Vanilla Almond Protein Granola Recipe
- By INFINIT Interns
- Mar 27, 2024
Homemade Vanilla Almond Protein Granola Clusters
A simple and delicious recipe to pack some extra protein into your day.
Most of us have heard by now that granola is super easy to make, right? Yet a lot of us (myself included) are still buying it at the grocery store! But the dietitians here at the INFINIT Test Kitchen challenge YOU to swap the granola on your list for just a couple of simple ingredients and make your own! We promise you will not regret it.
This recipe has been perfected using one of INFINIT’s Custom Protein blends, this customized mix is low in calories and flavor but still packed with protein, perfect for sneaking a protein boost into your favorite recipes.
We created this recipe by starting with building an INFINIT Custom Protein blend The specific Custom Protein mix we used for this recipe uses our tri-protein REPAIR Blend and it also features some of our most popular nutritional boost add-ins for recovery.
INFINIT Repair Blend
INFINIT Repair Blend™ maximizes muscle recovery with fast-acting whey and slower-absorbing soy and casein. Did you know that whey and casein are the two main proteins naturally occurring in cow’s milk? Together they contain all essential amino acids.
Whey has been observed to enter the bloodstream quickly and produce a rapid effect; while Casein enters at a much slower rate, similar to soy. Using a blend of the proteins helps to ensure more protein stays in the bloodstream for longer and the body obtains all of the essential amino acids.
Glutamine
Glutamine supplementation has been scientifically proven to reduce the rate of infection and inflammation while improving immune function. Glutamine is a great recovery add-in because it helps prevent muscle breakdown by reducing post-workout inflammation.
Tart Cherry
Tart cherry is a post-workout powerhouse rich in antioxidants, and it can naturally increase melatonin production. Tart cherry dietary supplementation has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and muscle soreness following intense endurance exercise.
Ground Flaxseed
Ground flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids; omega-3 fatty acids are also known as essential fat, meaning our body cannot produce it in the amount our bodies need, so we must consume it through our diet. Flaxseed also helps regulate inflammation while supporting recovery and muscle growth.
All of these added nutrients can work together to support your recovery better, and if post-workout recovery isn’t your goal, we have lots of different add-ins to help add a nutritional boost to your diet from Greens and Berry Antioxidant powders to Tryptophan for the perfect sleepy time drink.
Ready to get started making your own granola? We'll walk you through every step to making this easy and nutritious crunchy treat. It's perfect as a quick and easy snack, as part of a breakfast parfait topped on your favorite yogurt, or as a snack (you can even add in some nuts and dried fruit to create your own personalized trail mix)!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- INFINIT Custom Protein Powder (create your own here)
- Your favorite nut butter
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Old Fashioned Oats
INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup Crunchy Almond Butter (or any nut butter you prefer)
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 scoops INFINIT Protein Powder
- 1 tsp Cinnamon, Ground
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 325F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, add almond butter and honey, stirring until the almond butter is melted and fully combined with the honey.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Remove from heat and add oats, protein powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix well and ensure that all the oats are well-coated.
- Spread (about a 1/4 inch thick) layer of the granola mixture onto the baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes.
Tip: Spray a rubber spatula or wooden spoon with non-stick spray for easier spreading. - Remove from oven, use a fork to separate the granola mixture then spread it back out, and bake again until lightly golden or 4-8 minutes (this ensures the bottom layer does not burn).
- Transfer the parchment paper or baking mat containing your granola to a cooling rack.
- Once cool (about 30 minutes) you can use your hands to break the granola into the cluster sizes of your choosing.
Enjoy your granola while still warm or once fully cooled (1-2 hours) store your granola in a sealed container at room temperature for optimal freshness!
STORAGE
Seal granola clusters in an airtight bag or container. Since your homemade granola is free from preservatives and drying agents, we'd recommend using within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness.
NUTRITION INFO
About the Author
Tatiana Baker was a 2021-2022 Dietetic Intern who spent time with INFINIT during her final undergraduate year at the University of Cincinnati and in preparation to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. INFINIT Nutrition is proud to partner with the University of Cincinnati’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) to provide our next generation of nutrition professionals an opportunity to spend time with the INFINIT Team and gain real-life experience working at a sports nutrition company.
