Basic Vanilla & Cinnamon Granola Clusters (Vegan+GF)-6.jpg

Hello my friends!

Starting out today with a delicious and balanced bowl of goodness like this just spells success in my book. I think if I had to take a survey of what food combination I’ve eaten the most of in my life it would be berries with yogurt. I’m obsessed.

Basic Vanilla & Cinnamon Granola Clusters (Vegan+GF)-2.jpg

I really do enjoy yummy food, so I’ll almost always go for a bowl of coconut yogurt piled with berries of any kind, and topped with a good amount of whatever crunchy, sweet and/or salty items I’m craving. Oh, and nut butters too, we cannot forget nut butter. Like really, can I just live in a world where nut butter jars grow on trees??? I’ll also throw in some chocolate if it’s one of those kind of days, ya know?

Basic Vanilla & Cinnamon Granola Clusters (Vegan+GF)-3.jpg

For the longest time I’d never branch out past a basic routine of plain cereal with my berries and yogurt, but granola has always held a special place in my heart. I LOVE it and I love that it can go so many different directions. In fact, because I like it so much it’s a wonder I’ve rarely ever made it. I guess it’s because there are so many great brands available to buy out there. Which might make you wonder why you’d want to take extra time and effort to make it at home? Well my friends, it’s because it’s SO friggin’ gooooood! Not only that but you have control over the flavors and ingredients that you’re putting in, it’ll make your kitchen smell divine, it’s versatile af, and last but not least it’s just fun!

Basic Vanilla & Cinnamon Granola Clusters (Vegan+GF)-4.jpg

I’d love to know what you think if you decide to try it. Don’t forget to eat it with something delicious too. It doesn’t have to be yogurt and berries either. Some popular ways I’ve seen others do it, and done myself, are to add it as a topping for oatmeal, avocado or nut butter toast, smoothies, smoothie bowls, loaded sweet potatoes, and so much more. What do you like to put it on?

Crunchy Sweet Vanilla Granola

A simple granola recipe starring the classic flavors of cinnamon & vanilla that's great for breakfast or snacking as it's full of protein.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 cups

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats gluten free if needed
4 cups crispy rice cereal
3 tablespoons natural cashew butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 tablespoon baking powder

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small sauce pan melt together the cashew butter, maple, and coconut sugar. Once melted stir in the vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder until smooth. Now fold in the oats first and coat well. Then add rice cereal and stir well then scrape the mixture out onto prepared pan. Spread into an even layer and place in the oven to bake.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 5 - 7 minutes throughout cooking. The granola is done when the clusters are golden brown. Allow the granola to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

ALL CONTENT IS MINE AND ORIGINAL! All of these food photos were taken with my Nikon D750 and my favorite Lens, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. You can find out more in my INTRO POST.