A delightful gluten-free granola full of whole grains, sweet blueberry, real vanilla bean, and omega-packed flax seed. With no added sugar or oil, this healthy vegan granola will be perfect for breakfast, a snack, or topping for dessert!
April’s Theme - Spring Cleaning: Go through your pantry, cupboards, freezer, or fridge; what ‘treasures’ have you found? Pick an ingredient/spice/condiment that’s been hanging out for a while and give it the attention it needs. Share a healthy recipe made using your new-found pantry prize.
You all know I'm the spice queen and I even had to bring all (most) of my spices, herbs, and extracts down to DC with me. They are all in my bottom dresser drawer! I really do have just about every spice you could possibly need....ever. Once you learn not to be scared of flavor and how to enhance the natural beauty of food with them, you'll never stop. One "spice" I had never used until a few months ago was an actual real vanilla bean. The expensive whole beans that come 2 in a jar for like $11. Yea, that's probably why I never had them to use!
I love vanilla and you all know how I love my Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
! (Gotta have the real deal!). But if I'm not using extract, or God forbid, I have none, a vanilla bean is even better! A glorious long skinny black bean. Shriveled, thin, kinda sticky. When you lightly slice it open, teeny-tiny little black dots get ALL over! Haha, but it's a beautiful thing!
These funny skinny beans fell into my hands when Frieda's sent me a produce box back during the winter. I had them for a while packed away, not sure how or what to use them in. When I did come across them again and realized they were sadly sitting there, it hit me. Granola of course! What better way to use real vanilla beans than in a delightful granola?
I came across those beans, but also a bag of freeze-dried blueberries. It was a message from the granola gods that had to be answered with some baking! And the message was also clear with what new combo I would make. Blueberry + vanilla + flax! One of the first granolas I ever had was Kind's Vanilla Blueberry Cluster Granola with Flax Seeds
. Since I make my own granola now (and make it healthier), this was the perfect time to so a "copy-cat" inspired type of recipe. Which I did and it was perfect, so much better than the original too 😉
Blueberry Vanilla Flax Granola
Blueberry Vanilla Flax Granola
A delightful gluten-free granola full of whole grains, sweet blueberry, real vanilla bean, and omega-packed flax seed. With no added sugar or oil, this healthy vegan granola will be perfect for breakfast, a snack, or topping for dessert!
- Yield: 5 Cups 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Granola
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
- 1 Cup Puffed Rice
- 1 Cup Puffed Millet
- ¼ Cup Milled Flax Seed
- 1 ½ Cups (42g) Freeze-Dried Blueberries
- ½ Cup (1 Jar) Apple Blueberry Puree
- 1 TB Stevia Syrup
- ½ Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- ½ Vanilla Bean (scraped)
- 2 TB Ground Raw Cashews
- Dash of Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients: oats, rice, millet, flax, blueberries, cashew meal, and cinnamon. Give it a stir. Then add the wet: apple blueberry puree, stevia syrup, vanilla, and vanilla bean. Give everything another stir and make sure all in Incorporated and mingled together.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat and spread the granola out evenly on the sheet. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, stirring once, half-way through.
- Remove and let cool before storing in an airtight jar....or digging in immediately!
What did this granola teach me? That I should never "forget" about an ingredient. If I do, I need to make it memorable and use it in some granola. When in doubt, granola it up! Granola kinda is the perfect "spring clean" thing to make! Throw odds and ends in a bowl and bake it. When it's done, you'll have a delicious granola 😉
So tell me:
+ Have you ever used a real vanilla bean?
+ If you come across a random forgotten ingredient in your pantry, what do you do with it? Let it sit or find some inspiration to use it?
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Raia
We've got some granola fiends in my family, and I'm sure they'd love this. 🙂 Thanks for sharing it at Savoring Saturdays, Rebecca! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yes!
Stephanie
Can't wait to try this! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Christine | Where The Smiles Have Been
Oh my, this looks delicious!! I know my husband would love it too....he's from Maine, so he's a little obsessed with blueberries. 😉 Thank you so much for sharing this with us over at Merry Monday! Pinned! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you so much dear!
Honest mum
This looks amazing, I love granola. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuedays
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Same 😉 Thank you!
Creatively Homespun
Hey girl!!! Thanks for linking up to Creative K Kid's Tasty Tuesdays Linky Party. I've pinned your post to the Tasty Tuesday's Pinterest board!!! Have a great week!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
kimmythevegan
Oh do I ever love real vanilla bean! I hadn't tried it either until just a couple of years ago, but got hooked. It does cost *so* much though, so I reserve it for special occasions. This bowl may fit the perfect =)
You always make the best breakfasts!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think a granola is the perfect dish for it 😉 XOXO
Jennifer @ A Hungry Runner
I love that granola but this does sound so much better! And, I have vanilla beans in my pantry (I was drawn to them for some reason) but have NEVER used them. Maybe now is the time? 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! This recipe is your calling! Make it! And put those vanilla beans to good use 😉
Ciara (My Fussy Eater)
This looks lovely. I've never tried flax in granola before but will definitely be giving it a go now. Great recipe! #tastytuesdays
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's a great way to amp up the nutrition!
