Five-Ingredient Vanilla Granola – Easy Homemade Granola Recipe

Byarlo Jack
Five-Ingredient Vanilla Granola

Craving a crunchy, golden granola that’s simple, delicious, and made from ingredients you already have? This Five-Ingredient Vanilla Granola is your new go-to. It’s naturally sweetened, warmly scented with vanilla, and irresistibly crunchy—perfect for breakfast, snacking, or topping just about anything. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this homemade granola proves that less really is more.

Simple, Cozy, and Homemade

There’s something so satisfying about making your own granola—especially when it’s this easy. This vanilla-scented version skips unnecessary fillers and additives for a clean, wholesome snack that’s way better than store-bought. Whether you enjoy it by the handful, over yogurt, or as a cereal, it delivers that crave-worthy crunch every time.

Just 5 Ingredients, All Flavor

This minimalist granola packs a punch with just five pantry staples. Rolled oats form the base, while maple syrup adds natural sweetness and helps everything crisp up. Coconut oil brings richness, vanilla delivers warmth, and a pinch of salt balances it all. That’s it. No weird stuff—just real food.

  • 2½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned, not quick oats)
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup (or honey, if not vegan)
  • 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt

Light, Crunchy & Customizable

Despite its simplicity, this granola has everything you want: crispy clusters, a golden hue, and a rich, toasty flavor. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally vegan (if using maple syrup). And while it’s perfect as-is, it also welcomes any add-ins you love—nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or chocolate chips.

Calories: ~180 (per ½ cup)
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g (natural)

Timing Breakdown

This is a fuss-free recipe that’s perfect for meal prep or spontaneous baking. One bowl, one pan, no special equipment needed.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: ~35 minutes

How to Make Five-Ingredient Vanilla Granola

Making homemade granola is as easy as stir, spread, and bake. The key is letting it cool without stirring to lock in those magical crunchy clusters.

  1. Preheat and prep:
     Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix ingredients:
     In a large bowl, combine oats, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until all oats are evenly coated.
  3. Spread and bake:
     Pour the mixture onto your baking sheet and press it down gently into an even layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating halfway through. Don’t stir—this helps form clusters.
  4. Cool completely:
     Let granola cool undisturbed for at least 15 minutes. It will crisp up as it cools. Once cool, break into clusters.
  5. Store and enjoy:
     Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Easy Swaps & Add-Ins

Make it your own by adding mix-ins after baking or tweaking the base ingredients slightly.

  • Add ½ tsp cinnamon or cardamom for extra spice
  • Swap coconut oil for olive oil or butter
  • Use agave or brown rice syrup instead of maple syrup
  • Toss in almonds, walnuts, or pecans after baking
  • Add raisins, cranberries, or chocolate chips once cooled

Ways to Enjoy It

This vanilla granola is endlessly snackable on its own—but it also adds crunch, texture, and flavor to so many dishes.

  • Sprinkle over yogurt or smoothie bowls
  • Serve with milk or a dairy-free alternative
  • Top baked apples or roasted fruit
  • Layer in a parfait with fruit and yogurt
  • Grab a handful as a quick snack on the go

Storage Tips

Homemade granola is shelf-stable and easy to prep in big batches for later. Here’s how to keep it fresh and crunchy:

  • Store in an airtight jar or container
  • Keep in a cool, dry spot—away from moisture
  • Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months)
  • Add fresh mix-ins (like fruit) just before serving

Tips for Perfect Granola

Getting that signature crunch and golden color is easy with a few simple techniques:

  • Press granola firmly on the pan to encourage clusters
  • Bake low and slow for even browning
  • Let it cool undisturbed to crisp up
  • Watch the edges to prevent burning—pull it out when golden

Conclusion: The Granola You’ll Keep Coming Back To

This Five-Ingredient Vanilla Granola is everything homemade should be—easy, cozy, and delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and no fuss, you get a golden, crunchy snack that tastes way better than anything from a box. Whether it’s your breakfast staple, midday pick-me-up, or dessert topper, this simple granola has a permanent place in the kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll always want a jar of it on hand.

FAQs

You can, but the texture will be softer and less crunchy. Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) give the best results for crisp clusters and a hearty bite.

Olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter (vegan or dairy) all work well. Just choose one with a neutral or mild flavor to let the vanilla shine.

Yes. Honey, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup can be used instead. Keep in mind, using honey makes it not vegan.

Press the mixture firmly into the baking sheet before baking and don’t stir it while it’s baking or cooling. This helps it stick together and form clusters.

Definitely. Just stir them in after baking to prevent burning. If you want to bake them in, add them in the last 5–10 minutes of baking.

About 2 weeks at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

It may have needed a few more minutes in the oven, or it wasn’t allowed to cool undisturbed. Granola crisps up as it cools, so give it time on the baking sheet.