Coconut Pecan Granola

Coconut Pecan Granola

There’s something magical about a batch of homemade granola, and when it’s a Coconut Pecan Granola, the excitement doubles! I remember the first time I made it; the delightful aroma filled my kitchen, teasing everyone who walked by. I gathered a handful of rolled oats, pecans, and coconut, all mingling together in a bowl, ready to become a crunchy, golden snack. Each bite is a burst of flavor, with the sweetness of honey and the warm notes of cinnamon. My family now looks forward to this treat every weekend, and it’s become a delightful tradition to whip up a fresh batch each time.

Making Coconut Pecan Granola is not just about snacking; it’s about creating something special that you can share with your loved ones. Whether it’s for breakfast over yogurt, an afternoon pick-me-up, or just a late-night munch, this recipe never disappoints. The best part? You can customize it to your liking. You can add dried fruits like blueberries or even a sprinkle of seeds to boost the nutrition. Each time I make it, I experiment a little, and that’s the beauty of this recipe!

This granola is more than just delicious; it’s a canvas for creativity in the kitchen. From trying different nuts to adding spices, each version tells a story. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the delightful crunch will have you reaching for more. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this adventure of making Coconut Pecan Granola together!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
75 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
230 kcal
Protein:
4 g
Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
10 g
Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Oven

Why We Love This Coconut Pecan Granola

It’s Nutty Goodness

One of the biggest reasons I adore Coconut Pecan Granola is its texture. The chunky pecans and chewy coconut create a delightful contrast to the crunchy rolled oats. It’s like a party for your taste buds! I love how each bite is a surprise.

Health Benefits

This granola doesn’t just taste good; it packs a nutritional punch! Pecans are loaded with heart-healthy fats, while rolled oats provide a great source of fiber that keeps you feeling full longer. Each bite can power you through your day!

Easy to Customize

One of the joys of making your own granola is the ability to customize it to your preferences! Want it sweeter? Just add more honey. Prefer a hint of spice? A dash of nutmeg can elevate the flavor. The options are endless, and you can tailor it to suit any palate!

Perfect for Meal Prep

What I love about this recipe is that it makes a big batch, perfect for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container and have it ready for breakfast or snacks throughout the week. Just grab a handful or sprinkle it on your morning yogurt, and you’re set! It’s convenience at its best.

Kid-Friendly Fun

This recipe is also a great way to involve kids in the kitchen! They love mixing the ingredients and watching how it transforms into crunchy goodness. It’s a fun activity that helps them appreciate homemade snacks. Plus, they’ll be excited to eat something they helped make!

Ingredients Overview for Coconut Pecan Granola

Coconut Pecan Granola

When creating the perfect Coconut Pecan Granola, the ingredients play a vital role in achieving that delightful taste and texture. Each ingredient brings its unique character to the mix, resulting in a wholesome snack that’s both nutritious and delicious. The key players here are the rolled oats, pecans, and coconut, which harmonize beautifully. Together, they make this granola not only satisfying but also a fantastic way to start your day!

  • Rolled oats: 3 cups
    These form the base of our granola, providing a hearty texture and a good source of fiber that helps keep you feeling full.
  • Pecan halves: 1 ½ cups
    Rich in healthy fats and a delightful crunch, these nuts add a wonderful flavor and texture, making every bite enjoyable.
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut: 1 cup
    Adding a tropical twist, coconut lends a chewy texture and natural sweetness without any added sugars.
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons
    This spice warms the flavor profile, offering a comforting aroma that enhances the overall taste of the granola.
  • Fine salt: ½ teaspoon
    A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and elevates the flavors, ensuring a tasty combination.
  • Light brown sugar: ¼ cup
    This adds a subtle sweetness and helps create clusters in the granola, making it irresistible.
  • Honey: ¼ cup
    Natural sweetness and binding agent that holds the granola together while imparting a rich flavor.
  • Coconut oil: ¼ cup (melted)
    This healthy fat helps toast the granola and gives it a nice crunch while infusing a coconut flavor.
  • Dried blueberries: 1 cup
    These add a burst of sweetness and chewiness, perfectly complementing the nuttiness of the pecans.

Recipe Directions for Coconut Pecan Granola

Coconut Pecan Granola

Making Coconut Pecan Granola is an enjoyable and straightforward process. You’ll find that once you start, the aroma of the baking granola will have you counting down the moments until you can indulge. Follow these simple steps, and soon enough, you’ll have a delicious batch ready to enjoy!

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F. This low temperature allows the granola to bake slowly, ensuring it turns out perfectly crisp without burning.
  2. Prepare a large, rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it prevents the granola from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
  3. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 ½ cups of pecan halves, 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of fine salt, and ¼ cup of light brown sugar. Stir together until these dry ingredients are well blended.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of honey and ¼ cup of melted coconut oil. This mixture will sweeten and bind your granola.
  5. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture. Stir gently until all the dry ingredients are well coated. You want the oats to be evenly moistened.
  6. Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to keep it in a single layer for even baking; this will create those lovely crunchy clusters.
  7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 to 75 minutes. Every 20 minutes, stir the granola gently to ensure all parts get golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
  8. Once the granola is a beautiful golden color, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling time allows it to crisp up even more.
  9. Once cooled, fold in 1 cup of dried blueberries. These add a delightful sweetness that complements the granola perfectly.
  10. Store your Coconut Pecan Granola at room temperature in an airtight container for freshness. Enjoy snacking throughout the week!

