Introduction
Start your day with a burst of flavor and satisfying crunch! This **Crunchy Vanilla Granola Recipe** is your ticket to breakfast bliss. Forget those bland, store-bought granolas – this homemade version is packed with wholesome ingredients and a deliciously addictive vanilla flavor.
This **Crunchy Vanilla Granola Recipe** is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of golden-brown granola that’s perfect for sprinkling over yogurt, enjoying with milk, or snacking on straight from the jar. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to control the ingredients and avoid the added sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought varieties.
Ready to transform your breakfast routine? Keep reading to discover the secrets to making the ultimate **Crunchy Vanilla Granola Recipe**. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a healthy and delicious treat that everyone will love.
For more healthy breakfast ideas, check out EatingWell’s Breakfast Recipes. For information on the benefits of oats, visit Healthline’s Article on Oats.
Crunchy Vanilla Granola Recipe
The ultimate homemade granola recipe for a crunchy, vanilla-infused breakfast or snack!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, nuts, coconut, seeds, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread mixture in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until golden brown and toasted.
- Let cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking into clusters.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Ingredient Spotlight
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that make this **Crunchy Vanilla Granola Recipe** so irresistible:
- Rolled Oats: The base of the granola, providing fiber and a hearty texture. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results.
- Chopped Nuts (Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts): Add flavor, crunch, and healthy fats. You can use a single type of nut or a mix of your favorites.
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds a touch of sweetness and a tropical flavor. Be sure to use unsweetened coconut to control the sugar content of the granola.
- Seeds (Pumpkin, Sunflower, Chia): Boost the nutritional value of the granola with added protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Provides sweetness and helps to bind the granola together. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
- Melted Coconut Oil: Adds moisture and helps to create a crispy texture. You can substitute with other oils like canola or vegetable oil, but coconut oil will provide a subtle coconut flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Imparts a warm, comforting vanilla flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
For a gluten-free granola, be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Why This Recipe Works
This **Crunchy Vanilla Granola Recipe** is a winner because it’s easy to customize, delivers a satisfying crunch, and is packed with wholesome ingredients. The simple combination of oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut creates a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack.
- Perfectly Crunchy: The low baking temperature and even spreading ensure a consistent crunch throughout the granola.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or spices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make this amazing Crunchy Vanilla Granola Recipe:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, unsweetened shredded coconut, seeds, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake and Stir: Bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until golden brown and toasted.
- Cool and Cluster: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into clusters. This is key for achieving that signature crunch!
- Store: Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips to take your **Crunchy Vanilla Granola Recipe** to the next level:
Why it works: This helps the granola cluster together and creates a more even texture.
Why it works: Only stir once halfway through to ensure even toasting, but avoid over-stirring, as this can prevent clumping.
Why it works: This allows the granola to fully harden and develop its signature crunch.
Variations and Adaptations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try with this **Crunchy Vanilla Granola Recipe**:
| Variation | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Chip Granola | Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the granola after baking and cooling. | Stir in the chocolate chips after the granola has cooled completely. |
| Cinnamon Raisin Granola | Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the dry ingredients and 1/2 cup raisins to the granola after baking and cooling. | Stir the cinnamon into the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients, and stir in the raisins after the granola has cooled. |
| Peanut Butter Granola | Add 1/4 cup peanut butter to the wet ingredients. | Whisk the peanut butter into the maple syrup or honey and coconut oil before adding it to the dry ingredients. |
Quiz: Are You a Granola Guru?
Think you’ve mastered the art of granola-making? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz!
Share the Crunchy Goodness!
Spread the breakfast joy! Share this amazing Crunchy Vanilla Granola Recipe with your friends and family on social media:
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pin it on PinterestFrequently Asked Questions
What makes granola crunchy?
Why is my granola not getting crispy?
How do you harden homemade granola?
Can I put vanilla extract in granola?
Conclusion
With this simple recipe, you have all you need to create your perfect batch of **Crunchy Vanilla Granola Recipe**! Easy to make, yet so delightful, it’s sure to be one of your favourites.
So now is the time to make it and try your new breakfast or snack! Remember to share.