Delicious Homemade Granola Recipe Vanilla Infused for a Perfect Breakfast
Guide or Summary：IngredientsInstructionsTips for Customizing Your GranolaHealth BenefitsGranola is a versatile and nutritious breakfast option that can be e……
Guide or Summary：
Granola is a versatile and nutritious breakfast option that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. One of the most popular variations is the vanilla-infused granola, which adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to the mix. In this detailed guide, we'll walk you through a delicious homemade granola recipe vanilla infused, ensuring you have a perfect start to your day.
Ingredients
To make this delightful vanilla granola, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup of shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup of seeds (such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds)
- 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
Instructions
1. **Preheat your oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures that your granola will bake evenly and become perfectly crispy.
2. **Mix the dry ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and seeds. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. **Prepare the wet ingredients**: In a small saucepan, combine the honey or maple syrup, coconut oil or olive oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the coconut oil has melted and the ingredients are well combined.
4. **Combine wet and dry ingredients**: Pour the warm liquid mixture over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure that all the oats and nuts are coated with the sweet, aromatic syrup.
5. **Spread the granola**: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the granola mixture evenly on the baking sheet, ensuring it forms a single layer for even baking.
6. **Bake the granola**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even toasting. Keep a close eye on the granola during the last few minutes to prevent it from burning.
7. **Add dried fruits**: Once the granola is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. After it has cooled, stir in the dried fruits of your choice.
8. **Store the granola**: Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy it as a topping for yogurt, a base for parfaits, or simply as a snack on its own.
Tips for Customizing Your Granola
- **Sweetness level**: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your preferred level of sweetness. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like agave nectar or brown rice syrup.
- **Nut and seed variations**: Feel free to mix and match different types of nuts and seeds based on your taste preferences and nutritional needs. For example, try adding chia seeds or flaxseeds for an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids.
- **Spice it up**: In addition to cinnamon, consider adding other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
- **Add chocolate**: For a decadent twist, stir in some chocolate chips or cocoa nibs after the granola has cooled completely.
Health Benefits
This homemade granola recipe vanilla infused is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:
- **Oats**: Rich in fiber, oats help to keep you full and satisfied, support digestive health, and may reduce cholesterol levels.
- **Nuts**: Nuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They contribute to heart health and provide sustained energy.
- **Seeds**: Seeds offer a wealth of nutrients, including essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein.
- **Coconut**: If you choose to add coconut, you'll benefit from its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide a quick energy boost and support brain health.
- **Honey/Maple Syrup**: These natural sweeteners contain antioxidants and have a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugars, making them a healthier option for sweetening your granola.
Creating your own homemade granola recipe vanilla infused is a simple and rewarding process. Not only do you get to control the ingredients and flavors, but you also end up with a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you're topping your yogurt, making a parfait, or just snacking on it straight from the jar, this vanilla granola is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the perfect start to your day with this delightful granola recipe.