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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!
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.
Karen says
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!
whilehewasout says
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)
Angie's Recipes says
Could I have some over my moring yogurt, please? This looks delish!
scrambledhenfruit says
Homemade granola is the best! I love that this one is so easy. 🙂
amy free says
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!!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Oh, and the scones, don't forget the scones 🙂 We weren't completely good, just eating yogurt and granola! 🙂
Gloria Baker says
what amazing and beautiful recipe!
Wendy says
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.
Kitchen Riffs says
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!
kristinwithani says
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.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
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!
rosaria williams says
Perfect!
Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon says
This looks so good. I love those glasses. And the photography.
Mary Younkin says
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!
The Mom Chef says
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.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
My husband mixes granola with his bran flakes each morning. I know he will enjoy this.
Martha says
yum! I love granola and this looks wonderful!
Kim G. says
In fact, it looks really simple!!!! But, I'm sure it's good!!!! You can't go wrong with maple syrup, oats and almonds!
Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
Sounds wonderful and looks great in the parfaits:@)
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
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!!!
Food, Fun and Life in the Charente says
The sort of breakfast I would love, I adore oats. Keep well Diane
Charlotte Moore says
YUMMY!!! Easy too.
frost says
i really need to try this
Ginny says
Unbelievably cool! I need to send this to my friends!!
Patti says
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
The Café Sucré Farine says
Thanks Patti, you are a real encourager! 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
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!