If you are searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet, crunchy, and a little bit of indulgence, look no further than this Strawberry Coconut Granola with Nuts and Chocolate Recipe. It’s a vibrant mix of wholesome oats, toasted coconut, crunchy nuts, and the irresistible pops of freeze-dried strawberries paired with luscious chocolate chips. This granola is a game-changer for breakfast or snacks, offering a burst of flavor and texture that feels both nourishing and special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be a staple in your kitchen for its simplicity and unforgettable taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here are straightforward but play crucial roles in giving this granola its signature crunch, sweetness, and beautiful color. Each one adds a wonderful layer of flavor, texture, or nutrition that you will appreciate in every bite.
- Old fashioned oats: The hearty base with a chewy texture that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- Flaked coconut: Adds a tropical touch and a delicate crunch.
- Chopped almonds: These nuts provide a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor.
- Chopped pecans: Brings buttery richness that deepens the nutty profile.
- Pepitas: These pumpkin seeds add a subtle nuttiness and extra bite.
- Flaxseed meal: Offers a healthy boost of omega-3s and helps bind the granola clusters.
- Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a hint of spice to brighten the mix.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors.
- Coconut oil (or butter): Binds everything with rich, silky moisture and aids browning.
- Pure maple syrup: Natural sweetener with a touch of caramel flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract: Elevates the aroma and depth of sweetness.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: Packed with vibrant berry flavor and beautiful color without moisture.
- White or dark chocolate chips (optional): Adds creamy, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth spots that feel indulgent.
How to Make Strawberry Coconut Granola with Nuts and Chocolate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large-rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only keeps your granola from sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a small prep step that sets you up for success.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your oats, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, pepitas, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and sea salt. Giving everything a good stir ensures that every bite will have balanced flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients for That Perfect Coating
Pour in the melted coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup, and vanilla extract over your dry mixture. Stir well until every ingredient is evenly coated. This moist coating is what will bring the granola together and help it crisp up into those satisfying clusters.
Step 4: Spread and Press the Granola
Transfer your mixture to the prepared baking sheet and press it into an even layer with a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup. Pressing down is key to forming clusters that will hold together after baking, turning your granola from loose crumbs into snackable chunks.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Place the baking sheet in your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Resist the urge to stir during baking; this helps create those beautiful clusters. Just rotate the pan halfway through to allow even browning. You’ll know it’s ready when the granola is a lovely golden color.
Step 6: Cool Without Stirring
Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This no-stir cooling step is essential for the granola to harden up and develop that perfect crunch that makes this recipe so addictive.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Once cooled, break the granola into clusters of your preferred size. Gently fold in your freeze-dried strawberries and, if you like, the white or dark chocolate chips. These last additions lend bursts of fruity brightness and melty sweetness that complete the experience.
How to Serve Strawberry Coconut Granola with Nuts and Chocolate Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh berries or a handful of dried fruits on top to amplify the fruity flavors. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with this granola’s crunchy texture.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs wonderfully with Greek yogurt or creamy plant-based yogurt for a protein-packed breakfast or snack. Pour it over vanilla or strawberry-flavored yogurt for a perfect balance of creaminess and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this granola with fresh fruit and whipped cream in clear glasses for a show-stopping parfait. It also works great sprinkled over smoothie bowls or even ice cream, adding both texture and a delightful flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature. Kept away from moisture, it will stay crisp and fresh for up to two weeks. This makes it a great grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the granola in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving and give it a little stir to refresh the crunch.
Reheating
To gently revive any soft clusters, spread granola on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This will restore crispness without over-toasting or burning the delicate nuts and coconut.
FAQs
Can I substitute the nuts in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap almonds and pecans with your favorite nuts like walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts. It will alter the flavor and texture slightly, but the granola will still be delicious and crunchy.
Is coconut oil necessary or can I use another fat?
You can replace coconut oil with melted butter or even a neutral oil like avocado oil if you prefer. The key is to use something that will help bind the ingredients and crisp up the granola while adding richness.
Are freeze-dried strawberries essential?
Freeze-dried strawberries provide a wonderful punch of color and flavor without adding moisture, which keeps the granola crisp. If you can’t find them, dried strawberries are a good alternative, but the texture will be softer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Using coconut oil instead of butter and opting for dark chocolate chips that do not contain milk will make this Strawberry Coconut Granola with Nuts and Chocolate Recipe completely vegan-friendly.
How do I prevent the chocolate chips from melting?
Add chocolate chips only after the granola has completely cooled. Mixing them in while warm will cause melting and clumping, which can change the texture and appearance of your granola.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Coconut Granola with Nuts and Chocolate Recipe enough for anyone who loves a crunchy, flavorful snack or breakfast addition. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with wholesome ingredients you’ll feel great about. Once you taste that perfect blend of strawberry brightness, coconut crunch, and chocolatey goodness, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’re in for a real treat!
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Strawberry Coconut Granola with Nuts and Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Granola recipe combines hearty oats, crunchy nuts, and sweet freeze-dried strawberries for a delightful and wholesome snack or breakfast addition. With the perfect balance of natural sweetness from maple syrup and a hint of vanilla, this granola is baked to golden clusters that are crisp and satisfying. Whether enjoyed on its own, with milk, or as a yogurt topping, it’s a versatile and delicious homemade treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup pepitas
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled (or butter as substitute)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips, optional (or use dark chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large-rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Set the baking sheet aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the old fashioned oats, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, pepitas, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour the melted and slightly cooled coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until every component is coated and the mixture looks cohesive.
- Spread granola mixture: Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup, press and spread the mixture into an even layer. This helps the granola bake evenly and form clusters.
- Bake granola: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the granola turns slightly golden brown. Do not stir while baking to allow clusters to form. Rotate the pan halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
- Cool completely: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring. This is essential for the granola to set into crunchy clusters.
- Add final mix-ins: Once fully cooled, break the granola into clusters of your desired size. Gently stir in the freeze-dried strawberries and, if desired, white or dark chocolate chips. Enjoy plain, with milk, or as a topping for yogurt.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Do not stir granola while baking to encourage cluster formation.
- Make sure granola cools completely before adding freeze-dried strawberries and chocolate chips to maintain their texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Customize by substituting nuts or seeds based on preference or availability.
