Sweet & crunchy vanilla almond granola is easy to make and tastes about a thousand times better than store-bought. Wholesome oats and almonds cluster together with the sweet flavors of maple syrup and vanilla, without the long list of unrecognizable ingredients. Sprinkle it over yogurt for breakfast or enjoy it on its own as a snack you can take on the go—this delicious homemade granola is a reader favorite for a reason!
I originally published this recipe in 2014 and have since added new photos.
I have several recipes for homemade granola on my site, like pumpkin spice granola and chocolate peanut butter granola, but this vanilla almond granola is the gold standard. My flagship granola, if you will. Aromatic vanilla, pure maple, almond, and cinnamon mingle together in perfect harmony, bite after crunchy bite. This stuff is seriously the best.
Since I first published this recipe many years ago, I still make it regularly. Sprinkled on yogurt or oatmeal, served in a bowl with milk, used as a garnish on maple vanilla baked pears or a bowl of fresh berries, or simply enjoyed with a spoon, my vanilla almond granola is a staple in many other kitchens, too:
One reader, Sheila, commented: “This granola is delicious and so easy to make. My husband, who never met a granola he liked, puts this on his oatmeal every morning and on his yogurt as well. I will never buy granola again. I added some pepitas before cooking and cranberries afterward... ★★★★★”
One reader, Christina, commented: “I have made this granola so many times that I’ve lost count. My friends and family all love ‘my’ (i.e., Sally’s!) granola and I get so many requests to make it! It’s great to have on hand for a quick breakfast for the kids but it’s rare that it lasts more than a day in our house! ★★★★★”
And one reader, Brittany, commented: “I made this twice just this week! My whole family absolutely loves it! So glad for a healthier and tastier option to store-bought and it’s so quick and easy to make. Can’t go wrong with this recipe! ★★★★★”
Here’s Why You’ll Love This Granola
- 8 simple, recognizable ingredients
- Crunchy, nutty, a little salty, a little sweet
- Sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup—no refined sugars
- As delicious as a snack on its own as it is over yogurt for breakfast
- Unlike store-bought granola, you have control over the ingredients
- Easy to make—only 3 steps! Wonderful recipe for beginner bakers
- And homemade granola makes a great gift!
- Vegan, egg free, and gluten free (if using certified-GF oats)
See all vegan recipes, all egg-free recipes, and all gluten free recipes.
8 Simple, Recognizable Ingredients
- Oats: Old-fashioned whole rolled oats are key in this recipe, making up the bulk of the dry ingredients. I don’t recommend quick or instant oats here.
- Sliced Almonds: Almonds add crunch, texture, and flavor. I usually use sliced, but you can use slivered or roughly chopped almonds instead. Raw or roasted—the choice is yours!
- Cinnamon: A little cinnamon lends its warmth to the flavor of this granola.
- Salt: Just a pinch, to enhance all the flavors.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds flavor and sweetness, and you’ll appreciate that the sugar in this recipe is natural and unrefined. It also helps bind the ingredients together.
- Coconut Oil: Do not leave this out! Coconut oil is the key to the CRUNCH in every cluster, just like when we make granola clusters. You can use vegetable oil or melted butter instead if needed.
- Almond Extract: A touch of almond extract adds the BEST flavor to this granola. The smell brings to mind sugar cookies and birthday cake pancakes!
- Vanilla Extract: We’re using a whole Tablespoon, for maximum vanilla flavor.
How to Make Vanilla Almond Granola in 3 Steps
This recipe only has 3 steps. That’s it! Honestly, it’s starting to sound like going to the store to buy granola is way more work.
- Mix together dry ingredients.
- Mix together wet ingredients.
- Combine the wet + dry, spread on a baking sheet, and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This is where a lot of the crispy-crunchiness happens.
Once you’ve tried these naturally sweetened, nutty clusters, I’m confident you won’t want to go back to the pricey store-bought stuff.
More Homemade Favorites
- Healthy Bran Muffins
- Chocolate Crunch Granola
- Whole Wheat Pancakes
- Pumpkin Spice Granola
- Homemade Fig Bars
Vanilla Almond Granola
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Yield: 2.5-3 cups
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet, sticky, and crunchy granola exploding with vanilla and almond flavors. Ditch store-bought, because healthy homemade granola is easy! This recipe is vegan, egg free, and gluten free (if using certified GF oats).
