Vanilla Nut Granola Recipe: A Delicious & Easy Snack

Nothing beats the smell of homemade granola baking in the oven, especially this vanilla nut granola recipe. The warm, nutty aroma fills the kitchen and makes everyone feel cozy. Granola is such a versatile breakfast or snack, and making it yourself allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your liking. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome oats, nuts, and seeds, making it a healthy and satisfying choice. For another delicious breakfast option, check out this gipfeli recipe.

Why this Vanilla Nut Granola Recipe is Special

This vanilla nut granola recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors. The combination of crunchy nuts, sweet maple syrup, and a touch of warm vanilla is simply irresistible. It’s not too sweet, not too bland, just right. It’s become a morning staple in our house! My kids can’t get enough of it!

Ingredients

This vanilla nut granola recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Core Ingredients

• Oats: 3 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats). Rolled oats give the granola a nice chewy texture. Quick-cooking oats can also be used, but they may result in a finer granola.
• Nuts: 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts). Feel free to use your favorite nuts or just one kind. Roughly chop them for even distribution.
• Oil: ½ cup neutral oil, like coconut oil (melted), vegetable oil, or canola oil. The oil helps bind the ingredients and adds a bit of richness.
• Sweetener: ½ cup maple syrup. Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely flavor. If you’re looking for a naturally delicious and crunchy granola, check out this recipe for naturally crunchy granola.

Flavor Enhancers

• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the granola.
• Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. These warm spices add a touch of fall flavor.
• Optional Add-ins: ½ cup shredded coconut, ½ cup sunflower seeds, ½ cup pumpkin seeds. My husband loves it when I add shredded coconut.

Sweetener Options

• Maple Syrup: Offers a classic, slightly caramel-like flavor.
• Honey: Provides a distinct floral sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich molasses flavor. You can use packed or unpacked brown sugar, adjusting the amount to your preference. Using brown sugar may require slightly less oil.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this vanilla nut granola recipe. Just a few basic kitchen tools will do:

Mixing Bowls

• Large Bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients evenly. Make sure it’s big enough to comfortably stir everything together without making a mess. For tips on preventing bitter granola, take a look at this helpful resource on naturally bitter granola.

Baking Sheet

• Rimmed Baking Sheet: Use a large, rimmed baking sheet when making this vanilla nut granola recipe. The rim helps contain the granola and prevents spills. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. I always prefer a rimmed baking sheet; it makes it much easier to take the granola in and out of the oven.

Measuring Tools

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measuring is key to a successful granola recipe. Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure the right proportions of ingredients. If you enjoy making your own snacks, you might also like this Chex mix recipe.

Instructions

Making this vanilla nut granola recipe is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps:

Preparing the Dry Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This is important so the oven is ready when the granola mixture is.
2. In your large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and any other dry add-ins you’re using (like coconut flakes or seeds). Give everything a good stir to make sure the spices and add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the oats and nuts.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or other oil), maple syrup (or other sweetener), and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is well combined.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the large bowl.
2. Stir everything together until the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the wet ingredients. Make sure everything is well combined, so the granola bakes evenly. For some other ideas for naturally delicious snacks, see healthy snack options and 29 healthy snacks.

Baking the Granola

1. Spread the granola mixture in a single, even layer on your parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant. Stirring helps ensure that the granola browns evenly and doesn’t burn on the edges. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking, as it can go from golden brown to burnt quickly. Looking for tips on making granola that’s naturally sticky? This article on naturally sticky granola secrets has you covered.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize your vanilla nut granola recipe and make it your own:

Achieving Cluster Granola

My kids absolutely love granola clusters! If you prefer your vanilla nut granola recipe to have more clumps and clusters, there are a few tricks you can try. One way is to lightly whisk an egg white and drizzle it over the granola mixture before baking, stirring to combine. The egg white acts as a binder and helps create those delicious clusters. Another method is to simply press down on the granola with a spatula after stirring it on the baking sheet, compacting it slightly. You can also add a touch more maple syrup or honey to help it stick together better.

Storage Tips

Once the granola is completely cool, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep it fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as this can make it lose its crispness. If you’ve added fresh fruit, you might want to store it in the fridge to prevent spoilage, but be aware that it might soften the granola slightly. If you’re interested in another naturally delicious recipe, you could also try this naturally vanilla nut granola.

Flavor Variations

This vanilla nut granola recipe is a great base for all sorts of flavor combinations. Get creative and have fun with it!

• Dried Fruit: Add ½ cup of your favorite dried fruit, like cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots, or dried cherries. My daughter’s favorite is dried cherries and white chocolate chips – it’s a winning combination!
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips, dark, milk, or white, after the granola has cooled slightly.
• Seeds: Boost the nutritional value by adding different seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
• Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Coconut: Toast the coconut flakes before adding them to the granola for a deeper, more intense coconut flavor. My husband prefers it this way.

FAQ

What ingredient makes granola stick together?

The sweetener is the primary ingredient that makes granola stick together. Whether you use maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar, the sticky nature of these sweeteners helps bind the oats and other ingredients, forming those characteristic clumps. The oil also contributes to the binding process.

Why is homemade granola not crunchy?

If your granola isn’t crunchy, it’s likely because it wasn’t baked long enough or there’s too much moisture. Make sure to bake it until it’s a beautiful golden brown and then let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This allows it to crisp up properly. Overcrowding the pan can also steam the granola, preventing it from getting crunchy. Make sure the granola is spread in a thin, even layer.

Is vanilla nut granola healthy?

Vanilla nut granola can definitely be part of a healthy diet. It provides fiber from the oats, protein and healthy fats from the nuts, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. However, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes as granola can be calorie-dense due to its fat and sugar content.

Why does my homemade granola taste bitter?

A bitter taste in your granola usually indicates that the nuts have been over-toasted or the granola itself has been burnt. Keep a close eye on it while it’s baking, especially towards the end, and avoid over-baking. Make sure your nuts aren’t already overly browned before you start.

Enjoying Your Vanilla Nut Granola

Now for the best part – enjoying your homemade vanilla nut granola! It’s incredibly versatile and delicious in so many ways. My family loves this vanilla nut granola recipe with yogurt and fresh berries for a quick and healthy breakfast. It’s also fantastic sprinkled over fruit salad or a bowl of sliced bananas. You can even enjoy it straight from the jar – perfect for a quick snack when you’re on the go. Try it with milk, almond milk, or even as a crunchy topping for your favorite smoothie. The possibilities are endless! Enjoy!