There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of granola baking in the oven. Forget the store-bought stuff with its hidden sugars and high price tag! This Vanilla Flax Granola is not only incredibly simple to make but also wonderfully budget-friendly and packed with wholesome goodness. It’s the perfect crunchy topping for your morning yogurt bowl, a satisfying snack on its own, or a healthy addition to your favorite smoothie. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
• 1/3 cup / 80 ml maple syrup
• 1/3 cup / 76 g coconut oil
• 1 1/2 tsp / 7.5 ml vanilla extract
• 2 cups / 160 g rolled oats
• 1/2 cup / 56 g flax meal
• 3/4 cup / 120 g dried fruit, small dice (e.g., raisins, apricots, cranberries)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F / 165°C and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla. Whisk until the coconut oil is fully melted and combined.
3. In a large bowl, toss together the rolled oats, flax meal, and chopped dried fruit.
4. Drizzle the warm maple syrup mixture over the oat mixture. Gently stir with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the granola in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use two trays if needed to avoid overcrowding.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, carefully tossing the granola once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
7. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. It will harden and become perfectly crisp as it cools. Break into clusters and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Yields: 2.5 cups
• Serving Size: 1/4 cup
• Cost Per Serving: $0.47
• Calories: 173
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 5mg
Pro Tips
• For extra chunky granola, press the mixture down firmly onto the baking sheet before baking and allow it to cool completely without stirring. Once cool, break it into large pieces.
• Don’t overbake! The granola will crisp up significantly as it cools. Pull it from the oven when it’s golden brown and fragrant.
• Customize your mix-ins. Add 1/4 cup of nuts or seeds like slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts along with the dry for added texture and nutrients.
• Store your cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.
FAQ
Q: Is this vanilla flax granola recipe vegan
A: Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan as written. It uses plant-based ingredients like maple syrup (instead of honey) and coconut oil, making it a perfect choice for a vegan diet.
Q: How can I add more plant-based protein to this granola
A: To easily boost the protein, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of nuts or seeds along with the dry ingredients. Pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds, walnuts, and hemp hearts are all excellent high-protein vegetarian options.
Q: What’s the best way to store this vegetarian granola for meal prep
A: For optimal freshness and crunch, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to two weeks, making it perfect for meal prepping.
