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Do you ever have the feeling that something is just too good to be true? Have you ever felt like a "Doubting Thomas"; like something couldn't possibly be as good as it's made out to be, unless, of course, you experienced it yourself? That's exactly how I felt last week when I saw this recipe for Maple Toasted Almonds and Oats. Really? Just three simple ingredients could be that good? Mary's from Barefeet in the Kitchen shared this dressed-down granola recipe. Oats, almonds and maple syrup. Stir it together in less than two minutes. Simple, delicious and healthy was how she described it.
Enticed, I had to try it myself and see if just-too-good-to-be true could really be true. Guess what? I'm a believer! Not only can you whip it up in less than two minutes, it takes less than twenty minutes to bake. A few minutes to cool and in under a half-hour, you've got a crunchy, delicious, super healthy topping for yogurt, fresh fruit, oatmeal or ice cream.
I changed the proportions just a bit to suit our taste; I increased the almonds for more flavor and protein and added a bit of additional maple syrup to give extra sweetness. For a flavor boost, I threw in a some vanilla and a generous pinch of sea salt. I made a double batch and bagged it up in quarter cup servings to help with portion control (it's quite addictive and otherwise I find myself going back for more a few too many times).
I know you're probably thinking this is just too good to be true. You're probably being a bit of a "Doubting Thomas", right? See, I've got your number! Looks like you're going to have to give this a whirl yourself; just to make sure I'm not pulling your leg. You probably have all the ingredients just waiting to go and I'm quite certain if you have twenty to thirty minutes to spare, you won't be disappointed!
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Maple-Vanilla Toasted Oats and Almonds
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stir together all ingredients to coat thoroughly. Spread across the parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes. Stir well and redistribute the mixture evenly then bake for another 5-8 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Use as a topping on yogurt or fresh fruit, oatmeal or for a quick, healthy snack.
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I only use your recipe to add this to my acai bowls!!! I make this in batch and store it for everyday yumminess!! Easy and quick recipe that tastes delicious!!!
Thank you, Janki! I'm so happy to hear that you've enjoyed this recipe!
I added walnuts almonds raisins cranberries flax seeds as well.
Thanks for sharing your results, Archie.
Could you confirm for me how long you put it back in the over for after giving it a mix? You cook for 15-18, rest for 10, mix and then back in the oven for??
Hi Miranda, sorry that wasn't clear. It's a total of 15-18 minutes. So bake for 10, take it out and stir then return to the oven for 5-8 minutes. I will clarify that.
Why does it say prep time 3 hours and 15 minutes as well as cook time?
Hi Molly, when I changed recipe plugins a while back, it messed up all of my times. I've been going back and changing them but with 1200 recipes it's taking a while! I'll change this one now!
Chris this is so delicious! i added some banana chips and enjoy it every morning with fruit and yogurt.
I think this flies to the top of my must try list for this weekend!
Oh, I love this! I've been looking for an ultra simple granola with just oats and nuts. Will have to give it a try and have it with yogurt. Thanks!
I love crunchy foods ... I would be needing the pre-portioned sizes as well. Great idea.
Fondly,
Glenda
Hi Chris, this look absolutely healthy and delicious. Great for breakfast or snack. Beautiful presentation and excellent click.
Have a wonderful Easter.
I trust you and am trying this for our next granola!!!!
Hi Chris, I love granola,this is so easy and delicious! XO
Though I am not a breakfast person, I could eat this anytime of day! I just have never done breakfast.
What a simple but great idea Chris,
Hugs and Kisses!
Wow! So simple yet so delicious. Love this!
Cyndy, so happy you've enjoyed this! That's so funny that you're on your second batch ......... only because that's exactly what I did! Within 24 hours, I had made it twice!
This is an exceptionally scrumptious granola - tried it and am making another batch today. Shared the recipe with 3 friends already too. And I have just added it to my Easter Brunch menu! Thank you!
Love your great pictures. Wish I could reach in and grab a parfait.
Ah, your additions to the recipe convinced me (salt - everything is better with just a pinch:). I've been trending towards going overboard with the granola ingredients, and I needed the reminder that simple is better!
Mm this would be a perfect replacement for my store-bought everyday muesli... just have to find some of that syrup around here! (Yay for Hungary)
Could I have some over my moring yogurt, please? This looks delish!
Homemade granola is the best! I love that this one is so easy. 🙂
This reminds me of the fabulous granola parfaits that we enjoyed in Chapel Hill at Foster's market!!! Oh those those are sweet memories 🙂 I will make this and think about you and Cait!!
Oh, and the scones, don't forget the scones 🙂 We weren't completely good, just eating yogurt and granola! 🙂
what amazing and beautiful recipe!
Granola is my favorite munch. I can eat a whole bowl full while reading and not even realize it! This granola has all the perfect qualities of slightly sweet crunch.
Boy, this is simple! And looks so totally delish. I can think of dozens of ways to use this - thanks so much for the inspiration!
OK, I have to try this!
I love the maple vanilla granola at Trader Joe's and have NEVER found an easy granola recipe so this one is going to happen.
That does sound deliciously easy Chris and I love that you added extra almonds. I'm going to sent this one on to my sister because it looks like something she'd love on top of her fruit in the morning!
Perfect!
This looks so good. I love those glasses. And the photography.
I'm glad that you enjoyed it so much! My kids have been asking for another batch, so I'm making one today as well. Have a blessed day and squeeze that grandbaby of yours for me!
Oh, Chris, this is so my kind of recipe. I usually don't have all the quirky ingredients people put in granola, but oats, almonds, maple syrup and vanilla, those I can deal with. I do like your addition of the vanilla, by the way. The aroma while it's all baking must be uber-amazing.
My husband mixes granola with his bran flakes each morning. I know he will enjoy this.
yum! I love granola and this looks wonderful!
In fact, it looks really simple!!!! But, I'm sure it's good!!!! You can't go wrong with maple syrup, oats and almonds!
Sounds wonderful and looks great in the parfaits:@)
I just can imagine how delicious and aromatic this granola is with toasted almonds, maple, and vanilla. Mmmmm! I love parfaits -- and with this granola as the topping, I would need nothing else. Beautiful photos, Cris!!!
The sort of breakfast I would love, I adore oats. Keep well Diane
YUMMY!!! Easy too.
i really need to try this
Unbelievably cool! I need to send this to my friends!!
I have a tried-and-true granola recipe, but it takes several more ingredients (including a whole cup of canola oil), and it takes an hour to bake, so I am definitely anxious to give this a try.
Every single Cafe recipe I've tried has been a hit, so I have no doubt this will be as well.
Thanks,
Patti
Thanks Patti, you are a real encourager! 🙂
Granola is a daily breakfast for me with fresh berries. I usually choose honey granola, but I love the maple syrup you've added here - delicious!