Craving an easy and healthy breakfast? Make a big batch of Vanilla Almond Granola that is both vegan and gluten free in just 30 minutes time using only four simple ingredients!
Years ago, I started making my own homemade granola. While pregnant with my son, I started making this four ingredient gluten free, vegan vanilla almond granola. I couldn’t get enough of it. Of course, if you love granola you know first hand how expensive store bought granola can be.
In my first trimester I didn’t mind spending the money on granola. I was exhausted and needing all the easy healthy nourishment I could get my hands on. But then one day… I woke up out of my morning sickness and fog, and made granola!
It was like old times–except I made the simplest granola I’ve ever made in my life… with just 4 ingredients! That’s it. No dried fruit, no multiple nuts, spices, etc… just 4 simple ingredients that I had on hand. That made for the most amazing vanilla granola recipe.
Ironic that I ate this homemade granola so much while I was pregnant because fast forward 6 years and my kids are eating granola like crazy. They think it’s amazing that mom can make this too! I can’t be mad at them for eating healthy food. They could be eating way worse!
Ingredients
- Gluten Free Quick Cooking Oats – I use Bob’s Red Mill brand and love that it comes in a resealable bag!
- Agave Nectar – Agave is naturally vegan and gluten free. It is also higher in antioxidants, and lower in fructose-content making it a little healthier.
- Vanilla Extract – I always use pure vanilla extract for any and all recipes I make.
- Sliced Almonds – Everyone in my family loves almonds. I like the sliced almonds best for this recipe.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a sauce pan, heat the agave nectar and vanilla extract on high for one minute, just until its warm (do not let it bubble). Set to the side.
Place the quick cooking oats and sliced almonds in a large bowl. Pour the agave mixture on top of the oats/almonds.
Mix well with a spoon until everything is coated with agave.
Pour onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes!
Of course, don’t forget to mix the granola half way through.
Once done, let the granola cool on a pan for one hour before breaking apart and storing.
FAQs
Agave syrup is naturally vegan friendly because it is entirely derived from the plant without the use of any additives. Agave nectar is made from the core of the blue agave plant which is a natural sweetener, and healthier for you.
For maximum freshness store in an air tight container for up to two weeks. I like to store at room temperature, but you can also store in a refrigerator as well.
The agave nectar in this recipe is what packs the gluten free oats together. Making for clumpier granola. Make sure you mix the granola mixture well then pack tight on a baking sheet. Half way through the coking process, stir granola on the baking tray to ensure the granola doesn’t burn. Once you remove the granola from the oven do not stir it. Let it rest for one hour and then break up the granola clusters.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks I’ve found helpful when making this homemade granola recipe.
- Let it rest – It’s so tempting to start stirring and moving the granola. But it’s best if you let it rest for an hour.
- Crunchy – If you like really crunchy granola you might want to consider leaving it out for 6-12 hours to “dry out” and obtain the desired “crunch”.
- Storing – I like to use an airtight container or a Ziplock bag.
- Spices – if you want to spice it up you can add in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg (or even both).
- Nuts & fruit – Want more to this granola? You can add whole almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts, or cashews. Looking for additional sweetness? Add in some dried cranberries, blueberries, or even cherries during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Granola Recipes
I have over a dozen granola recipes on Katie’s Cucina. Here are a few of my favorite recipes.
- Coconut Cherry Granola
- Raisin Banana Bread Granola
- No-Bake Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
- Cardamom-Fig Granola
- Blueberry Granola Parfait
- Cinnamon-Maple Granola
As you can tell, making homemade granola is actually much easier then it sounds. Best of all you know exactly all the ingredients going into the recipe. If you make this recipe for vanilla almond granola clusters, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a star ⭐ rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
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Vanilla Almond Granola
Equipment
- Stove Top
- Sauce Pot
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Agave Nectar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 4 cups Quick cooking oats
- 1 cup Sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a sauce pan, heat the agave nectar and vanilla extract on high for one minute, just until its warm (do not let it bubble). Set to the side.
