Vanilla Almond Granola Clusters

$To make Vanilla Almond Granola Clusters, you need the following: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup almonds, chopped - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins - Optional: 1/4 cup shredded coconut These ingredients blend together to create a tasty, crunchy treat. You can easily swap some items in this recipe. If you have a nut allergy, use sunflower seeds instead of almonds. You can also try agave nectar in place of honey or maple syrup. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well and adds flavor. If you do not have rolled oats, quick oats are a fine choice, but the texture may change. If you need different measurements, here are some easy conversions: - 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces - 1/2 cup = 4 fluid ounces - 1/4 cup = 2 fluid ounces - 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters - 1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters This way, you can adjust the recipe to fit your needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect heat for granola. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps the granola from sticking. It also makes cleanup easy. A clean baking sheet means less fuss later! In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats and 1 cup of chopped almonds. Mix these dry ingredients well. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup), 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything blends smoothly. Pour this mixture over the oats and almonds. Stir until every piece is coated. If you like, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins. This adds a nice chewiness to your granola! Transfer the mixture to your lined baking sheet. Spread it out evenly to form one layer. This helps it cook evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Stir the granola halfway through to ensure it toasts nicely. Keep an eye on it, as you want it golden brown, not burnt! Once it’s baked, remove it from the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling time helps form those tasty clusters. After cooling, break it into clusters and store in an airtight container. Enjoy your homemade granola! To make the best granola clusters, follow these steps: - Use rolled oats. They create a chewy texture. - Mix the wet and dry ingredients well. This helps coat everything evenly. - Spread the mixture in a thin layer on the baking sheet. This ensures even cooking. - Let it cool completely before breaking it apart. Cooling helps form those tasty clusters. These simple tips will give you clusters that are crunchy and delicious. I love serving my Vanilla Almond Granola Clusters in fun ways. Here are a few ideas: - Scoop them into mason jars for a cute breakfast idea. - Serve them in small bowls with yogurt and fresh fruit. - Drizzle some extra honey on top for more sweetness. - Pair them with almond milk or your favorite milk for a crunchy snack. These ideas make breakfast exciting and satisfying. You can easily boost the flavor of your granola. Here are some tasty options: - Add dried cranberries or raisins. They add sweetness and chewiness. - Toss in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist. It brings a nice crunch and flavor. - Mix in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for added nutrition and texture. - Use different spices, like nutmeg or ginger, to switch things up. Feel free to get creative! Your granola will be even more special with these additions. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh nuts and oats to enhance flavor and crunch in your granola clusters. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup according to your preference for sweetness; you can also experiment with different sweeteners. Let It Cool Completely: Allowing the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet is essential for forming those delightful clusters. Storage Matters: Store your granola in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunchiness for a longer period. {{image_2}} You can make this granola nut-free if you want. Simply swap out the almonds for seeds. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. These seeds add crunch and nutrients. You can also add more oats to keep the texture. This way, you still get a tasty treat without the nuts. You can spice up your granola with different flavors. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for warmth. You might enjoy using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different taste. If you want a sweeter touch, add a bit of brown sugar. These changes can make each batch unique and fun to try. Mix-ins can change your granola game. You can add dried fruits like apricots or blueberries. If you like a chewier texture, go for dried figs. You can also toss in chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra health benefits. Feel free to get creative! Each mix-in adds its own flavor and texture, making your granola special. To keep your Vanilla Almond Granola Clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. Glass jars work great and look nice too. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid spots that get warm or humid, like near the stove. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps the clusters crunchy. When stored correctly, your granola clusters can last up to two weeks. After that, they may lose their crispness or taste. If you notice any off smell or taste, it's best to throw them away. Always check before enjoying! You can freeze your granola clusters for longer storage. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This will help them stay crunchy! Yes, you can make these clusters vegan. Simply replace honey with maple syrup. This keeps the taste and ensures a sweet flavor. You can also use coconut oil, which is already vegan, for fat. To get clumps, use enough sticky sweetener. Honey or maple syrup works well. Mix the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly. Spread the mixture in a thin layer on the baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, but don’t stir too much while baking. Let it cool before breaking it into clusters. Granola clusters are great on their own or with yogurt. You can also serve them with milk or in smoothies. For a fun twist, add fresh berries or sliced bananas. They make a great topping for oatmeal or pancakes too! This guide covered all you need to know about making delicious Vanilla Almond Granola Clusters. We explored the right ingredients and measurement conversions. You learned how to mix and bake for perfect results. Tips on flavor and serving ideas can elevate your clusters. Plus, we shared variations for nut-free options and add-ins. Remember to store your granola well to keep it fresh. With these steps, you can enjoy tasty, crunchy clusters anytime. Now, you're ready to make your own scrumptious treats!$

Vanilla Almond Granola Clusters

A delicious and crunchy granola made with oats, almonds, and a hint of vanilla.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup almonds, chopped
0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup dried cranberries or raisins
0.25 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and chopped almonds.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well blended.
Pour the honey mixture over the oat and almond mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
If using, add the dried cranberries or raisins to the bowl and stir to combine.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly to form a single layer.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting, until the granola is golden brown.
Once done baking, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet – this will help it form clusters.
Once cooled, break into clusters and store in an airtight container.

Notes

Serve in mason jars or small bowls, and consider adding fresh berries or sliced bananas on the side.

Keyword granola, healthy, snack