Blueberry Almond Granola
on Feb 25, 2015, Updated Jul 16, 2024
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Well the weather here in Colorado has really gone to the pits. I think I’m sulking more this time around because we had a few weeks of incredible weather and I forgot that the end of February and March are our snowiest months. It has certainly proved true this past week. We were walloped with a good 12 inches of snow over the weekend and are expected to get more starting later today and through the weekend. The one positive part of all this snow is that it’s the perfect time to turn on the oven and bake! Last Sunday I made what is probably my best batch of granola yet, Blueberry Almond Granola!
The inspiration for this granola came from a sample of blueberry almond granola that I had at Whole Foods. Isn’t it the best thing ever when stores are handing out free samples of food? Especially when that food is something as tasty as granola! Well, I immediately fell in love with this crunchy, blueberry, and almond flavored granola and knew that I had to figure out how to remake it.
As much as I love Whole Foods and all the amazing things that come out of the store, it’s not always the most wallet friendly place. I suppose that’s why it’s often referred to as Whole Paycheck. A small bag of granola can run you $6.00 or more…I can make two or three bags for that price! The other problem I have with store bought granolas is that they are usually loaded with an overabundance of sugar. This Whole Foods sample was no exception. I’m not going to lie about how much I loved it’s sweetness, but it probably wouldn’t make the healthiest snack or breakfast. This granola would be better served on top of ice cream as a dessert.
To make my Blueberry Almond Granola something that I could enjoy mixed in with my morning yogurt or grab a handful of for an afternoon snack, I cut back on the sugar as much as I could, but still kept it sweet enough so that I didn’t feel like I was just eating a handful of toasted oats and nuts. The dried blueberries added a great berry flavor and sweetness to the granola as well.
What I loved most about this granola was the addition of almond extract. I can’t get enough of baked goods that use almond extract! I think I love it more than vanilla! Well, I added a generous amount to mine and it gave the granola an amazing almond flavor. Paired with the toasted oats, almonds, honey, and blueberries, it instantly became my new favorite! So go ahead and skip buying a bag of pre-made granola at the store and bake up a batch of this insanely delicious Blueberry Almond Granola!
Blueberry Almond Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup whole almonds chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 1/2 teaspoons almond extract divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat.
- In a large bowl combine the oats, almonds, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar, stirring until everything is combined.
- In a small bowl whisk together the coconut oil, honey, 2 teaspoons of almond extract, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture in with the dry and stir everything together with a rubber spatula until it is coated.
- Pour the granola out onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into a single layer.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the granola from the oven and toss it around with a spatula so that it browns evenly.
- Place it back in the oven and repeat the process 15 minutes later.
- Bake the granola for a total of 40-50 minutes or until it is golden brown.
- While the granola is baking place the dried blueberries in a small bowl with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract and toss them together.
- When the granola is done baking remove it from the oven and stir in the dried blueberries.
- Let the granola cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
More Granola Recipes:
Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola
Made this today. Very tasty flavor combo. I had to turn my oven down to 275 degrees as my first batch was too dark. I also added some shredded coconut. Will make again.
I’m glad you posted this, Thank You! However I love Whole Foods granola just the way is. What would I need to do to “sweeten” it so it tastes like Whole Foods blueberry granola?
Love love love love love love this granola! and those photos Danae! Sooooooo pretty! Pinning immediately!
Thanks lady, you’re making me blush! :-)
Whole Foods is great about sampling new treats. We have a store in CT called Stew Leonard’s that does Saturday Sampling Day and it’s hard get through the aisles because there are so many new treats to try. I’m glad you posted this recipe because I am IN LOVE with this blueberry almond granola from WF. It’s the perfect amount of sweet and nutty. I actually have some on my counter. I can’t wait to try the homemade version.
Oh man I would love if we had a place around here that did Saturday Sampling Day! If I had bought the Whole Foods version of the granola it wouldn’t have lasted the day in our house! I knew I had to come up with a healthier and more $$ friendly version!
I’ve been craving granola and was just looking for a new recipe. I have never tried the blueberry almond granola at WF, but now I need to make this at home!
Granola is one of my favorite snacks, so crunchy, and sweet! I love making my own so I can control how sweet it is!
I used to love getting the cherry almond granola at WF, but it was so sweet it would make my sugars go off the charts. I need to try your recipe so I can get that some great flavor without the added sugars!
Whole Foods granola is definitely sweet, good, but too sweet for breakfast or a snack! I hope you try out the granola and love it as much as I do!
I LOVE when you are surprised with tasty samples! So smart. Like yesterday, at Costco, I tried their new organic Chipotle Bean Burgers…I was sold! And I can see why you loved this granola. I need to make it asap!
Thanks Meg! I love when I time my trip to Costco when all the samples are out, free lunch!
This winter has been ROUGH all around. At least we have baking! Great photos, Danae!
Thanks Liz! I’m so over winter and ready for spring!