Vanilla Almond Granola (8 Ingredients) - Sally's Baking Addiction (2024)

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!

Vanilla Almond Granola (8 Ingredients) - Sally's Baking Addiction (1)

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! ★★★★★”

Vanilla Almond Granola (8 Ingredients) - Sally's Baking Addiction (2)

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)

See all vegan recipes, all egg-free recipes, and all gluten free recipes.

8 Simple, Recognizable Ingredients

  1. 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.
  2. 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!
  3. Cinnamon: A little cinnamon lends its warmth to the flavor of this granola.
  4. Salt: Just a pinch, to enhance all the flavors.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!
  8. Vanilla Extract: We’re using a whole Tablespoon, for maximum vanilla flavor.
Vanilla Almond Granola (8 Ingredients) - Sally's Baking Addiction (3)

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.

  1. Mix together dry ingredients.
  2. Mix together wet ingredients.
  3. Combine the wet + dry, spread on a baking sheet, and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Vanilla Almond Granola (8 Ingredients) - Sally's Baking Addiction (4)
Vanilla Almond Granola (8 Ingredients) - Sally's Baking Addiction (5)

Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This is where a lot of the crispy-crunchiness happens.

Vanilla Almond Granola (8 Ingredients) - Sally's Baking Addiction (6)
Vanilla Almond Granola (8 Ingredients) - Sally's Baking Addiction (7)

Once you’ve tried thesenaturally sweetened, nutty clusters, I’m confident you won’t want to go back to the pricey store-bought stuff.

More Homemade Favorites

  • Healthy Bran Muffins
  • Chocolate Crunch Granola
  • Whole Wheat Pancakes
  • Pumpkin Spice Granola
  • Homemade Fig Bars

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Vanilla Almond Granola (8 Ingredients) - Sally's Baking Addiction (8)

Vanilla Almond Granola

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star5 from 37 reviews

  • Author: Sally
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2.5-3 cups
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

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).

Ingredients

  • 2 and 1/2 cups (213g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup (100g) slivered or sliced almonds*
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • pinch salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup (56g) coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract (yes, Tablespoon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Granola is the perfect recipe to make ahead because it stays fresh for so long. Store this in anairtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
  2. Special Tools (affiliate links): Baking Sheet | Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | Silicone Spatula
  3. 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.
Vanilla Almond Granola (8 Ingredients) - Sally's Baking Addiction (2024)

FAQs

What ingredient makes granola stick together? ›

Add an egg white.

The whites act as a kind of glue that binds the ingredients together. To ensure that the egg whites coat all the ingredients, I beat them with a whisk until foamy and increased in volume, which makes it much easier to fold into the granola.

What is the binder in granola? ›

The binder is what helps the base ingredients clump together into clusters. Traditionally this is usually a sugar syrup, but it's possible to use any ingredient that has the power to bind. Egg - Egg whites are a great binder for granola if you are trying to avoid sugar.

Why are homemade granola not crunchy? ›

I aim to let it hit room temperature, whatever that may be; the real point is to give it ample time to shed excess heat and steam. This should take about 45 minutes; if left out indefinitely, the granola can turn sticky or soft, so do try to put it away as soon after cooling as you can.

What are the ingredients in Trader Joe's vanilla almond granola? ›

Ingredients. Whole Rolled Oats, Milled Cane Sugar, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Rice Flour, Almonds, Cornstarch, Honey, Natural Flavors, Salt, Barley Malt Syrup. Contains: Almonds.

How to get homemade granola to stick together? ›

There are other ways to achieve clumpier granola. You can add more fat (in the form of butter or oil). If you're shooting for a somewhat healthy result, you can add some other binder, like an egg white or applesauce.

Why didn't my homemade granola stick together? ›

If so, the reason that your granola isn't clumpy already is because it was deliberately stirred and broken apart while it was baking, and it might be possible to make it re-clump! Try putting a scoop in the microwave and heating it in 30 second bursts on high. If it starts to get sticky, you're golden.

What does granola do to your digestive system? ›

This fiber aids in digestion and can help you feel full longer, potentially aiding in weight management. Moreover, while granola does contain sugars, opting for versions with less added sugar and made with more natural sugar sources can maximize its health benefits.

What elements are in granola? ›

Granola is a food consisting of rolled oats, nuts, seeds, honey or other sweeteners such as brown sugar, and sometimes puffed rice, that is usually baked until crisp, toasted and golden brown. The mixture is stirred while baking to avoid burning and to maintain a loose breakfast cereal consistency.

Why is my granola crumbly? ›

Quick oats (also known as instant oats): These oats have been cut into smaller pieces, which makes them cook faster than rolled oats. They can be used in granola, but they will not provide the same texture as rolled oats and may cause the granola to be too crumbly.

What ingredients should you avoid in granola? ›

Check the ingredient list, avoiding products that list sugar or sweeteners —including natural sweeteners like honey — within the first few ingredients. Instead, the first few ingredients should be whole foods, such as oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. You may also want to look for varieties high in protein and fiber.

Should you stir granola while baking? ›

Stick with a low temperature, keep an eye on your mixture, and stir it from time to time to help it brown evenly.

Is it worth making your own granola? ›

Once you try homemade granola, you won't go back to store-bought granola. It's so much better! This granola recipe is also a far more healthy granola option, since it's made with whole grains, unrefined oil and naturally sweetened.

Is vanilla granola good for you? ›

It can be. "Standard granola often contains rolled oats, which provide fiber and complex carbohydrates, and nuts that contribute healthy fats, plant protein and vitamin E," says Gellman. On the flip side, it can also be a source of saturated fats and added sugars, which are harmful for your heart when eaten in excess.

What are the ingredients in so good almond vanilla? ›

Filtered water, cane sugar, almonds (2.5 %), mineral (calcium), natural flavour, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), salt, mineral salt (sodium bicarbonate), vegetable gum (gellan), antioxidant (ascorbic acid), vitamins (B12, B2, B1). All ingredients are of non-animal origin.

Is almond granola good for you? ›

And while nuts provide healthy fats and dried fruits contain potassium, an electrolyte that's essential for bodily processes including cell function and muscle contractions, the amount of nuts and dried fruit in most granola likely isn't enough to offer big benefits, she says. Granola is also packed with carbs.

What is the best binder for granola? ›

Nut butter is a super flavorful fat that serves multiple purposes in granola. It acts as a binding agent—along with additional coconut oil and whatever natural sweetener I've chosen—helping to pull the dry ingredients together into a wet, sticky mass for baking.

What can I use as glue for granola bars? ›

While the oats and nuts bake, you can make the sticky glue that holds our bars together. You'll melt butter, honey, and brown sugar in a saucepan and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Mix this sticky mixture with the toasted oats and nuts.

What is the main ingredient in chewy granola bars? ›

GRANOLA (WHOLE GRAIN OATS, BROWN SUGAR, BROWN RICE CRISP [WHOLE GRAIN BROWN RICE FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT], WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT, SOYBEAN OIL, COCONUT, WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR, BAKING SODA, SOY LECITHIN, NONFAT DRY MILK), SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS (SUGAR, CHOCOLATE LIQUOR, COCOA BUTTER, SOY LECITHIN, VANILLA EXTRACT), CORN SYRUP, ...

What makes granola not GF? ›

It mainly depends on what kind of granola you buy. While oats are naturally free of gluten, they may be processed in an area that has been exposed to gluten which will then cause the oats to be contaminated with this protein. Some brands of granola also use wheat flour that contains gluten.

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