Steph @ Steph in Thyme
Yummy! I've used real vanilla bean before - but I actually prefer to use vanilla bean paste now. It's much quicker and easier, and the flavor and smell is so strong and potent! I bought a bottle at Sur La Table for $11, and it goes a long way! I add it to baked goods and smoothies. Vanilla is just divine.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I must get my hands on some! I know I would love it!
Elise @frugalfarmwife.com
Yum! I love the variety of puffed grains in this recipe!
Thanks for sharing at Waste not Want Not Wednesday.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Me too!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
ooh this looks fabulous I've been wanting to make my own granola. Yummy thanks for linking up with us again for Meatless Monday.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Don't wait any longer! Granola is so "stupid" easy to make!
Deborah Davis
A Great Way to shake things up at breakfast! Thank you for sharing your Blueberry Flax Vanilla Granola with us at the Plant-based Potluck Party! Pinning and sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It totally is!
Kim@Day7Kitchen
Hi Rebecca, thanks for sharing your recipe! I'm really impressed by your photography style. How did you manage to take the photos against a pristine white background? Did you photoshop afterwards or what do you use?
Thanks!
~ Kim from Day7Kitchen
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Not sure what you mean since these were taken with no lighting in a dorm room. The coloring is terribly off and these are not good photos. Please don't say they are.
Shirley @ gfe & All Gluten-Free Desserts
I probably would have gone a different route with those vanilla beans (homemade Kahlua comes to mind!), but you can't go wrong with an amazing granola recipe! 🙂
xo,
Shirley
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Granola will always be a winner and my got-o 😉
Sheena @ Tea and Biscuits
Guilty as charged on not using foods lurking in my pantry (and freezer) I need to make a very big list and get cooking! No Trader Joes here, maybe Whole Foods will have the dried blueberries. Oh, and your granola looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think we all commit that foodie-sin 😉
These are freeze-dried and I got them online!
And thank you! XOXO
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
This looks fantastic! I love millet - I could put it on everything!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
???
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
The puffed millet you used... 😉
Effie
Real vanilla beans are lovely and bring a more subtle flavour to foods. Your granola looks lovely. Happy FF#65!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are lovely! Thank you love!
Kierston
Love the mix!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
lili
Yum yum again! And yes, I love using seeds scraped out of a vanilla bean/pod and all your other ingredients!! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!
Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook
I can see that you love breakfasts. Me, too. 😀 Thanks for sharing another amazing recipe. Have a lovely weekend. xx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The one and only best meal!
Kaila (GF Life 24/7)
Wow! This looks great. I've never used a vanilla bean before, but now I want to try it out. Thanks for sharing, and happy FF! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! Give it a shot with this recipe then! XOXOXO
The Healthy Apple
Oh yum, aren't homemade granola recipes the best!? This looks amazing!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The only way! Homemade granola baking is just the best!
Georgie
This looks fantastic. I'm a granola addict. I always have to be careful when I make any because I want to eat it at every meal. Great shots <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha, I know the feeling 😉 Thanks girl!
Julie Bagamary
Looks yummy
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Kristy @ Southern In Law
Yuuuuuummmmmo! Vanilla beans are THE best!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, yes they are!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
What a great use of a "forgotten" ingredient! I have never used real vanilla bean, but I love the smell and taste- especially in ice cream 😉 Your granola looks fabulous!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
REAL vanilla bean ice cream is the best 😉 Thanks Jessica!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
Eeeeee this granola sounds so good! I can't live without my vanilla either. I love using real vanilla beans but they're pretty pricey, so I save them for special occasions. And if I come across an ingredient that's been sitting around, I usually play around with it in the kitchen! Sometimes it ends well, sometimes not so well. But it's always a treat when things turn out well and yummy 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Like this first experience with real vanilla bean! I'm glad I actually put it to use!
chrysta @ noshed
I definently need this granola in my life. Im such a grazer too and its one of those foods I love to just pick at during the day. I think we are completely on the same page as well. Im such a spice hoarder and lover of all things vanilla. Rock on!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's such a nice snack to always have on hand! Never know when the craving calls and this is super healthy to satisfy that!
Linda @ Veganosity
Vanilla beans are so expensive, but so worth the money for certain recipes. I'm a huge fan of dried blueberries, love this so much Rebecca! Pinned.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Certain recipes, meaning granola, because granola is so special 😉 haha!
These are freeze-dried though, not just chewy dried. Much more crunchy and no added sugar!
Farrah
Ah, granola...I adore it a little too much! 😛
I've definitely been trying to make something with pretty much every random forgotten ingredient I've been finding in my pantry! :]!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Me too 😉
I love finding weird things I forgot I had! So much fun for some weird inspiration!
Harriet Emily
This granola looks absolutely divine, Rebecca! All of those flavours sound like the perfect breakfast combination - especially as I adore blueberries and vanilla! I love that you added puffed rice, millet and flax seeds in to the mix as well for some different textures. I will definitely have to try this! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much love! I love adding in so many textures and flavors! My granolas have to be loaded! Never too simple!
