If you’ve been on the hunt for a crunchy, satisfying, and naturally sweet homemade treat, this Homemade Toasted Coconut Granola Recipe is going to feel like a little gift to your taste buds. Imagine golden toasted oats mingling with the irresistible aroma of coconut, a touch of cinnamon warmth, and the cozy crunch of chopped nuts—all brought together with maple syrup and coconut oil. It’s a stunningly simple recipe that transforms basic pantry staples into a versatile snack or breakfast staple that you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this granola is essential and purposeful, creating the perfect harmony of texture, aroma, and flavor. From the hearty oats to the buttery coconut oil, each element plays a role in making this granola crisp, fragrant, and utterly crave-worthy.
- 2 cups rolled oats: The hearty base that provides the crispy clusters and chewy texture granola is loved for.
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut: Adds that signature toasted coconut flavor and a hint of tropical sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or pecans: Brings crunchy nuttiness and depth, with your choice adding a subtle flavor twist.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey: Natural sweetener that caramelizes perfectly, lending that golden hue and gentle sweetness.
- 3 tbsp coconut oil or butter: Helps crisp up the granola while contributing a smooth, rich mouthfeel infused with coconut’s subtle nuttiness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a warm, floral note that complements the coconut beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: Provides a cozy spice that perks up the granola with subtle warmth.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor complexity.
How to Make Homemade Toasted Coconut Granola Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature ensures your granola toasts slowly and evenly, allowing all those wonderful flavors to develop without burning the coconut or nuts.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients form the texture foundation of your granola, and mixing them upfront ensures every bite gets a good balance of crunch and flavor.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, stir in the coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Make sure to coat the dry ingredients thoroughly—the syrup will help bind everything together while the oil gives that luscious crispness and boosts the toasty coconut notes.
Step 4: Bake the Granola
Spread your mixture evenly over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure the granola browns evenly and the coconut toasts to perfection.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, let your granola cool fully on the baking sheet. This cooling period is crucial because as it cools, the clusters crisp up beautifully, locking in that addictive crunch we all love.
How to Serve Homemade Toasted Coconut Granola Recipe
Garnishes
This granola shines as the perfect topping. Sprinkle it over creamy yogurt, fresh fruit bowls, or simply a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. For a festive touch, toss in dried cranberries or raisins after baking to add chewy bursts of flavor that contrast perfectly with the crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your granola with a refreshing smoothie or alongside a warm bowl of oatmeal. It also makes a delightful snack on its own—a crunchy pick-me-up anytime during the day, perfect for stashing in your bag.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by layering your Homemade Toasted Coconut Granola Recipe in parfait glasses with alternating layers of Greek yogurt and fresh berries. You can also use it as a crumble topping for baked apples or bananas to add texture and a hint of tropical sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your granola to an airtight container or glass jar. It will keep its wonderful crunch and flavor for up to 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature, making it an excellent make-ahead treat.
Freezing
If you’ve made a big batch, freezing is a brilliant option. Store your granola in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and it can keep fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you want that just-baked warmth, briefly toast your granola in a dry skillet over low heat or pop it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh its crunch and bring out that incredible toasted coconut aroma again.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides almonds or pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, cashews, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully and add different flavor profiles. Experiment to find your favorite combo.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or a mix of both for a nut-free version with plenty of crunch.
How do I ensure the coconut gets nicely toasted without burning?
Stir the granola halfway through baking and keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes. Using the moderate 325°F oven temp gives gentle, even toasting so the coconut turns golden without scorching.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Substitute honey with maple syrup and use coconut oil instead of butter to keep the recipe fully plant-based and just as delicious.
What’s the best way to add dried fruit?
Add dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots only after the granola has fully cooled. Adding them before baking can cause them to dry out or burn.
Final Thoughts
There’s something heartwarming and truly special about making your own crunchy snacks at home, especially with a recipe as delightful as this Homemade Toasted Coconut Granola Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and coconutty goodness that brightens up any bowl or snack time. Give it a try—you might just find yourself hooked on this simple, wholesome treat that’s easy to customize and beautiful to enjoy every day.
Print
Homemade Toasted Coconut Granola Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crunchy, golden homemade granola baked with rolled oats, toasted coconut, nuts, and sweetened with maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast bowls, yogurt toppings, or as a wholesome snack, this granola combines delightful textures and warm flavors enhanced by cinnamon and vanilla.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or pecans
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 3 tbsp coconut oil or butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure even baking of the granola mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and salt, distributing all the components evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the coconut oil or butter, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract, making sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated with the wet mixture for optimal flavor and crunch.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the granola mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Bake the Granola: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even toasting without burning.
- Cool and Store: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet; it will crisp up as it cools. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- For added crunch and nutrition, consider adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or other seeds into the mixture before baking.
- Add dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins after baking to avoid sogginess and maintain texture.
- Store the granola in an airtight jar, where it will keep fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Meal Prep
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
