Homemade Vanilla Granola Recipe
If you’re looking for a crunchy homemade granola recipe with warm vanilla flavor and perfectly toasted oats, this vanilla granola is the perfect breakfast and snack recipe. Made with old fashioned rolled oats, maple syrup, brown sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla extract, this homemade granola bakes up golden, crisp, and full of comforting flavor.
This easy homemade granola is perfect for breakfast bowls, yogurt parfaits, smoothie bowls, or simple grab-and-go snacks. The combination of maple syrup and vanilla creates a rich sweet flavor while the baked oats become perfectly crunchy as they cool.
Whether you enjoy granola with milk, sprinkled over fruit, or eaten by the handful, this homemade vanilla granola is simple, delicious, and easy to customize.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Vanilla Granola
This homemade granola recipe is:
- Crunchy and flavorful
- Easy to make
- Perfect for breakfast or snacks
- Made with simple ingredients
- Great for meal prep
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
Allowing the granola to cool completely helps create those delicious crunchy clusters everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Old fashioned rolled oats
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Coconut oil
- Maple syrup
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Granola
Start by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt.
In a separate saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the coconut oil. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture over the oats and stir thoroughly until all the oats are evenly coated.
Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
Bake until lightly golden, stirring partway through baking. Press the granola gently into the pan before finishing the bake to help create crunchy granola clusters.
Allow the granola to cool completely before breaking it apart and storing.
Tips for the Best Vanilla Granola
For perfect homemade granola:
- Use old fashioned rolled oats
- Coat the oats evenly
- Bake at a lower temperature
- Let the granola cool completely
- Press the granola down for clusters
The granola will continue crisping up as it cools.
Ways to Enjoy Vanilla Granola
This homemade granola is delicious:
- With milk
- Over yogurt
- On smoothie bowls
- Sprinkled over fruit
- Mixed into parfaits
- As a snack by itself
It also pairs wonderfully with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and honey.
Optional Add-Ins
You can customize this granola with:
- Chopped nuts
- Dried fruit
- Chocolate chips
- Coconut flakes
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds
Add delicate ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruit after the granola has cooled.
Storage Tips
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for several weeks to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does granola become crunchy after cooling?
The sugars and oils continue to harden slightly as the granola cools, creating crisp texture.
Can I use quick oats?
Old fashioned oats work best because they create a crunchier texture.
How do I make granola clusters?
Pressing the granola into the baking sheet before finishing baking helps create clusters.
Can I freeze homemade granola?
Yes! Granola freezes well in airtight containers.
More homemade breakfast recipes to enjoy.
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Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 300°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix together the oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Melt coconut oil in a pot. Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup and vanilla. Pour over the oat mixture and toss to coat. Make sure all of the oats are coated.
- Spread granola in an even layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stir. Press down into an even layer and bake for 15 more minutes, until lightly golden. Let it cool completely, it will become crunchy as it cools.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
