Vanilla Almond Granola (Huge Clusters)

Name: Vanilla Almond Granola (Huge Clusters)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 Cups Rolled Oats; 3/4 Cup Slivered Almonds; 2/3 Cup Maple or Date Syrup; 1 1/2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste; 3/4 Teaspoon Almond Extract; 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/2 Teaspoon Salt

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Make HUGE clusters of this vanilla almond granola for a delightfully sweet and crunchy snack. With simple ingredients like oats, maple syrup, vanilla, almond, and cinnamon, this vanilla bean granola will be your go-to easy recipe!

A few weeks ago I was going through all of my belongings in preparation for starting my new job and moving across the country.

In a random drawer, I came across a small index card with a recipe on it. As soon as I saw the card I knew exactly what the recipe was.

I looked at this little piece of paper and reminisced over the very first recipe I had ever created and written down: vanilla almond granola.

Tray of freshly baked Vanilla Almond Granola.

Everything you want in a granola recipe

The crunch, the clusters, the sweet flavor. It's all there!

Crunch: maple syrup is the key here - it hardens on the oats to make a crispy texture.

Clusters: the secret to making HUGE clusters is time. Letting the granola cool completely without touching it will create the biggest clusters.

Flavor: Vanilla and almond pair perfectly together in this granola. It has both vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste) and almond extract for two giant bursts of rich flavor.

Bowl of yogurt topped with vanilla Almond Granola.

Why I love this Vanilla Almond Granola

Dietary needs - this recipe is plant-based, oil-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free
Perfect treat- this vanilla bean granola is made from whole food ingredients with fiber and nutrients for a healthy and tasty breakfast or snack
Simple ingredients - With only 6 ingredients, you likely already have all the ingredients you need to make this granola recipe!
Customizable - stir in your favorite dried fruits or nuts. Add flax or chia seeds. Whatever you love! The possibilities are endless
Makes your kitchen smell like a literal dream - seriously. Vanilla and almond extracts smell absolutely divine when cooked in the oven.
Neutral taste, perfect for pairing - serve with your favorite smoothie, on a yogurt bowl, or by itself!

Bowl of Vanilla Almond Granola ready to serve.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Rolled Oats: You can make granola with quick oats but it's much better with rolled oats. If you are gluten-sensitive be sure to buy certified gluten-free oats to avoid any cross contamination
Slivered Almonds: I like using slivered almonds in this granola because they aren't too large and chunky like whole almonds but they still give a nice crunch. Feel free to use slivered or whole almonds.
Maple Syrup: I like using maple syrup in my granola recipes because it creates the best crunch. Date syrup is a great sub if you'd like to make the recipe completely fruit-sweetened.
Vanilla: for ultra strong vanilla flavor use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract. If you don't have paste, extract is perfectly fine!
Almond Extract: using almond extract adds even more of that sweet almond flavor. I highly recommend it in this recipe, but it won't ruin the granola to omit it.
Cinnamon
Salt

How to make Vanilla Almond Granola

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients until the oats are thoroughly coated.

Vanilla Almond Granola Step 2 - mix the ingredients.

Step 3. Spread on the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Vanilla Almond Granola Step 3 - spread on prepared pan.

Step 4. Remove from the oven and cool completely on the pan to create clusters. Then break into chunks and enjoy!

Vanilla Almond Granola Step 4 - cool on the pan.

Ways to eat granola

On top of a smoothie or açai bowl
Paired with a high-protein yogurt
On oatmeal or overnight oats for some crunch
For some crunch in your cereal
As a topping for ice cream
In trail mix
By itself - my favorite!

Vanilla Almond Granola served on a smoothie.

FAQs & Expert Tips

Seriously... let the granola cool

The key to a crunchy granola is to let it cool completely on the pan. This allows the syrup to dry completely and bind each cluster together.

Patience is essential when you want all those clusters!

Switch up the flavors

Feel free to play around and add seeds, fruits, and spices for your own spin on this granola

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Oats are naturally gluten-free. Some oats are contaminated with gluten during the processing so if you're allergic to gluten be sure to buy certified gluten-free oats.

Make it fruit sweetened

Use date syrup instead of maple syrup.

Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for giving us the ability to cook and create. Amen.

Vanilla almond granola served in a bowl with some extra almonds.

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Tried this recipe?

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