Crunchy Granola is one of my favorite treats to make on a lazy Sunday morning, and I think you’ll love how simple it really is. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ll have the most delicious homemade granola that beats anything store-bought.
What makes this recipe so special is the caramelized brown sugar coating that clings to every oat and almond, giving you that irresistible crunch with every bite. The vanilla extract adds a lovely warmth, and toasting everything low and slow at 275 degrees ensures nothing burns while the flavors develop beautifully.
I love serving this granola with yogurt and fresh berries for breakfast, or sharing it in little mason jars as gifts for my neighbors and friends. My grandchildren always come running when they smell this baking, and it’s become one of those recipes that brings everyone together around the kitchen.
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Crunchy Granola
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup Brown Sugar
- 0.5 cup Water
- 4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 8 cup Oats
- 2 cup Almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
- Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and reserve.
- Combine brown sugar and water in a 4-cup microwave proof glass measuring cup or bowl.
- Place in microwave on high for 5 minutes and cook until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Remove from microwave, add vanilla extract and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, and brown ef=”http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/sugar-syrup/index.html” class=”crosslink” debug=”381 392″>sugar syrup mixture.
- Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Spread the granola onto cookie sheets and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden and crunchy.
- When the mixture comes out of the oven, it is still very pliable.
- You may choose to add in dried fruit as a finishing touch at this time.
- When granola has cooled completely, store in an airtight container.
