This homemade vanilla almond granola is perfectly crunchy and nutty and infused with warm vanilla and cinnamon flavors. It's easy to make, naturally sweetened, and packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, sliced almonds, and golden raisins. Whether you sprinkle it over plant-based yogurt, enjoy it with almond milk, or snack on it by the handful, this homemade granola is a must-try and great for the whole family.
This homemade granola recipe makes 8 servings and is gluten-free, kid-friendly, has no added refined sugar, and is great for meal prep.
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Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Almond Granola
- Naturally Sweetened: Made with pure maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
- Perfectly Crunchy: The combination of oats, almonds, and shredded coconut creates an irresistible texture.
- Warm & Cozy Flavor: Vanilla powder, cinnamon, and golden raisins add depth and warmth to each bite.
- Easy & Quick: Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Kid-Friendly: A great alternative to sugary store-bought cereals filled with artificial colors and preservatives.
- Versatile: Use it as a topping, mix-in, or eat it straight from the jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious vanilla almond granola, you’ll need:
- Rolled oats – The base of any great granola, providing fiber and texture.
- Sliced almonds – Adds crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Salt – Enhances the natural sweetness.
- Cinnamon – A warm spice that pairs beautifully with vanilla and almonds.
- Vanilla bean powder – Intensifies the vanilla flavor.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut – For a subtle tropical touch and added texture.
- Olive oil – Helps create that perfectly crispy, golden granola.
- Pure maple syrup – A natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
- Golden raisins – Adds chewy bursts of natural sweetness.
Make It Your Own—Explore These Variations
One of the best things about homemade granola is how customizable it is! Here are some fun variations:
- Nut Swap: Try chopped pecans, walnuts, or cashews instead of almonds.
- Extra Crunch: Add pumpkin or sunflower seeds for more texture.
- Fruit Boost: Swap golden raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in cacao nibs or vegan chocolate chips after cooling.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
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How to Make This Homemade Granola
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, salt, cinnamon, vanilla powder, and shredded coconut. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and coconut.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Drizzle the olive oil and maple syrup over the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated. This step ensures even baking and flavor distribution.
Bake to Perfection
Evenly spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a wooden spoon to pat down the granola. This helps to make those satisfying chunks of granola goodness.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 22 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. The granola should turn a beautiful golden brown.
Add the Golden Raisins
Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes. Then, add in the golden raisins. Adding them after baking prevents them from burning and keeps them chewy.
Cool Completely and Store
Let the granola cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or jar. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch!
Serving Suggestions
This Vanilla Almond Granola is incredibly versatile! Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- Sprinkle over plant-based yogurt with fresh berries.
- Serve with almond milk or oat milk with fresh fruit for a satisfying breakfast.
- Use it as a topping for smoothie bowls.
- Mix with dark chocolate chips for a homemade trail mix.
- Eat it by the handful as a crunchy, nutritious snack.
Storage Tips
Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer for up to three months—just let it thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.
Why Homemade Granola is Better Than Store-Bought
Many store-bought granolas contain refined sugars, artificial flavors, and unhealthy oils. By making your own at home, you control the ingredients and sweetness, ensuring a healthier, more nutritious option without any additives or preservatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Granola provides fiber, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, while almonds are packed with protein, vitamin E, and heart-healthy fats, making this a nutritious and satisfying snack.
Absolutely! Almond and vanilla have complementary warm, sweet, and nutty flavors that enhance each other beautifully, creating a rich and aromatic taste.
Yes! If you don’t have vanilla bean powder, you can use vanilla extract—just add 1 ½ teaspoons to the wet ingredients for a similar flavor.
Final Thoughts
This vanilla almond granola is a game-changer! It’s naturally sweet, packed with whole plant food ingredients, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a batch for a quick and nutritious breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Give this granola a try, and let me know in the comments how you enjoyed it! If you love this recipe, share it with friends and family or tag me on social media with your delicious creations. Happy baking!
Other Breakfast Recipes To Check Out
Vanilla Almond Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats use gluten-free if gluten-sensitive
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla bean powder or 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup golden raisins
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, salt, cinnamon, vanilla powder, and shredded coconut. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and coconut.
Add the Wet Ingredients
- Drizzle the olive oil and maple syrup over the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated. This step ensures even baking and flavor distribution.
Bake to Perfection
- Evenly spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a wooden spoon to pat down the granola. This helps to make those satisfying chunks of granola goodness.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 22 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. The granola should turn a beautiful golden brown.
Add the Golden Raisins
- Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes. Then, add in the golden raisins. Adding them after baking prevents them from burning and keeps them chewy.
Cool Completely and Store
- Let the granola cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or jar. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch!
Notes
- Equipment and Supplies: Baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowl
- Storage Tips: Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer for up to three months—just let it thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.
Gigi & Sersie
Great with fresh berries! A healthy brunch or dessert.