Vanilla Granola (gluten Recipe

I discovered my new favorite granola recipe that’s totally transformative. I love how the gluten free oats and chopped nuts combine with hints of coconut and cinnamon, while the vanilla and natural sweetener give it a subtle, crisp charm. It’s a wholesome treat that instantly perks up my morning.

I’m excited to share my recipe for Homemade Vanilla Granola which is not only gluten free but also dairy free and easily made vegan. This recipe uses 3 cups of gluten free rolled oats and adds a delicious crunch with 1 cup of roughly chopped mixed nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans.

I also include 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for that extra tropical taste. The granola gets its lovely, sweet vanilla flavor from 2 tsp of vanilla extract and is lightly sweetened with 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup if you want to keep it vegan.

I mix in 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil to help bind everything together along with 1/4 tsp of salt and a touch of 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon for extra depth. This healthy homemade granola is perfect for clean eating and gives you a nutritious boost any time of day, thanks to the natural fibers and healthy fats.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love that this recipe is super easy to make and adapts to different diets, like being gluten free and even vegan if i swap out the honey. I also love the vanilla flavor – it gives the granola a warm, sweet taste without being too overpowering. The crunch of the toasted oats and nuts really makes it a satisfying snack to munch on any time of the day. Lastly, i like that it feels homemade and customizable; i can throw in my favorite nuts or adjust the sweetness to suit my mood.

Ingredients

• Gluten free rolled oats: hearty whole grain, provide fibre, protein, and slow-burning energy.
• Mixed nuts: crunchy, yield healthy fats, protein, and added texture.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: offers subtle sweetness, fibre, and tropical aroma.
• Honey: acts as a natural sweetener, binding the ingredients together.
• Coconut oil: lends creamy texture and tasty healthy fat notes.
• Vanilla extract: adds rich, warm flavor that ties the mix perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups gluten free rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans, roughly chopped)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup if you want to keep it vegan)
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (this one is optional, but it adds a nice touch)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the gluten free oats, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut along with the salt and cinnamon.

3. In a smaller bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup if youre keeping it vegan) and vanilla extract.

4. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.

5. Spread the mixture out in a thin, even layer on your baking sheet.

6. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, then give the mix a good stir so the clusters can toast evenly.

7. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until its looking nice and golden.

8. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the tray so it gets crunchier.

9. Once cooled, break up any large clusters and store in an airtight container. Enjoy your homemade Vanilla Granola!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheat to 300°F)
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Small mixing bowl
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Stirring utensil (like a wooden spoon or spatula)

FAQ

• Q: Can I swap out ingredients if I’m allergic to nuts?
  A: Yeah you can totally replace the mixed nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds if needed.
• Q: How do I keep the granola crunchy?
  A: Make sure to let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet so it hardens up, and keep it in an airtight container after.
• Q: Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
  A: Sure thing, just swap honey for maple syrup if you want to keep it vegan or if it’s what you have on hand.
• Q: How long does it last if stored properly?
  A: If you store it in a sealed container, it usually stays fresh for about 2 weeks.
• Q: When should I add dried fruit if I want it in my granola?
  A: It’s best to stir in dried fruit after the granola has completely cooled to keep it from getting all soggy.

Vanilla Granola (gluten Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Honey: You can swap honey out with agave nectar or maple syrup if you want a vegan option
• Coconut oil: Try using melted butter or avocado oil. Just keep in mind that butter isn’t vegan
• Mixed nuts: If you’re not too fond of nuts or have allergies, sunflower or pumpkin seeds work great too
• Shredded coconut: If you dont care for coconut, dried cranberries or raisins can be used in its place

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you stir the mixture about halfway through the cooking time so every bit gets evenly toasted and you dont end up with some parts burnt and others underdone.

2. Let your granola cool completely on the tray after you pull it out of the oven because it weirdly gets crunchier as it cools and that extra crunch really makes a difference.

3. Preheat your oven properly and line your baking sheet with parchment paper to stop the granola from sticking too much and risking breaking up the clusters when you try to remove it.

4. If you feel like mixing things up, toss in some dried fruit after it cools down. It adds a sweet tang without interfering with the basic recipe, though it might change the texture a bit.