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats
I need this right now. You ship?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O, I can 😉
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I've never used a real vanilla bean, but I use the same extract as you and really love it. This looks so delicious, I have a weakness for blueberries! My kids do too and usually don't save for me though 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's the ONLY extract I will ever buy! Haha!
Gotta start hoarding a secret stash 😉
Tianna
this looks so yummy! I love blueberries and granola - must try! Thanks for sharing ♥
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Tianna!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit
The granola gods know what's up, because this flavor pairing is unbeatable!! And with vanilla bean + extract I'm sure it tastes like a vanilla dream 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's the most godly vanilla granola ever 😉
Alanna
Loving this recipe so much! Granola is one of those comfort foods for me and I love trying new ones. That vanilla bean has me really excited 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is a comfort food!
Miranda @ Miranda Writes Blog
I've never made homemade granola before but it seems so easy to do! I love that you can also customize it with what you have on hand. I can see lots of great variations I could do with this. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
WHAT!? My goodness you need to make some granola STAT!
Sarah Blodgett
This looks so yummy! I love homemade granola!!!
Kisses,
Sarah
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Casey @ Casey the College Celiac
Granola is always my go-to when I have old fruit or extra ingredients lying around! What are some of your top favorite spices? I'm totally a spice virgin and I'm trying to expand my boundaries! 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
EVERY THING! But my top three spices are Cinnamon, Smoked Paprika, an Turmeric! Others are Dill, Oregano, Cumin, and garam masala!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician
This granola looks absolutely perfect! I love using real vanilla bean, especially in creme brûlée!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know I'll be using it a lot more now!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl
I love, love, LOVE that you added blueberries to this!! They are one of my favorite fruits and I try to eat them AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I love the little "blue" guys! And I love these freeze-dried ones! Super crunchy!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
I have used real vanilla bean before, it's so lovely! I love making homemade ice cream with it!! This granola looks amazing - love the ingredients!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's what I was thinking about the whole time! Homemade vanilla ice cream with the black dots 😉
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
I am not a huge fan of granola - but your combo of Apple Blueberry Puree, blueberries and vanilla might have me gobbling that bowl of granola right up!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sin! You have to love granola! Try any of my recipes are I will turn you into a HUGE fan 😉 XOXO
Maureen
This looks delicious! Always looking for a way to get more flax in my diet. Pinning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Maureen!
Nicole
I enjoy making my own granola, and I'm a huge fan of flax seeds. This definitely looks like it's worth a try. Pinning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It so is! Thank you Nicole!
Lauren Allen
I love homemade granola--this looks amazing and healthy! thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Lauren! Homemade is the only way to go 😉
Lora
oooh! I LOVE granola! I am totally going to go get fruit and have coffee, fruit, and granola for lunch now! (Because you can breakfast any time of day, right!?!?)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Breakfast 24/7! All meals every day! Haha 😉
Chelsey
Mmmmm this looks so good...want to put it in my yogurt now! Love that you used baby food (apple-blueberry puree) -- such a novel idea!!!! Is it wrong that apple-blueberry puree sounds SO good I want to eat it out of the jar myself?! YUM! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No shame in eating baby food! All it is is fruit and water! Haha! I LOVE using baby food in my baking!
Heather @ FITaspire
Blueberry and granola is the perfect mix to me -- this sounds delicious! I don't use vanilla beans often either,I think you're right about the coast. It always makes me save it for the *next* recipe! 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know! I felt sad using them actually...but why let it sit there for "one day"! Use the goodness now!
diane
I too love granola and what an ideal way to utilize those neglected ingredients! Brilliant!!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Granola is the best catch-all for everything!
Ali the Skinny GF Chef
I love how you use the fruit puree to moisten. I use coconut oil for mine but I think to lower the calories I'll try your way next!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea, I never use oil or added sugars! Just fruits and nuts/seeds for sweetness and fats!
Vicky @ randomlittlefaves.com
This sounds awesome! I love a good, healthy snack and anything with blueberries and vanilla gets my attention. Pinning this for future reference!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Vicky!
Emily @My Healthyish Life
I thought of KIND's vanilla granola when I saw your title. Awesome that you made your own! Vanilla is one of my favorite smells/tastes.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's an awesome combo! Vanilla is so yummy!
Rachel @ Athletic Avocado
this looks amazing! You are the granola queen! Blueberry and vanilla sounds so heavenly together! Pinned!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sometimes I really do think I should just make my blog a granola recipe blog 😉
Susie @ SuzLyfe
There really is nothing like true vanilla bean, is there? I have some languishing garam masala and Chinese 5 spice that I need to put to work....
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
OOOO, girl! Use that garam masala! One of my favorites! Just pour it in a dinner bowl, or for chicken, fish, anything!
Kelly
Granola smells so good when it's baking! Yum! Great recipe, Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
One of my favorite smells 😉