Name: Simple Homemade Vanilla Granola
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 4 Tbsp pumpkin seeds ((raw, unsalted)); 2 Tbsp chia seeds; 2 Tbsp unsweetened flake coconut; 1/4 cup cashew ((raw, unsalted)); 1/4 cup pistachios; 1/4 cup dried mango ((unsweetened is best)); 4 Tbsp pure maple syrup; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

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My simple homemade vanilla granola has chunks of dried mango, pistachios, and cashews creating a balanced blend of sweet and savory. When mixed with maple syrup and vanilla extract, the flavors create a harmonious flavor that I know you’ll love! P.S. It tastes 100 times better than any store-bought version!

mix of oats, nuts, seeds, and fruit on a sheet pan — Source: Plum Branch Home

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You can use this vanilla granola in so many ways. In our house we love using it to make parfaits, eating handfuls as a snack, and even combining it with milk for homemade cereal.

Vanilla Granola Recipe Inspiration

Before I developed this recipe, I was buying granola from the grocery store until I looked at the ingredient list. Even the most “healthy” option contained unnecessary amounts of sugar, salts, oils, and preservatives.

So I put the container back and decided to never get premade granola again. Let me tell you I haven’t looked back. Homemade granola is healthier, tastes better, and super simple to make.

Here’s Why You’ll Love This Granola

You can change up what dried fruits and nuts are added in
It’s cheaper to make at home
Only wholesome ingredients are used, no additives or excess sugars
Each ingredient is good for your body
The taste is 100 times better than any store-bought version

Wholesome Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
4 Tbsp pumpkin seeds (raw, unsalted)
2 Tbsp chia seeds
2 Tbsp unsweetened flake coconut
1/4 cup cashew (raw, unsalted)
1/4 cup pistachios
1/4 cup dried mango (unsweetened is best)
4 Tbsp pure maple syrup
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

Kitchen Tools You May Need (affiliate links)

How to Make Vanilla Granola in 5 Simple Steps

chopping nuts on a cutting board — Source: Plum Branch Home

Roughly chop dried mangos, cashews, and pistachios.

mixing oats, nuts, seeds, fruit in a bowl — Source: Plum Branch Home

Mix all ingredients in a bowl to combine.

pouring granola on a sheet pan — Source: Plum Branch Home

Butter a baking sheet lightly and spread granola on it in an even layer.

Bake at 300 for 25-30 mins, stirring half way through for even baking.

Let cool and enjoy or store in an airtight container in the pantry.

How to Store Granola

Store completely cooled, homemade granola in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 4 weeks.

Variations & Substitutes

honey instead of maple syrup
use any dried, unsweetened fruit of your choosing
use any nuts you desire
take out coconut flakes if desired

upclose photo of dried fruit, nuts, oats, and seeds on a sheet pan — Source: Plum Branch Home

Recipe FAQ

Why is my homemade granola not crunchy?

It’s the baking time, you’ll want to bake your granola longer. All ovens are different and sometimes they lose heat if opened during the baking process. Add another 5 minutes to the baking time until it’s the crunch you’re looking for.

Is it cheaper to make homemade granola?

Oh yes, making homemade granola is much cheaper. Sure when you buy the ingredients they can add up to be more but you can make multiple batches. This makes each granola batch much cheaper than the premade store versions.

What ingredient makes granola stick together?

The maple syrup in my recipe helps the granola stick together.

Is homemade granola healthier?

Yes, homemade granola is much healthier for many reasons. You’re only using wholesome ingredients and you’re in control of how much you add in.

I can’t find raw cashews, can I use roasted and salted?

If you can’t find raw cashews, you can use roasted and salted if necessary. Just wait to add in the salt until you give it a taste. You wouldn’t want it to be too salty.

What kind of pistachios do I use?

You can use any type of pistachios, I personally use a roasted, salted version in their shells from Costco. When I’m ready to use them, I’ll take the shells off and roughly chop them for this recipe.

More Snack Recipes To Try

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