Crispy Vanilla Almond Granola
Indulge in the delightful crunch of this homemade Crispy Vanilla Almond Granola. Perfect as a healthy snack for kids and adults alike, this versatile granola can be enjoyed on its own, mixed with yogurt and fresh fruit for a satisfying breakfast, or sprinkled over ice cream for a delectable dessert. Its sweet, vanilla aroma fills the kitchen while it bakes, creating an inviting atmosphere. The clumping technique used in this recipe ensures a perfect texture that is both crunchy and satisfying. Perfect for meal prep, this granola can be made ahead of time and stored for quick access to a wholesome treat any day of the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil cooking spray
to taste (for greasing the baking pan)
Old fashioned oats
4 cups (uncooked)
Sliced almonds
1 cup (uncooked)
Golden brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Vegetable oil
1/3 cup (for mixing)
Honey
1/4 cup (for mixing)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (for mixing)
Vanilla extract
4 teaspoons (for mixing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and position a rack in the middle.
2
Lightly spray a large jelly roll pan or baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the old fashioned oats, sliced almonds, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
4
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the vegetable oil, honey, and sugar. Stir and bring to a simmer.
5
Once simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for an aromatic finish.
6
Pour the hot liquid mixture over the dry oat mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat all the oats and almonds evenly. Use your hands to toss the mixture for thorough mixing.
7
Spread the granola evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring an even layer for consistent baking.
8
Bake the granola in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, stirring gently every 10 minutes, and keeping an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning. The granola is done when it is golden brown.
9
Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. After cooling, run a spatula around the edges to loosen the granola from the pan.
10
Allow the granola to cool completely before breaking it into clusters with your hands for better texture.
11
Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor of this granola?
The main flavors are vanilla and almond, creating a sweet and aromatic profile.
What kind of oats are best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 4 cups of old fashioned oats for the best texture.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the rack in the middle.
How do I prevent the granola from sticking to the pan?
Lightly spray a large jelly roll pan or baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray.
What dry ingredients are mixed first?
Combine the old fashioned oats, sliced almonds, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
What ingredients are simmered in the saucepan?
Vegetable oil, honey, and granulated sugar are brought to a simmer over medium heat.
When should I add the vanilla extract?
Stir in the vanilla extract after removing the simmered oil and honey mixture from the heat.
How do I ensure the oats are evenly coated?
Pour the hot liquid over the dry ingredients and use your hands or a spoon to toss the mixture thoroughly.
How long does the granola need to bake?
Bake for about 30 minutes or until the granola is golden brown.
How often should I stir the granola while it is in the oven?
Gently stir the granola every 10 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent burning.
How can I tell when the granola is finished baking?
The granola is done when it has achieved a golden brown color.
What should I do immediately after taking the granola out of the oven?
Let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, then run a spatula around the edges to loosen it.
How do I create granola clusters?
Allow the granola to cool completely on the pan before breaking it into clusters with your hands.
How long can I store this homemade granola?
It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Is this granola suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep as it can be made ahead of time and stays fresh for two weeks.
Can I serve this granola for dessert?
Absolutely! It is delicious when sprinkled over ice cream.
What are some breakfast serving suggestions?
Mix it with yogurt and fresh fruit for a satisfying breakfast.
Does this recipe contain cinnamon?
Yes, it includes 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for extra flavor.
What type of almonds should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sliced, uncooked almonds.
What kind of oil is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of vegetable oil.
How much honey is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of honey for the liquid mixture.
Is brown sugar used in this granola?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of packed golden brown sugar.
Can kids eat this granola?
Yes, it is described as a healthy snack perfect for both kids and adults.
Why is salt added to the recipe?
A 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to balance the sweetness of the sugars and honey.
What size pan is recommended?
A large jelly roll pan or baking sheet is recommended for this recipe.
Should the granola be hot when I break it into pieces?
No, for the best texture, wait until it has cooled completely.
Does this recipe use white sugar?
Yes, in addition to brown sugar, it uses 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
How much vanilla extract is included?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract for a strong aromatic finish.
Can I eat this granola on its own?
Yes, it is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping.