Vanilla Almond Granola is a sweet, crunchy treat. Simple spices like vanilla, almond, and cinnamon combine for a delightfully crunchy snack.

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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: granola.

If you've been following me for a while, you know I have a special love for granola. It's so fun to dream up flavors and create new and different recipes. I have sweet, spicy, cheesy -- you name it!

I remember spending weeks experimenting with this recipe.

I wanted the perfect crunch. It was so difficult to get the granola to not come out soggy.

After crunch, I wanted clusters. Part of the wonder of granola is finding a massive cluster in your bowl and enjoying the giant bite of goodness.

I also wanted flavor. Store-bought granola is addictive. I wanted a way to create the delicious flavors of pre-packaged granola in my own kitchen.

Years later, after making (and also failing at making) dozens of granola recipes, I'm happy to announce that my original granola recipe has made its way to my blog.

It's so beautiful to see what my crazy love of cooking, experimenting, and perfectionism has come to. And it's come in the form of something that is incredibly crunchy, cluster-filled, and sweet!

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Vanilla Almond Granola

Honestly, Vanilla Almond Granola is everything I want in a granola recipe. The crunch, the clusters, the sweet flavor. It's all there!

Vanilla and almond pair perfectly together. We'll use both vanilla extract and almond extract for two giant bursts of rich flavor.

We'll also add some almonds for extra crunch. And almond flavor of course!

This granola is so good you'll scarf it down just like you would a bag of store-bought granola. But you can enjoy that it's made with real ingredients consisting of whole, plant-based foods.

Ingredients

• Rolled Oats: The base of every granola recipe. Buy gluten-free oats if you need certified GF.
• Slivered Almonds: These are the super skinny almonds. Slivered almonds provide a nice crunch without interfering with the texture.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a layer of flavor to complement the sweetness of the vanilla and almonds.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the granola.
• Maple / Date Syrup: I used half maple and half date syrup, but you can use whatever combination of sweetener you would like. It will turn out delicious any way you do it!
• Vanilla Extract and Almond Extract: These extracts add amazing flavor to the granola. AND they make your house smell amazing when you bake.

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How to make Vanilla Almond Granola

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the granola from sticking to the pan and its only option will be to stick to itself! Helloooo clusters!!

Step 2. In a medium bowl, mix the oats, almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the maple and/or date syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Make sure all the oats are thoroughly coated.

Step 3. Spread on the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir. This will break up the granola slightly and allow any parts that still aren't crunchy to get crunchy. Return to the oven and bake an additional 5 minutes, until the granola is golden brown.

Step 4. Let the granola cool completely on the pan to create clusters. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. It is seriously the best way to ensure your granola is crunchy and full of clusters.

Step 5. When it's cool break the granola into chunks and enjoy!

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Recipe Prayer

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

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Tried this recipe?

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