Granola is a breakfast staple that combines crunch and sweetness in every bite. Our Honey Vanilla Granola Recipe takes this classic treat to the next level by blending natural honey with warm vanilla notes for a perfectly balanced flavor. It’s a simple way to elevate your mornings or snack time with wholesome ingredients.
We love how easy it is to customize this granola to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it with yogurt fresh fruit or straight from the jar, it delivers a satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness without any artificial additives. Plus making granola at home means you control the quality and avoid unnecessary sugars and preservatives.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a nutritious and delicious option to their pantry. Let’s dive into how to create this golden batch of honey vanilla goodness that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
To craft our Honey Vanilla Granola, we carefully select natural, wholesome ingredients that deliver the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Below you’ll find the essentials divided into dry and wet categories for streamlined prep.
Dry Ingredients
We start with our base: hearty oats and crunchy nuts, enhanced with a touch of spice for warmth. Each component adds depth and makes our granola irresistibly crisp.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup raw pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
Our wet mix glues the oats and nuts together while packing a rich, sweet essence. Pure honey and real vanilla extract combine to create the signature Honey Vanilla flavor.
- 1/3 cup pure honey, preferably raw or organic
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla for best results)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Old-fashioned oats | 3 cups | Use rolled oats for crunch |
| Raw almonds | 1 cup | Roughly chopped |
| Raw pecans | 1/2 cup | Chopped |
| Unsweetened coconut | 1/2 cup | Shredded |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Adds warmth and depth |
| Sea salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
| Pure honey | 1/3 cup | Use raw or organic |
| Coconut oil | 1/4 cup | Melted |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon | Pure vanilla for authentic taste |
By combining these high-quality ingredients, our Honey Vanilla Granola achieves that perfect harmony of sweet richness and crisp crunch.
Equipment Needed
To create our delicious Honey Vanilla Granola with perfect texture and flavor, gathering the right equipment is essential. Here is what we need for an efficient and smooth process:
- Large mixing bowl
Ideal for combining all the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the wet mixture.
- Measuring cups and spoons
Precision is key, so let’s use accurate measuring tools for the rolled oats, nuts, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Perfect for stirring the wet ingredients into the dry without breaking the nuts.
- Baking sheet
A rimmed baking sheet ensures the granola spreads evenly and prevents spilling during baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Lining the baking sheet will prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Oven
We need a reliable oven preheated to 325°F (163°C) to toast the granola evenly and bring out its sweet, nutty aroma.
- Cooling rack
After baking, transferring the granola to a cooling rack helps it crisp up as it cools.
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | Combine dry ingredients | Use a bowl big enough to mix well |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Measure ingredients with accuracy | Essential for balanced flavor |
| Wooden spoon/spatula | Mix wet and dry ingredients | Gentle stirring prevents breakage |
| Baking sheet | Toast granola evenly | Use rimmed to avoid spills |
| Parchment paper/mat | Prevent sticking and ease cleanup | Reusable silicone mats preferred |
| Oven | Bake granola | Preheat to 325°F (163°C) |
| Cooling rack | Cool granola for crispness | Avoid moisture buildup |
Having these tools ready lets us prepare our Honey Vanilla Granola easily, ensuring each batch turns out perfectly crunchy and flavorful every time.
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create our Honey Vanilla Granola that is perfectly crisp, flavorful, and nutritious.
Prep the Ingredients
We begin by preparing all ingredients for the best mixing and baking results.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for optimal toasting.
- Measure out the dry ingredients precisely:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw almonds (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup raw pecans (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients:
- ½ cup pure honey
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix the Granola
We now combine the dry and wet ingredients carefully to coat every oat and nut.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together all the dry ingredients evenly.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mix.
- Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, stir gently but thoroughly until every component is evenly coated with the honey vanilla glaze.
- Ensure no large clumps form yet—this will develop during baking.
Bake the Granola
Baking transforms the mixture into crunchy, golden granola bursting with aroma and flavor.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Baking Temp | 325°F (163°C) |
| Duration | 25-30 minutes |
| Pan Type | Rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mat |
| Stirring Intervals | Every 10 minutes to promote even browning |
- Spread the coated granola in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning and encourage uniform crispiness.
- Watch closely in the last 5 minutes—the granola should turn a light golden brown and emit a fragrant honey vanilla scent.
Cool and Store
Proper cooling and storage lock in the texture and flavor of our homemade granola.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Transfer the granola to a cooling rack to cool completely, about 20-30 minutes. This crisping step is crucial for crunchy granola.
- Once cooled, break any large clusters to your preferred size.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer preservation.
Serving Suggestions
Our Honey Vanilla Granola is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this crunchy, sweet treat to elevate your breakfast or snack experience:
- With Yogurt
Spoon a generous amount of granola over plain or flavored Greek yogurt. The creaminess of the yogurt perfectly balances the sweet crunch and adds a satisfying texture contrast.
