Vanilla Almond Granola

$Vanilla Almond Granola uses simple ingredients. You will need: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup sliced almonds - 1 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots) (optional) These ingredients blend to create a tasty and crunchy snack. Each part plays a role in flavor and texture. - Rolled oats: They provide fiber. This helps with digestion and keeps you full. - Sliced almonds: These add healthy fats and protein. They support heart health. - Mixed seeds: Seeds offer vitamins and minerals. They boost energy and are great for snacks. - Honey or maple syrup: These natural sweeteners give energy and flavor without refined sugar. - Coconut oil: This oil adds healthy fat. It helps with brain health and boosts metabolism. - Vanilla extract: This gives a sweet aroma. It has antioxidant properties too. - Cinnamon: This spice adds flavor and helps control blood sugar. - Salt: A small amount enhances all the flavors. - Dried fruits: Optional, but they add sweetness and nutrients. You can easily swap some ingredients. If you're out of honey, use agave syrup or brown sugar. If you prefer, replace almonds with walnuts or pecans. Use olive oil instead of coconut oil if needed. For a nut-free version, skip nuts and add more seeds. You can also use unsweetened applesauce instead of syrup for a lower sugar count. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. To make this tasty granola, first, gather your ingredients. You need rolled oats, sliced almonds, mixed seeds, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and optional dried fruits. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a big bowl, mix the rolled oats, sliced almonds, and mixed seeds. 3. In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. 4. Pour this wet mix over the dry mix. Stir until all is coated. 5. Spread this mixture on the baking sheet. Press it down with a spatula. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to help it brown evenly. Watch it closely to avoid burning. 7. Remove from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet. It will harden as it cools. 8. Once cool, mix in any dried fruits if you want. 9. Store your granola in an airtight container for up to two weeks. For the best granola, make sure to keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is different. Stirring halfway helps it bake evenly. If you want extra crunch, let it bake a bit longer, but watch it closely. The granola should turn a nice golden brown. You can easily change this recipe! Try adding different nuts like walnuts or pecans. Use other sweeteners like agave syrup or brown sugar. You can swap vanilla for almond extract for a different flavor. Add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. The options are endless! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Store your homemade granola in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. I recommend glass jars or plastic bins with tight lids. You can keep it on your kitchen shelf for up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw on the counter. For a beautiful serving, try using a rustic bowl. Layer the granola with fresh fruits and creamy yogurt. This makes a great breakfast or snack. You can add a drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness. Serve it with a spoon for easy eating. This presentation makes it look fancy and inviting. You can also offer it in small cups for a fun party snack. One common mistake is not watching the granola while it bakes. It can burn quickly, especially at the end. Stirring halfway through helps it bake evenly and prevents burning. Another mistake is using old or stale ingredients. Fresh nuts and seeds make a big difference in taste. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step. The granola will harden as it cools, giving it that perfect crunch. {{image_2}} You can change this granola’s flavor easily. Try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Use 1/4 cup of cocoa powder in your mix. For a tropical flavor, add shredded coconut. About 1/2 cup will do. You can also swap the vanilla extract for almond extract. This gives a nutty taste. Making this granola gluten-free is simple. Just choose gluten-free oats. Many brands offer this option now. If you want a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey. Also, ensure your coconut oil is vegan. These changes keep it delicious and meet dietary needs. Want to boost the nutrition? Add flaxseeds or chia seeds. One or two tablespoons is enough. They give extra fiber and omega-3s. You can also toss in some nuts like walnuts or pecans. This adds crunch and healthy fats. Dried fruits like goji berries or figs can add more flavor and vitamins. Each addition helps make your granola even better. For the full recipe, check the guide above! Homemade granola lasts about two weeks when stored properly. Store-bought granola often has preservatives, so it can last longer, sometimes up to six months. Always check the package for the best-by date. I prefer homemade granola for its fresh taste and simple ingredients. You can freeze granola to keep it fresh longer. Place the granola in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat some, just take out what you need and let it thaw. This keeps your snack fresh and tasty! Choose airtight containers to store your granola. Glass jars, plastic containers, or resealable bags work well. They help keep the granola crunchy and prevent it from getting stale. Label your containers with the date you made the granola. This way, you’ll know how long it has been stored. For the full recipe, check it out and get ready to make some delicious snacks! You can make vanilla almond granola without honey by using maple syrup instead. Maple syrup gives a sweet taste and keeps the granola crunchy. Use the same amount of maple syrup as honey. Mix it with the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract. This change keeps your granola tasty and moist. Yes, you can use other nuts instead of almonds. Pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts work well too. Just chop them up and add them to the mix. Each nut gives a different flavor and crunch. Feel free to mix and match your favorites for a unique twist. The best way to serve granola is with yogurt and fresh fruits. You can layer it in a bowl for a pretty presentation. Pour your choice of milk over it for a classic breakfast. Adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon boosts the flavor. Enjoy it as a snack or a quick meal. For a full recipe, check out the Vanilla Almond Granola details. Making your own vanilla almond granola is fun and easy. You now know the key ingredients, their benefits, and how to customize the recipe. Use the step-by-step guide to bake it perfectly every time. Remember the tips on storage and serving to keep it fresh and tasty. You can even try different flavors or dietary options. Enjoy creating a healthy snack that fits your needs. With these insights, you are ready to make granola your way!$

Make your mornings delicious with this easy Vanilla Almond Granola recipe! Packed with rolled oats, sliced almonds, and mixed seeds, it's a nutritious snack or breakfast option. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a crunchy, sweet granola that you can customize with your favorite dried fruits. Click to explore this wonderful recipe and elevate your breakfast game today! Enjoy a bowl of health and happiness.

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Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, or apricots) (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, and mixed seeds.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well blended.

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down lightly with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will harden as it cools.

Once cooled, add the dried fruits if using, and mix well.

Store the granola in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 35 minutes | about 10 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the granola in a rustic bowl with fresh fruits and yogurt for a delightful breakfast or snack. Consider adding a drizzle of honey on top for an extra touch of sweetness!