Vanilla Almond Granola – Sweet, crunchy, and packed with almonds, oats, and a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. This easy homemade granola is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sprinkling over yogurt.

Vanilla Almond Granola is one of those recipes that’s always worth making at home. It’s simple, customizable, and miles better than anything you’ll find in a store. Plus, you get to control exactly what goes into it, so it can be as sweet, crunchy, or nutty as you like. This version has just the right amount of warmth from cinnamon, a hint of vanilla, and a satisfying crunch from sliced almonds and oats.

 

If mornings are hectic, this granola is perfect to prep ahead and enjoy throughout the week. I love tossing it over Greek yogurt with fresh berries for an easy breakfast, but it’s just as good eaten by the handful when I’m craving something crunchy.

And if you’re looking for an on-the-go option, my No Bake Chewy Granola Bars are a great companion recipe for busy days—they’re portable and just as satisfying.

One of the best parts about homemade granola is how flexible it is. You can swap the almonds for walnuts, pecans, or any nuts you have on hand. Not a fan of dried cranberries? Add raisins, dried cherries, or even chocolate chips once it’s cooled.

It’s endlessly adaptable and works for breakfast, snacks, or even as a topping for desserts like ice cream or baked apples.

If you’ve never made granola before, don’t worry—this recipe is incredibly simple. You’ll mix everything together, bake it low and slow, and stir every so often to make sure it gets perfectly toasted.

Why You’ll Love Vanilla Granola

• Healthier than store-bought: Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, almonds, and coconut oil, this granola skips the preservatives and unnecessary sugars found in many packaged options.
• Budget-friendly: Making granola at home is much more cost-effective than buying pre-made versions, especially when you can use pantry staples.
• Great for meal prep: A single batch can last for weeks when stored properly, making it an easy addition to your weekly meal routine.

What You’ll Need

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

• Oats – Old Fashioned Oats work best
• Rice Krispies
• Sliced Almonds – could really use any nut that you like
• Light Brown Sugar
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Coconut Oil – avocado oil or vegetable oil works great as well
• Honey or Maple Syrup
• Vanilla Extract
• Dried Cranberries

How to Make Vanilla Granola

1. Preheat and prepare your baking sheet: Heat the oven to 300°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, Rice Krispies, sliced almonds, salt, and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
3. Heat the wet ingredients: Warm the honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar and coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat until they start to simmer, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the heated mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the granola onto the baking sheet: Evenly distribute the mixture across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring a thin, even layer.
6. Bake and stir regularly: Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to promote even toasting and prevent burning.
7. Add dried fruit: Once the granola is baked and golden, remove it from the oven and stir in the dried cranberries while it’s still warm.
8. Cool and store: Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet, then transfer it to an airtight container for storage.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture: Quick oats can make the granola too soft, so stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for that classic crunch.
• Don’t skip the stirring: Stirring the granola every 10 minutes while baking ensures even browning and prevents any burnt spots.
• Add mix-ins after baking: Ingredients like chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or dried fruit should be mixed in after the granola cools to keep their texture intact.
• Experiment with spices: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice to customize the granola’s flavor for the season.
• Add seeds for extra nutrition: Mix in chia seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds for a nutrient boost without changing the flavor.
• Cool completely before storing: Let the granola cool on the pan to crisp up fully—storing it while warm can make it lose its crunch.
• Double the recipe for gifting: This granola makes a thoughtful, homemade gift when packaged in jars or bags tied with ribbon.

Can You Freeze Granola

Yes, you absolutely can! Just store in a freezer safe bag or air tight container and it will last for a few months in the freezer.

We like to give homemade granola as gifts in a cut jar with a ribbon at the holidays, so knowing it can freeze and last awhile is great!

So skip the store bought granola that is always over priced and has way more sugar and ingredients that you need. Homemade is super easy, and tastes so much better!

More Breakfast Recipes

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
• Strawberry Muffins
• Frozen Yogurt Cups
• Homemade Granola with Pumpkin Seeds
• Blueberry French Toast Bake
• Chocolate Chip Muffins

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