Homemade Almond Coconut Granola: Your Easy Recipe for a Crispy, Healthy Breakfast
Kickstart your day with a burst of energy and wholesome goodness! This easy homemade almond coconut granola recipe is not just delicious; it’s a perfectly customizable and nutritious way to fuel your mornings. Forget store-bought versions filled with ingredients you don’t love. Our simple recipe allows you to create a batch of crunchy, golden granola packed with your favorite nuts, aromatic spices, and hearty grains. It’s the ideal breakfast companion for yogurt, milk, or simply as a satisfying snack straight from the jar, promising a fresh and fulfilling start to any day.
The Joy of Homemade: Crafting Your Perfect Almond Coconut Granola
There’s something truly special about making your own breakfast cereal. It’s not just a fun activity; it’s an empowering way to ensure every bite is exactly to your liking. Before discovering the magic of homemade granola, I often found myself picking out undesirable bits from supermarket brands – hard banana pieces, overly chewy apple cubes, or tough currants that simply didn’t belong. It was a compromise, settling for something less than perfect.
But with this easy almond coconut granola recipe, those days are over! Crafting your own batch means you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome, fresh, and delicious product every time. You can choose the exact blend of nuts, the quality of your oats, and the type of sweeteners. The process involves roasting dry ingredients like oats, almonds, and coconut in the oven until they’re golden and incredibly fragrant. Once cooled, you have the freedom to stir in your favorite additions – think plump raisins, sweet dried apricots, or any other dried fruit you adore. Alternatively, keep them separate and add a different mix to your bowl of yogurt each morning, tailoring your breakfast to your daily cravings. This level of customization makes breakfast a true delight, a moment to savor as you prepare for the day ahead.
Beyond the simple satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your food, making homemade granola can also be a more cost-effective option than buying premium store-bought varieties. Plus, your kitchen will be filled with the most incredible aromas, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. It’s a fantastic way to involve the whole family, from measuring ingredients to shaking the baking sheet for even toasting. You’ll not only create a delicious product but also lasting memories.
And if you’re a true granola enthusiast, don’t stop here! For chocolate lovers, you simply must try this chocolate muesli (it’s surprisingly delicious without added sugars). Or, as the seasons change, get cozy with this incredible apple pie granola for fall – it might just become your new favorite. There’s a world of homemade granola waiting for you to explore!
Choosing the Right Oats for Crispy Granola
The foundation of any great granola is, of course, the oats. For this baked almond coconut granola recipe, we highly recommend using **unprocessed whole-grain rolled oats**, often labeled as old-fashioned oats. These are the workhorse of granola-making for several reasons. Firstly, their texture holds up beautifully during baking, giving you that satisfying chewiness combined with a delightful crispness. They absorb the butter and sugar mixture evenly, leading to a consistent golden-brown finish.
It’s crucial to avoid quick-cooking oats or instant oats for this recipe. While convenient for a fast bowl of oatmeal, their thinner, more processed flakes tend to become mushy and lose their distinct texture when baked, resulting in a less-than-ideal granola. Similarly, steer clear of pre-flavored oatmeals; we’re crafting our own delicious flavor profile from scratch, so plain, unadulterated oats are best. You can usually find excellent quality, unprocessed whole-grain oats at any supermarket, and often, the most economical option works perfectly well. Look for generic brands; they deliver the same great results without the premium price tag. For those with gluten sensitivities, always make sure to choose certified gluten-free rolled oats, as regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with wheat during processing.
Simple Steps for Perfectly Baked Granola
Preparing this homemade almond coconut granola is surprisingly straightforward, requiring just a few key steps to transform simple ingredients into a pantry staple. The full printable recipe card with exact measurements is conveniently located at the bottom of this blog post.
Here’s a quick overview of the process to achieve that perfect crispy texture:
- First, you’ll gently heat a mixture of butter, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a saucepan until the butter is melted and the sugar is fully dissolved. Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, syrupy consistency that will evenly coat your dry ingredients.
- Next, remove the saucepan from the heat and add your dry ingredients: the wholesome rolled oats, shredded coconut, and crunchy almonds. Stir vigorously to ensure everything is thoroughly coated in the warm, sweet mixture. Every oat flake should glisten with the buttery sugar.
- Spread this enticing mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Aim for a single, thin layer to ensure uniform baking and maximum crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Bake in a preheated oven until your granola turns a beautiful golden brown and develops an irresistible crispy texture. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Make sure to take it out and give it a good stir with a spatula halfway through baking. This step is crucial for preventing the edges from burning and promoting even toasting across the entire batch.
- Once out of the oven, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. Resist the urge to touch or move it while warm, as it will crisp up significantly as it cools. This step is absolutely crucial for achieving that ultimate crunch!
- Delicious Add-ins: After your granola has cooled to room temperature, it’s the perfect time to personalize it with extra flavor and texture. Gently fold in dried fruits like plump raisins, chewy date strips, tangy cranberries, or finely chopped dried apricots. You can also mix in chocolate chips (they’ll melt if added warm!), pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors. Once customized, store your freshly made granola in an airtight container or a decorative jar. It makes for a wonderful gift or a ready-to-go healthy breakfast option throughout the week!
