Maple Vanilla Granola

$To make maple vanilla granola, you'll need: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup nuts (such as almonds and walnuts), chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried fruits (such as cranberries or apricots), chopped You’ll need some simple tools to create this delicious granola: - Large mixing bowl - Whisk - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Airtight container This granola offers a balanced mix of nutrients. Each serving provides: - Calories: About 220 - Protein: 5 grams - Fat: 10 grams - Carbohydrates: 30 grams - Fiber: 4 grams - Sugars: 8 grams This granola is a great choice for breakfast or a snack! Enjoy it with yogurt or fresh fruit for a tasty start to your day. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting a nice crunch. While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, combine: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut In another bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt Mix these until smooth. Then, pour this wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well. You want every piece coated evenly. Now, spread the granola mixture on your lined baking sheet. Make it even so it bakes well. Place it in the oven and set a timer for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even baking. Watch it closely to prevent burning. When it turns golden brown, take it out. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, mix in 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (like cranberries or apricots). Your granola is ready! Baking granola is easy, but a few tips help. First, always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even cooking. Use parchment paper on your baking sheet. It will stop the granola from sticking. Mix your dry ingredients well. Combine oats, nuts, and coconut in a large bowl. This way, every bite has flavor. When you add the wet mix, stir until everything is coated. Spread it evenly on the sheet. This helps it bake uniformly. To get that perfect crunch, bake your granola until it is golden brown. Stir it halfway through baking. This action helps it cook evenly and prevents burning. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes. Granola can go from perfect to burnt very fast. Let your granola cool completely on the baking sheet. When it cools, it will harden and get crunchier. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy for longer. You can easily boost the flavor of your granola. Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for a twist. You can also mix in different nuts or seeds. Use pecans or pumpkin seeds for a new taste. Adding vanilla extract gives a warm flavor. For a sweeter touch, add a bit more maple syrup. You can also toss in chocolate chips or coconut flakes after baking for a tasty surprise. Each of these small changes makes your granola unique and delicious! Pro Tips Storage Tip: Store your granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Nut Variation: Feel free to mix and match different nuts like pecans or hazelnuts for varied flavors and textures. Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of maple syrup according to your taste; you can reduce it for a less sweet granola. Baking Reminder: Keep an eye on the granola while baking, as it can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. {{image_2}} If you want a nut-free granola, just leave out the nuts. You can use seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work great. They add crunch and nutrition. You can also add more coconut or oats to fill the space. This way, you keep the texture nice and crunchy. To make this granola gluten-free, check your oats. Some brands mix oats with gluten grains. Look for certified gluten-free oats. You can stick with all the other ingredients. They are already gluten-free. This makes it a tasty option for anyone with gluten issues. You can change the flavor of your granola to suit your taste. Add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm kick. Want a sweeter taste? Mix in some brown sugar or honey. You can also try different dried fruits. Use raisins, blueberries, or even chocolate chips! Each change makes a new flavor adventure. To keep your maple vanilla granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. Make sure the container is cool and dry. This will keep moisture out, which can make granola soggy. I like to label my containers with the date. This way, I know when I made it. Homemade granola lasts about two weeks when stored properly. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. In the freezer, it can last for up to three months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you want to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If your granola loses its crunch, you can easily revive it. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the granola on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5-10 minutes. This will help bring back the crispy texture. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn't burn. Enjoy your crunchy granola again! Homemade maple vanilla granola lasts about two weeks. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw before serving. Yes, you can easily substitute ingredients. If you don’t have maple syrup, try honey or agave. For nuts, use your favorite type, like pecans or peanuts. You can also skip the coconut if you don’t like it. Just add more oats or nuts instead. Be creative with dried fruits too! Raisins or dates can work well. You can serve maple vanilla granola in many ways. Pour it over yogurt and add fresh fruit for a tasty breakfast. You can also enjoy it with milk like a cereal. For a quick snack, eat it plain or mix it with nuts. Another fun way is to sprinkle it on top of desserts, like ice cream or smoothie bowls. The options are endless! You now have all the tools to make delicious homemade maple vanilla granola. We covered essential ingredients, equipment, and nutritional facts. You learned step-by-step how to mix and bake for the perfect crunchy texture. I shared tips for flavor customizations and the best ways to store your granola. Remember, you can adjust ingredients to fit your diet. Enjoy experimenting and make your granola unique. Homemade granola is tasty, healthy, and easy to share. Happy baking!$

A delicious and crunchy granola made with oats, nuts, and a hint of maple and vanilla.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup nuts (such as almonds and walnuts), chopped
0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
0.5 cup maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup dried fruits (such as cranberries or apricots), chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
Once cooled, stir in the dried fruits.
Transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

Serve the granola in bowls topped with yogurt and fresh fruits, or enjoy it as a snack on its own!

Keyword breakfast, granola, snack