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups (213g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 3/4 cup (100g) slivered or sliced almonds*
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (56g) coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract (yes, Tablespoon)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Toss the oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the maple syrup and melted coconut oil together until combined. Whisk in the almond and vanilla extracts. Pour over the oats and toss to coat. Make sure all of the oats are moistened.
- Spread out onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Allow granola to cool completely—as the granola cools, it becomes crunchy.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Granola is the perfect recipe to make ahead because it stays fresh for so long. Store this in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): Baking Sheet | Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | Silicone Spatula
- Almonds: Sometimes I use honey roasted slivered almonds from Trader Joe’s—they’re delicious! If you use honey roasted almonds, the granola will no longer be vegan.
I have made this exactly as written for so many years. My 20 year-old prefers this recipe over everything, both store-bought and homemade. After so much enjoyment, thank you, Sally!
I don’t need to buy granola anymore! Swapped out a quarter cup of maple syrup with sugar free vanilla syrup and added chopped dates after baking. Husband and I are super pleased with this – thank you!
I love your recipes. For the homemade vanilla granola bar, you use coconut oil. I can’t stand the taste of coconut. Is there a substitute I can use? Butter? Honey? other oil?
Hi Marc, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter instead if needed.
What are the nutritional facts for this recipe?
Hi Julia, We don’t usually include nutrition information as it can vary between different brands of the same ingredients. Plus, many recipes have ingredient substitutions or optional ingredients listed. However, there are many handy online calculators where you can plug in and customize your exact ingredients/brands. Readers have found this one especially helpful: https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076
This is a great recipe! I had bag of puffed amaranth I purchased in Mexico and was struggling on how to use it but I used a cup in place of one cup of oats and the texture was even crunchier than the original!
I have made this at least 6 times. It’s becoming a weekly recipe. It is SO easy and SOO good! I’ve also made the Maple Almond Cranberry and the Pumpkin Spice granola, they are both very good too but this simple Vanilla Almond is just a great go to, it pairs so well with yogurt and fruit. These recipes can’t be beat, they are all easy & great!
Um what?? I followed the directions step-by-step and 30 minutes in the granola is already burnt?? Am I like stupid or what cause like
Hi Sage, are you using a particularly dark or thin pan? That can sometimes cause things to bake quicker and/or burn on the bottom. Keep in mind that all ovens are different, so for next time, you can reduce your temperature a bit and even move it a rack further away from the heating element. Thank you for giving this a try!
As with every other recipe I have used from this site, this is another home run! If I wanted to add flax seed, at what stage should I incorporate them? Thank you and keep up with the amazing recipes!
Hi Devin, you can add it when you toss the oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. So glad you enjoyed this one!
Can I use something other than coconut oil? I am not a fan of coconut flavor?
Hi Barbara, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter instead if needed.
I tried making granola for the first time and followed this recipe. It turned out perfect and my twins just loved it! The granola was over in less than a week and they have requested me to bake some more. I am thinking of packing some for their uni when they return after their summer break. Thanks a lot for sharing the recipe and for the tips
This recipe was fabulous. The only addition I made was to toast some coconut on the side and add it to the granola after it cooled. I was blown away by how good this recipe turned out and added it to my favorites.
I make this recipe once a week. I would love to make them into bars – any suggestions on recipe adjustment
Hi Eileen, for a granola bar form, we’d recommend our Vanilla Almond Snack Bars instead — let us know if you give them a try!
This recipe is literally delicious! My toddler loved it as well. Easy to make to!
Would honey be a good substitute for the pure maple syrup?
Hi Julia, honey should work just fine in a pinch. The taste will, of course, be a bit different.
I Love this receipe
Can I use this recipe to make clusters instead of the one used in the granola clusters recipe?
Hi Amy, the recipes are quite similar, but we’d recommend following the granola clusters recipe and adding a 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Let us know how it goes!
This granola is SO good! I had toasted almonds available and had to use butter instead of coconut oil, and it turned out just wonderful. Absolutely a keeper of a recipe.
This granola is delicious and simple to make. We keep a jar of it on the counter!
Best granola recipe, EVER! I need to cut back on sugar and store bought has so much. This is my go to recipe. I look forward to enjoying with fresh berries from my garden.