- Place the quick cooking oats and sliced almonds in a large bowl. Pour the agave mixture on top of the oats/almonds. Mix well with a spoon until everything is coated with agave.
- Pour onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes (mixing half way through).
- Let the granola cool on a pan for one hour before breaking apart and storing.
Notes
- Want clumpy granola? Do not touch the granola for a few hours so that it can set.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
Disclosure: There are affiliate links present in this post. That means if you click on a link and purchase something. I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your continuous support of Katie’s Cucina!
PDBomm
Making granola for the first time — right now. Searched for a simple recipe with ingredients and I love and landed on yours! Can’t wait to see how it turns out! I’m replacing a percentage of the almonds with hazelnuts, just for the heck of it, but otherwise following your recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Katie
Hi–glad you found my recipe and hope your granola turned out great!
Cindy
Sounds great, but do you think it would work with honey instead of agave nectar?
Katie
Hi Cindy–Yes you can definitely substitute honey instead of agave nectar. The taste will just be altered depending on what type of honey you use (clover vs, orange blossom, etc).
Liz
Granola perfection! And only 4 ingredients???? LOVE it! I may have to add a few dried cherries to the mix…
Katie
Liz–I normally always add in some dried fruit but because I was trying to keep it simple I left them out–I’m sure this granola would be great with dried fruit in it as well!
Rebecca {foodie with family}
Homemade granola is one of my weaknesses. I love how many big clumps you have in the picture!
Katie
Thanks Rebecca. I love when I can achieve big clumps in my granola recipes! 🙂
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious
Love the vanilla almond combo!
Katie
Thanks Lauren!
Aggie
Funny I just started making granola regularly again too. My kids are always asking for it and you are right, the good stuff at the store is expensive! This looks great Katie!
Katie
It’s so easy to make yet when we feel too busy its the last thing we think to make. I just finished up my last few tablespoons this morning. I’ll be making some more this weekend!
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking
This looks so yummy Katie. I’ve got to get on the stick and make some from scratch…this looks like a good one to start with!
Katie
SUper simple–perfect granola starter recipe!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet
I need to make granola! And this one sounds fantastic! Pinned!
Katie
Thanks Anna!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
I never really liked granola until I made it from scratch. Now I crave it! Love this easy recipe!
Katie
Brenda–I was the same way!!! I love it in my yogurt every morning!
Barb @ FL Mom's Blog
Katie,
Yum! I just printed it out!!
Maria | Pink Patisserie
I can never, ever have enough homemade granola! So good!!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts
I love making homemade granola. A certain store bought vanilla is my favorite, so I know this would be a hit!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
homemade granola is the best and I love that you made a vanilla agave version!
Susan
Simple ingredient list but I’m lusting after it! Love the big clumps of granola.
Katie
Thanks Susan!
Lora @cakeduchess
I just love granola. I could eat a bowl even for lunch. LOVE your homemade granola, Katie! Hope you’re feeling good these days. baci! xx
Katie
Awe thanks Lora!
simple green moms
love this simple recipe! definitely making it for tomorrow =)
Paula - bell'alimento
I can hear the crunch right now.
Katie
I’ve been eating it for weeks every morning with my granola. It definitely has the perfect crunch!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
I’ve come so, so close to buying agave before but had no idea on what I’d use it for but NOW I have a reason! Plus easy and homemade fits right into my “perfect kind of recipe” category! haha
Katie
Angie–its a great substitute for sugar. You would be surprised at how many things you would put it in. It’s kind of pricey–I buy it at Costco and its totally worth the price!
danielle
I love homemade granola and I can’t believe this one only has four ingredients. It sounds great!
Katie
Thanks Danielle! I’m all for simple these days 🙂
foodwanderings
Good to see this. It reminds me I need to make (nut-free due to allergies) granola for my son’s care package.
Katie
Perfect–3 ingredient granola, then!