Almond Granola Recipe

Preheat and line

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.

Measure oats, almonds, seeds, coconut, flaxseed meal, salt, and cinnamon into a large mixing bowl and stir to combine evenly.

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey or maple syrup, neutral oil, optional olive oil (if using), and brown sugar. Warm gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is fluid and homogeneous (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Pour the warm syrup over the dry ingredients. Using a large spatula, toss and fold until all dry ingredients are evenly coated and there are no large dry pockets.

Spread the coated granola in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet, pressing lightly with the back of the spatula to create some compacted clusters if you prefer chunkier granola.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring gently once halfway through (at about 12 minutes) to ensure even browning. If you pressed it into clusters and want bigger clusters, avoid a full stir; instead rotate the pan and make one quick flip. Watch closely the last 5 minutes so nuts don't burn — almonds brown quickly.

For extra crunchy, after the initial bake cool the granola on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then turn oven off, crack the oven door, and return the sheet to the warm oven for another 10–15 minutes to dry out (optional).

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the sheet (about 30–45 minutes). As it cools it will crisp and form clusters. Break into desired-sized pieces with your hands or a spatula.

Once cool, stir in dried cranberries or raisins and optional chopped chocolate or cacao nibs. For chocolate, wait until granola is fully cool so the chocolate doesn't melt.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. If granola softens, re-crisp in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes before serving.