Granola is one of those delightful breakfast staples that brings a bit of crunch and a lot of flavor to your morning routine. It’s versatile, easy to make, and oh-so-satisfying. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Coconut Pecan Granola, a crunchy blend of oats, pecans, and coconut, sweetened just right with honey and brown sugar. This granola is perfect for topping your yogurt, enjoying with milk, or simply snacking on by the handful. Let’s dive into why I love this recipe and how you can make your own batch at home.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Coconut Pecan Granola recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. The combination of toasted oats, nutty pecans, and sweet coconut creates a symphony of textures and flavors that is hard to resist. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the sweetness, add in your favorite dried fruits, or even mix in some chocolate chips for a decadent treat. Plus, making granola at home means you can control the ingredients, ensuring that you’re enjoying a wholesome and healthy snack.
Ingredient Rundown
To make this delightful Coconut Pecan Granola, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats: The base of our granola, providing that essential crunch and chew.
- 1 ½ cups Fisher Nuts pecan halves: These add a rich, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut: For a tropical twist and chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm spice adds depth and aroma to our granola.
- ½ teaspoon fine salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors.
- ¾ cup light brown sugar: For sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- ½ cup honey: This natural sweetener binds the ingredients together while adding a lovely sweetness.
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted: This provides healthy fats and helps to crisp up the granola.
- 1 cup dried blueberries: These add a burst of fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
Essential Tools for Success
Before we get started, let’s gather a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- Baking sheet: A large rimmed baking sheet is ideal for spreading out the granola.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining all the ingredients.
- Spatula: For mixing and spreading the granola evenly on the baking sheet.
- Oven: Preheated to ensure even baking and a perfect crunch.
- Airtight container: To store your granola and keep it fresh.
Directions: Coconut Pecan Granola
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your granola will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pecan halves, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and fine salt. Stir them together until well mixed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, honey, and melted coconut oil. Make sure the sugar is well dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, mix everything together until the oats and nuts are fully coated and sticky.
Step 5: Spread on Baking Sheet
Spread the mixture evenly onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Press it down gently with the spatula to create an even layer. This helps the granola clump together while baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it toward the end to prevent burning. You want it to be golden brown and fragrant.
Step 7: Add Dried Blueberries
Once the granola is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, sprinkle the dried blueberries over the top and gently mix them in.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into clusters and transfer it to an airtight container for storage.
Substitutions by Diet
If you have specific dietary needs, here are some great substitutions to consider:
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Nut-Free: Substitute the pecans with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Vegan: Ensure the honey is replaced with agave syrup or maple syrup.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey, or use a sugar substitute.
Testing Timeline
If you’re curious about the testing process for this Coconut Pecan Granola, here’s how it went:
- Batch 1: First attempt was with regular sweetness; it was tasty but needed more crunch.
- Batch 2: Adjusted baking time for a crispier texture; perfect!
- Batch 3: Added dried blueberries; it was a hit with everyone!
- Final Batch: Adjusted ratios for the ideal balance of flavors and textures.
How to Store & Reheat
To keep your Coconut Pecan Granola fresh:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to three months. Just let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- No need to reheat; enjoy it straight from the container or with your favorite milk or yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add other nuts or seeds to the granola?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or seeds. Almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds would be great additions!
Is it necessary to use coconut oil?
Coconut oil helps to give the granola a lovely flavor and crispness, but you can substitute it with another oil, like olive oil or vegetable oil, if desired.
Can I make this granola without added sugar?
Yes! You can reduce or eliminate the brown sugar and rely on the honey and dried fruits for sweetness. Just taste as you go to ensure it meets your preference!
How can I make this recipe more seasonal?
Feel free to adapt the recipe to include seasonal fruits or spices. For autumn, consider adding pumpkin spice or chopped apples; in spring, try fresh berries.
If you love this , check out these delicious recipes for more inspiration:
Final Thoughts
Making your own Coconut Pecan Granola is a rewarding and delicious endeavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a wholesome breakfast option or snack that your whole family will love. The combination of oats, pecans, and coconut is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. So why not give it a try? You might just find that homemade granola is your new favorite kitchen staple! Enjoy your crunchy creation and happy snacking!
Coconut Pecan Granola
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your granola will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pecan halves, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and fine salt. Stir them together until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, honey, and melted coconut oil. Make sure the sugar is well dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, mix everything together until the oats and nuts are fully coated and sticky.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Press it down gently with the spatula to create an even layer. This helps the granola clump together while baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it toward the end to prevent burning. You want it to be golden brown and fragrant.
- Once the granola is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, sprinkle the dried blueberries over the top and gently mix them in.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into clusters and transfer it to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to three months.
- Mix in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for added flavor.
