Sweet & crunchy vanilla almond granola is easy to make and tastes about a thousand times better than store-bought. Wholesome oats and almonds cluster together with the sweet flavors of maple syrup and vanilla, without the long list of unrecognizable ingredients. Sprinkle it over yogurt for breakfast or enjoy it on its own as a snack you can take on the go—this delicious homemade granola is a reader favorite for a reason!
I have several recipes for homemade granola on my site, like pumpkin spice granola and chocolate peanut butter granola, but this vanilla almond granola is the gold standard. My flagship granola, if you will. Aromatic vanilla, pure maple, almond, and cinnamon mingle together in perfect harmony, bite after crunchy bite. This stuff is seriously the best.
I originally published this recipe on my website back in 2014, and I still make it regularly. Sprinkled on yogurt or oatmeal, served in a bowl with milk, used as a garnish on maple vanilla baked pears or a bowl of fresh berries, or simply enjoyed with a spoon, my vanilla almond granola is a staple in many other kitchens, too:
One reader, Sheila, commented:“This granola is delicious and so easy to make. My husband, who never met a granola he liked, puts this on his oatmeal every morning and on his yogurt as well. I will never buy granola again. I added some pepitas before cooking and cranberries afterward...★★★★★”
One reader, Christina, commented:“I have made this granola so many times that I’ve lost count. My friends and family all love ‘my’ (i.e., Sally’s!) granola and I get so many requests to make it! It’s great to have on hand for a quick breakfast for the kids but it’s rare that it lasts more than a day in our house! ★★★★★”
And one reader, Brittany, commented:“I made this twice just this week! My whole family absolutely loves it! So glad for a healthier and tastier option to store-bought and it’s so quick and easy to make. Can’t go wrong with this recipe!★★★★★”
Here’s Why You’ll Love This Granola
8 simple, recognizable ingredients
Crunchy, nutty, a little salty, a little sweet
Sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup—no refined sugars
As delicious as a snack on its own as it is over yogurt for breakfast
Unlike store-bought granola, you have control over the ingredients
Easy to make—only 3 steps! Wonderful recipe for beginner bakers
And homemade granola makes a great gift!
Vegan, egg free, and gluten free (if using certified-GF oats)
Oats: Old-fashioned whole rolled oats are key in this recipe, making up the bulk of the dry ingredients. I don’t recommend quick or instant oats here.
Sliced Almonds: Almonds add crunch, texture, and flavor. I usually use sliced, but you can use slivered or roughly chopped almonds instead. Raw or roasted—the choice is yours!
Cinnamon: A little cinnamon lends its warmth to the flavor of this granola.
Salt: Just a pinch, to enhance all the flavors.
Pure Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds flavor and sweetness, and you’ll appreciate that the sugar in this recipe is natural and unrefined. It also helps bind the ingredients together.
Coconut Oil: Do not leave this out! Coconut oil is the key to the CRUNCH in every cluster, just like when we make granola clusters. You can use vegetable oil or melted butter instead if needed.
Almond Extract: A touch of almond extract adds the BEST flavor to this granola. The smell brings to mind sugar cookies and birthday cake pancakes!
Vanilla Extract: We’re using a whole Tablespoon, for maximum vanilla flavor.
How to Make Vanilla Almond Granola in 3 Steps
This recipe only has 3 steps. That’s it! Honestly, it’s starting to sound like going to the store to buy granola is way more work.
Mix together dry ingredients.
Mix together wet ingredients.
Combine the wet + dry, spread on a baking sheet, and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This is where a lot of the crispy-crunchiness happens.
Once you’ve tried these naturally sweetened, nutty clusters, I’m confident you won’t want to go back to the pricey store-bought stuff.
Sweet, sticky, and crunchy granola exploding with vanilla and almond flavors. Ditch store-bought, because healthy homemade granola is easy! This recipe is vegan, egg free, and gluten free (if using certified GF oats).
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 melted 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 out onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Allow granola to cool completely—as the granola cools, it becomes crunchy.
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.
Almonds: Sometimes I use honey roasted slivered almonds from Trader Joe’s—they’re delicious! If you use honey roasted almonds, the granola will no longer be vegan.
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