I’m the kind of person who really likes to snack. I’m talking about a handful of something fabulous every 30 minutes or so. I keep telling myself it’s because I get grumpy if I don’t eat, but really I just like snacking. There’s nothing wrong with that right? Granola is one of those snacks that I always have on hand. This recipe is hands down my all time favorite granola recipe. The coconut seriously takes it to the next level and the occasional bite that contains a piece of dark chocolate is enough to make anyone come crawling back for more.
Here’s the step by step….
First we are going to start with a big bowl of oats.
Chop up some raw cashews into rough pieces and throw them into the bowl of oats.
Chop up some almonds too, and add them into the mix.
Next comes the shredded coconut. If you happen to throw in an extra ½ cup… no need to worry! The more the better
Next, add a pinch of salt. This will make all the flavors come alive when it’s time to eat!
After the salt, we are going to add some cinnamon. (Doesn’t it look pretty!) Once the cinnamon has been added, go ahead and give it a quick stir with a fork and set it aside.
In a medium sized sauce pan melt the butter.
Once the butter start to melt, add the brown sugar and mix it around.
Drizzle in your agave nectar. You could easily use honey too. Whatever you have on hand. Once you’ve added the agave, give the mixture a good stir and continue to cook over medium heat until the brown sugar dissolves. Once it’s dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla while giving it a whisk
Pour the sugar and butter mixture over the bowl of oats and nuts
Using a spoon or fork, stir everything together, making sure to try and coat each piece of the oats mixture.
Place the mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet and spread out with a fork. Leave little parts in clumps to vary the texture.
Place the mixture into a 325-degree oven and let it bake for 15 minutes. Remove it from the oven and give it a little mix up with a fork. This is going to make sure that everything is baking evenly. Go ahead and place it back into the oven.
After another 15 minutes, remove the granola from the oven and give it another stir, making sure to leave some big clumps in tact. Place it back into the oven and let it back for another 10 minutes.
Once it’s baked for the full time, remove the granola and let it completely cool. Once it’s cooled, toss in the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips.
And then go put some into a big bowl, because you’re for sure going to want seconds or thirds, and enjoy!
And there you have it, a recipe for Coconut Granola with lots of fabulous mix-ins that you’ll love. I love this recipe so much, all my friends can expect to get cute little jar of this as part of their gift this holiday season. And then of course, I’ll make a huge batch as a gift to myself!
Check out my recipe on Tasty Kitchen!
Tags: almonds, best homemade granola recipe, cashews, chocolate chip, Coconut, coconut granola, coconuts, dark chocolate, dark chocolate chips, food and drink, granola, granola recipe, homemade granola, homemade trail mix, honey bunches of oats, raw cashew, recipes, snack foods, Sugar
i’ve been craving making my own granola lately…and this sounds like just the thing to break out of the non-homemade-granola rut
Oh my gosh… this looks SO good! I was licking my lips come the end of the post. I’m the same with snacking. I’ve been trying to control it…but like you, I just love it and I’m great at becoming grumpy when I don’t eat!
We have granola in our house at all times (homemade). This version looks awesome!
I love home-made granola and it is so easy. Coconut is not one that I have tried and it sounds delicious.
I love making my own granola. I will be trying this for sure.
I l-o-v-e granola. And I thought at first that coconut was cheese. BAWW! I’m trying this.
This will be the perfect hostess gift this holiday season! Then I will have a batch in my kitchen as well!
My son is the snacker in our house. Granola is never safe when he is around. I always welcome a new recipe with lots of nuts. Thanks. Kirsten
This would be amazing on plain yogurt, or vanilla ice cream! or just by itself, too!
I don’t think I have ever considered making granola until I read your post today. Now I can’t wait to do it! What a terrific idea for gifts! What a fun activity for the family! Thank you!
I love making granola – look forward to my gift!!! HA HA HA!
That looks fab, Gaby. I love adding toasted coconut to my breakfast items from granola to pancakes so this is right up my alley.
I love granola and am always on the lookout for that “best” homemade recipe, yours looks perfect! And I totally agree about the every-30-minute snacks…definitely necessary
Oh I’m definitely making this!! Looks SUPER yummy!! Thanks for sharing
I’m obsessed with granola. So I appreciate the fact that you’re giving me the opportunity to try out another batch! Thanks!
Mmmm. I love the way my house smells when I make granola!
This sounds so freaking yummy!
Fantastic mix! I love the exquisite taste. This is definitely what I need in the mornings before a good run. Thanks for sharing!
Gooooorgeous granola! I can practically smell the cinnamon and coconut baking…
Cannot wait to make this for myself. I’ve been craving this!
Cashews and coconut – what a great combo for granola!
I love 18 Rabbits granola which has coconut in it but it’s SO expensive! I cannot wait to make this. Thank you! I’m so glad I saw your guest post at EatLiveRun. Can’t wait to try the butternut and sage quinoa recipe also.
I love that it’s a snack I feel good about eating because it’s so good for you!
This granola is so delicious! I made a batch for holiday gifts, and it’s so fantastic that I’m making a second round today! Thank you so much for this awesome recipe!
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Made this twice now. First was AMAZING. Today I decided to experiment and I used only 1/2 stick butter and 4 T canola oil. In stead of brown sugar I used splenda brown sugar ( measurement conversion on bag). I used rasins instead of chic. chips. Wow it was great too. Browned a little more (prob. because of. the canola oil) Always looking to cut a few calories:).
Thanks Bonnie!! Glad you liked the granola
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This sounds like it’d be great with coconut oil too instead of the butter,
in order to accentuate the coconut-ty taste