Things Worth Knowing

  • Cooling is Key: Allowing your granola to cool completely before storing is essential. This step ensures it becomes crispy and won’t clump together.
  • Even Baking: Stirring the granola every 20 minutes helps it bake evenly and achieve that perfect crunch. Avoid letting it sit too long in one spot!
  • Customize Flavors: Feel free to experiment with spices! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can change the flavor profile to something uniquely yours.
  • Watch for Color: Keep an eye on the granola during the last stages of baking. It can go from perfectly golden to burnt quite quickly.

Ways to Customize

Coconut Pecan Granola

One of the best parts about making Coconut Pecan Granola is that it can easily be tailored to suit your taste. Here are some tips to help you customize your granola experience:

  • Add Different Nuts: Experiment with your favorite nuts! Almonds, walnuts, or cashews can all add a unique flavor and texture.
  • Incorporate Seeds: Adding chia seeds or flaxseeds can boost the health benefits and provide a nice crunch.
  • Try Different Sweeteners: While honey is delicious, you can also experiment with maple syrup or agave syrup for variations in flavor.
  • Mix in Spices: Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even pumpkin spice to create seasonal flavors.
  • Include Fresh Fruits: For an added burst of freshness, mix in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a delightful twist.
  • Storage: Store your granola in an airtight container for up to two weeks to maintain its freshness.
  • Freezing: Granola can be frozen in resealable bags for longer storage. Just thaw it at room temperature before enjoying.

Pairing Suggestions for Coconut Pecan Granola

When it comes to enjoying Coconut Pecan Granola, the possibilities are endless! It’s versatile enough to fit into various meals and occasions. Here are some fantastic pairing suggestions:

  • Breakfast Delight: Serve your granola atop Greek yogurt with fresh fruits for a nutritious breakfast.
  • Snack Time: Enjoy it as a crunchy snack straight from the jar or mixed with a handful of nuts.
  • Oatmeal Booster: Sprinkle some granola over your morning oatmeal for added texture and flavor.
  • Sweet Treat: Use it as a topping for ice cream or smoothie bowls for a delicious dessert.
  • On-the-Go: Pack it in small bags for a quick energy boost during your busy days.
  • Seasonal Serving: Perfect for summer picnics, winter holidays, or any time you crave something sweet and crunchy.

FAQ

Absolutely! One of the fantastic things about Coconut Pecan Granola is its versatility. You can easily swap pecans for other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or even cashews. Each nut will bring its unique flavor and texture, allowing you to customize your granola to your liking. Just make sure that whatever nuts you choose, they are roughly chopped to ensure even distribution and to keep the texture consistent throughout the granola.

To keep your Coconut Pecan Granola fresh, it’s best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This method can maintain its crispness for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in resealable bags. Just make sure to let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying. Avoid exposing it to moisture, as this can lead to sogginess.

Yes, Coconut Pecan Granola can easily be made vegan by simply substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. These alternatives will provide the same sweetness and help bind the ingredients together. The rest of the recipe remains the same, allowing you to enjoy a delicious vegan granola without sacrificing flavor!

Of course! Adding chocolate is a great way to elevate the flavor of your Coconut Pecan Granola. You can mix in chocolate chips or chunks after baking and cooling. This will give it a delightful chocolatey touch. Just keep in mind that the chocolate will melt if you add it while the granola is still warm, so wait until it’s completely cooled before folding it in.

Yes! To make Coconut Pecan Granola gluten-free, simply ensure that the rolled oats you use are certified gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free oats that are processed in dedicated facilities to avoid cross-contamination. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this recipe without any worries!

Conclusion

In summary, Coconut Pecan Granola stands out as a delightful and nutritious snack that brings together wholesome ingredients with fantastic flavor. Whether enjoyed in the morning or as a midday treat, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. I’m excited for you to try this recipe and share it with others. You’ll love how versatile and easy it is to make, and I can’t wait to hear about the delicious variations you come up with!

Coconut Pecan Granola

Coconut Pecan Granola

The ultimate crunchy snack! This Coconut Pecan Granola is packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. Its delightful combination of sweet honey, nutty pecans, and chewy coconut makes it a go-to choice for breakfast or a midday treat. Perfect for meal prep and customization, this recipe is a must-try!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 230 kcal

Equipment

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Rolled oats
  • 1.5 cups Pecan halves
  • 1 cup Unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon Fine salt
  • 0.25 cup Light brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup Honey
  • 0.25 cup Coconut oil
  • 1 cup Dried blueberries

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 250°F. This low temperature allows the granola to bake slowly, ensuring it turns out perfectly crisp without burning.
  • Prepare a large, rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it prevents the granola from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
  • In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 ½ cups of pecan halves, 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of fine salt, and ¼ cup of light brown sugar. Stir together until these dry ingredients are well blended.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of honey and ¼ cup of melted coconut oil. This mixture will sweeten and bind your granola.
  • Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture. Stir gently until all the dry ingredients are well coated. You want the oats to be evenly moistened.
  • Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to keep it in a single layer for even baking; this will create those lovely crunchy clusters.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 to 75 minutes. Every 20 minutes, stir the granola gently to ensure all parts get golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
  • Once the granola is a beautiful golden color, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling time allows it to crisp up even more.
  • Once cooled, fold in 1 cup of dried blueberries. These add a delightful sweetness that complements the granola perfectly.
  • Store your Coconut Pecan Granola at room temperature in an airtight container for freshness. Enjoy snacking throughout the week!

Notes

When creating the perfect Coconut Pecan Granola, the ingredients play a vital role in achieving that delightful taste and texture. Each ingredient brings its unique character to the mix, resulting in a wholesome snack that’s both nutritious and delicious. The key players here are the rolled oats, pecans, and coconut, which harmonize beautifully. Together, they make this granola not only satisfying but also a fantastic way to start your day!
Keyword Coconut Granola, Granola Recipe, Healthy Breakfast, Pecan Granola

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