Are you tired of boring, store-bought granola that lacks flavor and excitement? Get ready to transform your breakfast experience with this mind-blowing Maple Almond Crunch Granola that will make your taste buds dance and your mornings shine! This homemade granola isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich sweetness of maple syrup, the satisfying crunch of almonds, and the wholesome goodness of rolled oats. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a breakfast masterpiece that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of rolled oats and 1 cup of chopped almonds. Stir them together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture over the oat and almond mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the oats and almonds are coated evenly with the syrup mixture.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to flatten it down slightly, ensuring an even layer for uniform cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even browning. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning; you want it to be golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet. It will become crunchy as it cools.
- If desired, add 1 cup of dried fruit to the granola once it has cooled completely. Stir gently to combine.
- Once cooled and mixed with dried fruit (if using), transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage. It can be enjoyed as a snack, breakfast with yogurt, or sprinkled over smoothie bowls.
Tips
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and crunch. Quick oats won't give you the same satisfying bite.
- Stir the granola halfway through baking to ensure even browning and prevent burning. Watch it closely in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
- Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crunchiness. The cooling process helps it crisp up perfectly.
- For extra flavor variations, experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the mix.
- Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain its freshness and crunch.
- For a lower-sugar version, reduce the maple syrup slightly and add a touch of honey or use a sugar-free maple syrup alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
