Vanilla Nut Granola Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Homemade Treat
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack option? Look no further than this homemade vanilla nut granola recipe! This recipe is easy to follow, customizable to your taste preferences, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Say goodbye to store-bought granola filled with added sugars and artificial ingredients, and hello to a crunchy, flavorful granola you'll be proud to make and enjoy.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. You likely already have many of them in your pantry!
- Oats: 4 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking) - The foundation of our granola!
- Nuts: 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) - Provides healthy fats and a delightful crunch. Feel free to substitute or add your favorites!
- Seeds: ½ cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, flax) - Adds extra nutrients and texture.
- Sweetener: ½ cup honey or maple syrup - Provides natural sweetness and binds the granola together. Adjust to your preference.
- Oil: ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or olive oil) - Adds moisture and helps with browning.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon - Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
- Spices: ½ teaspoon cinnamon - A classic complement to nuts and oats. Consider adding other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a twist.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon - Balances the sweetness.
Instructions: Making Your Homemade Granola
Follow these easy steps to create your perfect batch of vanilla nut granola:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts, mixed seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the granola mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into smaller clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Tips and Variations:
- Customize your nuts and seeds: Feel free to use your favorite nuts and seeds. Consider adding dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet granola, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Add chocolate chips: For an extra decadent treat, stir in some dark chocolate chips before baking.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for a warm, spicy kick.
- Experiment with different spices: Explore other spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice.
Why This Recipe is Great:
This vanilla nut granola recipe is a fantastic choice because it's:
- Healthy: Packed with whole grains, nuts, and seeds, providing essential nutrients and fiber.
- Delicious: The combination of vanilla, nuts, and spices creates a truly irresistible flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Easy to make: The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
- Cost-effective: Making your own granola is often cheaper than buying it from the store.
Enjoy your homemade vanilla nut granola! It's perfect for breakfast with yogurt and fruit, as a snack on its own, or as a topping for your favorite desserts. Let us know in the comments how you customize your granola!
