This homemade Vanilla Almond Granola is perfectly crunchy and nutty and infused with warm vanilla and cinnamon flavors. Paired with our Homemade Almond Milk or Easy Soy Yogurt with fresh fruit, and you're in for a real treat.
If you’re looking for the perfect crispy, crunchy, naturally sweet granola to elevate your breakfast or snack game, this Vanilla Almond Granola delivers. Made with whole plant food ingredients like rolled oats, sliced almonds, and golden raisins, it's bursting with rich vanilla flavor.
This easy homemade granola is gluten-free, refined sugar-free, kid-friendly, and irresistibly delicious. You may also like our Orange Walnut Granola and Pumpkin Spice Granola.
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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.
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.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rolled oats: The base of any great granola, providing fiber and texture. Use gluten-free rolled oats if you're gluten-sensitive.
- Sliced almonds: Adds crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Vanilla bean powder: Intensifies the vanilla flavor.
- Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
- Golden raisins: Adds chewy bursts of natural sweetness.
A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found on the recipe card below.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about homemade granola is how customizable it is!
- 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.
How to Make This Homemade Granola
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
Evenly spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4
Use a wooden spoon to pat down the granola. This helps to make those satisfying chunks of granola goodness. Then, put it in the oven to bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 22 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning.
Step 5
Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and add in the golden raisins. Allow the vanilla almond granola to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or jar. This is important for achieving that perfect crunch.
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Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the cooling step. The granola firms up as it cools, giving you those irresistible clusters.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze for a longer shelf life.
- Use a large mixing bowl, drizzle the wet ingredients over the dry, and stir well to ensure the coating of wet and dry ingredients is even.
Ways to Enjoy This Vanilla Almond Granola
- Sprinkle over Homemade Soy Yogurt with fresh berries. Or use it as a crunchy topping for Overnight Oats Parfait with Mixed Berries or Overnight Oats Parfait with Caramelized Bananas.
- Serve with Homemade Almond Milk, Hemp Milk, soy milk, or oat milk and fresh fruit for a satisfying breakfast.
- Mix with dark chocolate chips for a homemade trail mix.
- Add texture to our Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie or Peach Banana Smoothie by sprinkling a tablespoon of this vanilla almond granola on top.
- Eat it by the handful as a crunchy, nutritious snack.
- Use it as a topping for smoothie bowls, like our Apple Smoothie Bowl or Tropical Smoothie Bowl.
Recipe FAQs
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. Let it thaw for about 20 to 30 minutes before enjoying.
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.
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.
Other Breakfast Recipes To Check Out
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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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Then, put it in the oven to bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 22 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and add in the golden raisins. Allow the vanilla almond granola to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or jar. This is important for achieving that perfect crunch.
Notes
- Don’t skip the cooling step. The granola firms up as it cools, giving you those irresistible clusters.
- Use a large mixing bowl, drizzle the wet ingredients over the dry, and stir well to ensure an even coating of wet and dry ingredients.
- Serve with Homemade Almond Milk, Hemp Milk, soy milk, or oat milk and fresh fruit for a satisfying breakfast. Sprinkle over Homemade Soy Yogurt with fresh berries.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze for a longer shelf life.
Gigi & Sersie
Great with fresh berries! A healthy brunch or dessert.