I created this granola as an alternative to store-bought versions. I wanted breakfast or a snack that had less sugar, more variety, and a better mix of ingredients. Plus, it needed to be easy to prepare. It’s easy to adjust based on what’s handy. The nuts and seeds boost the protein content naturally. The coconut chips are a must-have for me. So I always have them on hand.
Easy Cinnamon Vanilla Granola
Description
I created this granola as an alternative to store-bought versions. I wanted breakfast or a snack that had less sugar, more variety, and a better mix of ingredients. Plus, it needed to be easy to prepare. It’s easy to adjust based on what’s handy. The nuts and seeds boost the protein content naturally. The coconut chips are a must-have for me. So I always have them on hand.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix dry ingredients except for coconut chips and craisins
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Combine honey and coconut oil. Microwave for about 20-30 seconds, until liquid. Then add vanilla. If vanilla is added before microwaving the vanilla flavor may be reduced.
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Pour the honey mixture over dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
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Spread mixture over cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
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Remove from the oven, add coconut chips, and mix. Return to the oven for 10 more minutes. Coconut chips will be slightly toasted.
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Remove from the oven, stir in craisins, and allow to cool. After the granola cools, break up any large chunks but leave smaller ones. Cover tightly.
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The granola will last for at least 2 weeks stored at room temperature. But it will likely be eaten before then.
Note
Quick Tips
Sprinkle it over yogurt and add fresh fruit, or eat it plain.
Pumpkin spice works well here. Substitute the cinnamon with an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice for a warmer, seasonal version without changing anything else.
Chai spices are another good option. Reduce the cinnamon to ½ tsp, and add: ⅛ tsp ground ginger, ⅛ tsp ground cardamom, a pinch of ground cloves, and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
Grocery List (By Department)
Pantry / Baking
- Old-fashioned oats
- Honey
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Craisins
Baking / Oils
- Coconut oil
Nuts & Seeds
- Unsalted pecans
- Unsalted pumpkin seeds
- Unsalted sliced almonds
- Unsalted sunflower seeds
- Unsalted pine nuts
International / Baking Add-Ins
- Unsweetened coconut chips
Closing Thought
This is the kind of recipe that fits easily into everyday routines. It’s practical, adaptable, and reliable, exactly what homemade staples should be. Once you make it, you’ll find making it often, tweaking it slightly each time. Plus you’ll want to keep coconut chips stocked just for this reason.
This granola has much less added sugar than most store-bought options. It only contains about 12 to 13 grams of added sugar per ½-cup serving. It's sweet enough to satisfy, yet nutritious enough for breakfasts and snacks. It’s not dessert but it may help with that sweet craving most of us get.
