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Vanilla Nut Granola Recipe

Overhead shot of a bowl of vanilla nut granola with almonds and pecans on a wooden kitchen table

This vanilla nut granola recipe is crunchy, lightly sweetened, and packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, almonds, and vanilla. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or adding to yogurt and smoothie bowls. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite nuts and dried fruits!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup raw almonds (chopped or whole)
  • ½ cup pecans (or walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts)
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional)
  • ½ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ⅓ cup coconut oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ½ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots – optional)
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional, add after baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare:

    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

    • In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

    • In a separate small bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
  4. Coat and Mix:

    • Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and stir well until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Bake to Perfection:

    • Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
    • Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting.
  6. Cool and Store:

    • Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet.
    • Once cooled, stir in any dried fruit or chocolate chips (if using).
    • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • For extra crunch: Don’t stir too much while baking—this helps form granola clusters.
  • For vegan granola: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
  • For a gluten-free version: Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
  • For a nut-free version: Swap nuts for pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
  • Refreshing stale granola: If it softens over time, bake at 300°F for 5–10 minutes to crisp it back up.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla nut granola, homemade granola, healthy granola recipe, crunchy granola, nutty granola, vanilla granola clusters