- Topped with Fresh Fruit
Add fresh berries, banana slices, or chopped apples on top of your granola. Fresh fruit adds natural juiciness and bright flavors that complement the honey and vanilla notes.
- With Milk or Plant-Based Alternatives
Pour cold milk, almond milk, or oat milk over a bowl of granola for a quick and wholesome start to the day. Let it soak a minute if you prefer a softer bite, or eat immediately to preserve the crispiness.
- As a Snack
Pack the granola in a small container or bag for a convenient, nutrient-packed snack. The satisfying crunch makes it perfect for on-the-go energy boosts.
- In Smoothie Bowls
Sprinkle the granola atop a smoothie bowl for texture and a hint of natural sweetness. It adds a delightful crunch to the smooth and creamy base.
- With Ice Cream
Use it as a topping for vanilla or caramel ice cream. The warmth of the granola aroma will enhance the dessert’s indulgence.
| Serving Style | Benefits | Flavor/Texture Enhancement |
|---|---|---|
| Yogurt | Creamy texture contrast | Sweet and crunchy balance |
| Fresh Fruit | Adds moisture and freshness | Bright, natural flavors |
| Milk (or alternatives) | Quick, easy breakfast | Smooth, creamy combined with crisp |
| Snack | Portable, nutrient dense | Satisfying crunch |
| Smoothie Bowls | Adds texture | Sweet crunch topping |
| Ice Cream | Enhances warm dessert flavors | Crunchy contrast to smooth ice cream |
“Our Honey Vanilla Granola shines brightest when paired with fresh, natural ingredients that highlight its sweet, crunchy character.”
Feel free to mix and match these serving ideas to suit your mood or occasion. Each method brings out a different facet of the granola’s delightful flavor and texture, making it a versatile addition to any pantry.
Make-Ahead Tips
To keep our Honey Vanilla Granola fresh and crunchy, proper storage and preparation are key. Here are essential tips to prepare this delicious granola ahead of time and maintain its signature texture and flavor.
Store in an Airtight Container
Once the granola has completely cooled, place it in a clean airtight container to lock in freshness. This prevents moisture from softening the granola and preserves the crisp crunch. We recommend using glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-sealing lids.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight container | Up to 2 weeks | Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Use freezer-safe bags or containers |
Freezing for Longer Shelf Life
For batch preparation, freezing is a great option. Portion the granola into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Freezing does not affect the flavor but helps maintain the perfect crunch for months.
Re-Crisping Tips
If granola softens over time, you can re-crisp it easily:
- Spread the granola on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake at 300°F (149°C) for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Let it cool completely before storing again.
This quick step restores the crunchy texture without altering the honey vanilla flavor.
Batch Preparation & Portioning
Preparing a large batch at once saves time. We suggest dividing the cooled granola into smaller portions. This way, you only open one container at a time, keeping the rest fresh longer.
“Making granola ahead and properly storing it ensures every bite stays full of that sweet honey vanilla crunch we love.”
By following these Make-Ahead Tips, our Honey Vanilla Granola stays perfectly fresh, crisp, and ready to enjoy any time of day.
Conclusion
Making our own Honey Vanilla Granola lets us enjoy a wholesome snack that’s both delicious and customizable. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to create a batch that suits our taste and dietary needs.
Keeping it fresh and crunchy is just as simple with the right storage tips, so we can always have a tasty treat on hand. Whether as a breakfast boost or a satisfying snack, this granola adds natural sweetness and satisfying crunch to our day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are used in the Honey Vanilla Granola recipe?
The recipe uses rolled oats, raw almonds, raw pecans, shredded coconut, cinnamon, sea salt, honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
How do I bake the Honey Vanilla Granola?
Bake the granola at 325°F (163°C) for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even browning.
Can I customize the granola?
Yes, you can adjust nuts, seeds, or sweeteners to your preference while maintaining the base recipe’s balance.
How should I store homemade granola?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months.
What are some serving suggestions for Honey Vanilla Granola?
Enjoy it with yogurt, fresh fruit, milk, plant-based milk, smoothies, or as a topping for ice cream.
How do I keep granola crunchy over time?
Keep it in an airtight container to prevent moisture. If it softens, re-crisp it in a low oven before serving.
What equipment do I need to make this granola?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a wooden spoon or spatula, a rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper or silicone mat, and a cooling rack.
Is this granola free of artificial additives?
Yes, the recipe uses natural, wholesome ingredients without any artificial additives or preservatives.
Can I make granola ahead of time?
Absolutely! It can be made in advance and stored as recommended to maintain freshness and crunch.
Is this granola suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it uses natural ingredients and avoids excess sugars and preservatives, making it a nutritious breakfast or snack option.