While both muesli and granola are popular oat-based breakfast options, they differ significantly in their preparation and characteristics. Muesli typically consists of raw rolled oats combined with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, and sometimes other grains. It’s usually served cold, often soaked overnight with milk or yogurt, and contains no added sweeteners or fats during its initial preparation. Its texture is generally softer and chewier. Granola, on the other hand, is made by mixing oats with a liquid sweetener (like honey or maple syrup) and a fat (such as oil or butter), along with nuts and other add-ins. This mixture is then baked in the oven until it’s golden brown and delightfully crispy. The baking process gives granola its signature crunch and caramelized sweetness, making it a perfect topping for yogurt or a standalone snack. After baking and cooling, you can further customize granola with dark chocolate chunks, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, or more dried fruit. Remember not to add fresh fruit until just before serving, as its moisture content can shorten the shelf life of your crunchy granola and make it soggy.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter, unsalted
- ¼ cups dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1¼ cups oatmeal
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup almonds
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 °F or 320 °F
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Line the baking sheet with baking paper.
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In a sauce pan, melt the butter, then add the sugar and cinnamon.1 stick butter, ¼ cups dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
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Turn down the heat and add the oatmeal, coconut, almonds, and combine.1¼ cups oatmeal, 1 cup almonds, ¼ cup shredded coconut
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Distribute the granola on the baking dish, and if possible, make sure you got one layer.
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Put the baking plate for 15 minutes in the oven.
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Get it out and with a spatula turn the granola around.
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Put back in the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
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Let cool down to room temperature and put it in an airtight jar.
Notes
2. Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar is a star ingredient in this granola, primarily because its rich molasses content lends a deep, complex caramel flavor that truly enhances the overall taste. This not only sweetens but also adds a beautiful depth that can’t be achieved with white sugar alone. If you prefer a lighter sweetness or don’t have dark brown sugar on hand, light brown sugar is a suitable substitute, though the caramel notes will be less pronounced. White granulated sugar can also be used, but you’ll lose some of that distinct depth and slightly chewy texture. For a more natural and equally delicious sweetness, consider using pure maple syrup, golden honey, or even golden syrup. These liquid sweeteners create slightly different textures (often a bit chewier) but offer wonderful flavor complexities that pair beautifully with the almonds and coconut.
3. Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon provides a warm, inviting accent to this almond coconut granola, making it feel cozy and comforting. It’s a classic pairing that works beautifully with the nutty and tropical flavors. However, don’t feel limited to just cinnamon! You can easily experiment with other warm spice blends to suit your personal taste or the season. A speculaas spice mix offers a unique European twist, while a good quality pumpkin pie spice blend would make this granola perfect for autumn mornings. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or even a hint of cardamom for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
4. Oatmeal: As mentioned earlier, unprocessed whole grain rolled oats (often labeled as old-fashioned oats) are the optimal choice for this recipe. Their robust texture ensures they hold up well during baking, resulting in a satisfyingly crunchy and chewy granola. These oats are readily available at any supermarket and are usually quite affordable. It’s important to avoid instant or quick-cooking oats, as their finer, more processed texture tends to turn mushy when baked, compromising the desired crispy granola texture. Similarly, skip pre-flavored oats, as we’re building our own delicious flavor profile from scratch. Always opt for plain, unflavored varieties to give you the best base for your homemade creation. For those with gluten sensitivities, ensure you choose certified gluten-free rolled oats, as regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing.
5. Almonds: Almonds contribute a wonderful crunchy bite and a delicate, nutty flavor that complements the coconut beautifully. They’re also a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, adding to the nutritional value of your breakfast. But don’t hesitate to get creative with other nuts! Walnuts, pecans, cashews, or even hazelnuts would all be delicious additions, each offering a slightly different flavor profile. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds, which also boost the nutritional content and add visual appeal. Always use unsalted nuts and seeds to maintain control over the seasoning of your granola.
6. Serve: This homemade almond coconut granola is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways, making it a truly flexible breakfast or snack. It’s fantastic served with creamy Greek yogurt for a protein-packed and satisfying breakfast, or with your choice of dairy or plant-based milk (almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk are all great options that enhance the flavor). For a delightful tropical twist, pair it with coconut yogurt and fresh tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. Beyond breakfast, sprinkle it generously over smoothie bowls for added crunch, use it as a crunchy topping for baked apples or fruit crumbles, or simply enjoy it by the handful as a satisfying, energy-boosting snack throughout your day. It’s also a perfect addition to fruit salads or even as an ingredient in homemade energy bars.
7. Storage: Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and, most importantly, the crispiness of your homemade granola.
- Room temperature: Once completely cooled – this is crucial to prevent condensation – transfer your granola to a clean, airtight container or a large mason jar. Stored in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight, it will remain fresh and delightfully crunchy for up to 2 months. Make sure the container is truly airtight to prevent any moisture from seeping in, which can quickly make your granola soft and stale.
- Freezer: While the texture might become slightly chewier, freezing granola is an excellent option for long-term storage, extending its shelf life significantly. Place the completely cooled granola in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months without losing much flavor. To enjoy, simply take out the desired portion and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes; no thawing in the microwave is required, which could affect the texture. This method is perfect for meal prepping large batches and always having a healthy breakfast option on hand.
Ensuring your granola is completely cool before storing is vital to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess and premature spoilage.
Nutrition
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Explore More Delicious Breakfast Ideas
If you’ve enjoyed making this homemade almond coconut granola, you’ll love exploring other wholesome and delicious breakfast options. We believe that breakfast should be both nourishing and exciting, so here are a few more recipes to inspire your mornings and keep your breakfast routine fresh and flavorful:
- Oatmeal with Pomegranate, Sunflower Seeds, and Cinnamon
- Banana Oat Smoothie with Lemon
- Easy Baked Granola with Dark Chocolate