for the great recipe!
I just took this out of the oven 10 minutes ago and I honestly cannot leave it alone! I will be surprised if there is any left to even cool down and put in a jar! Even before it went in the oven the bowl had been licked! Seriously, this is absolutely fantastic. The kitchen smells dreamy and this granola is truly wonderful. Thank you so much! I am going to have it with chopped dried cherries and dried pears and soya yogurt. Thanks! I am in love.
This is my GO-TO recipe for granola! We all love it! I even add 1/2-3/4 cup of coconut and 1/2 cup of Craisins. We usually like it with vanilla yogurt but you should try it with cottage cheese!
I just barely made this and am eating it now!! SOOO good! This is only the 2nd homemade granola recipe I’ve ever made, and it is definitely one to make again! I’m so excited to eat this in my vanilla greek yogurt tomorrow morning. I really love the addition of the almond extract, I can taste that faint hint in here and it’s yummy. And mine seemed to clump together pretty well, so that is a bonus! Thanks for a great recipe.
I was on the hunt for a great, healthy-ish granola recipes. Honestly, when I came across this I was pretty hesitant. It just didn’t sound all that exciting. But since I’ve LOVED every recipe from you (and that’s a lot) I gave it a shot. And I am so glad I did. I made a batch two days ago & I’m already making my second! Mahalo for the share!
I made this replacing half of the almond silvers with pistachio and using vegetable oil instead of coconut oil.. delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe Sally. 🙂
Oh, vanilla almond granola, how do I love thee?
I do not know how I have survived without this stuff. I have my tenth batch in the oven right now. It is soooo good. I add also about 3/4 cup of unsweetened coconut to the oat mixture, and today, after it has cooled, I will be adding dried cherries and pineapple. Even my brother likes it!
I just made this granola last night (actually it was my first time making homemade granola, period) and it turned out amazing! Followed the recipe exactly, except used canola oil in place of coconut oil as we were out. It is SO good…I will never buy store bought granola again! Thanks for the awesome recipe! Cheers 🙂
This stuff was amazing! As always, thank you for the fabulous recipe Sally!!
Just tried this and… EXCELLENT… I will be making granola every week from this day forth. Your recipes will be my inspiration. It’s not too sweet.
I don’t have maple syrup so I used honey and also I added half cup raw sunflower seeds and half cup whole flax seeds…more crunch and I’m addicted to flax seeds.
For Christmas, I gave away jars of this along with spice cake, banana bread, chocolate cake with peppermint buttercream frosting, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and Chex mix to all my coworkers. The granola was by far the most popular item. They loved the other items too; but, gave rave reviews for the granola and several have asked for the recipe. I love it too. I’m making more tonight and thought I would pop in and let you know there are even more people who loved it.
Oh my goodness, this is in my oven right now & my house smells like heaven!! I can’t wait to gobble it all up! It took less than 5 minutes to throw it all together, so this could prove to be a lethal combination for me… Super yummy & ridiculously easy??? Yeah, I’m in trouble.
Ok… I’ve made this stuff about 10 times now & I may seriously be addicted! I’ve made several substitutions (simply because I have been out of one thing or another & can’t wait to go to the store!) and it turns out beautiful every time. I am SOOO glad I stumbled upon this recipe!! Thanks for posting!!
made this yesterday! Absolutely love it! Thank youuuu:):)
Great recipe! I followed as is and it came out wonderfully.
Amazing! Made it as part of a breakfast basket for a gift. Great recipe!