If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast or snack that’s both delightfully crunchy and bursting with vibrant flavors, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Strawberry Vanilla Granola with Nuts and Coconut Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and tropical notes, made all the better by the fresh, tart punch of freeze-dried strawberries and the creamy hint of vanilla. This granola is not only satisfying but also versatile, offering something special with every bite whether you enjoy it on its own, with yogurt, or sprinkled over your favorite smoothie bowl.

Strawberry Vanilla Granola with Nuts and Coconut Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Strawberry Vanilla Granola with Nuts and Coconut Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own unique texture and flavor. From the hearty oats to the crunchy nuts and the tropical coconut, every component plays a starring role in creating that perfect balance.

Old fashioned oats: The base of the granola, providing a chewy texture and hearty bite.
Flaked coconut: Adds a sweet, tropical flavor and chewy contrast.
Chopped almonds: Provide crunch and a subtle nuttiness.
Chopped pecans: Enhance the crunchy texture and add a buttery richness.
Pepitas: These pumpkin seeds boost the nutrient profile and give surprising pops of flavor.
Flaxseed meal: Adds a subtle earthiness and a boost of fiber and omega-3s.
Cinnamon: Brings warm spice that elevates the overall flavor.
Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
Coconut oil (melted): Helps bind everything together while imparting a mild tropical note.
Pure maple syrup: Natural sweetener with a deep, caramel-like taste.
Pure vanilla extract: Infuses the granola with its rich, aromatic depth.
Freeze-dried strawberries: Provide vibrant color and bursts of tangy fruitiness without adding moisture.
White or dark chocolate chips (optional): An indulgent touch for a bit of creamy sweetness.

How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Granola with Nuts and Coconut Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is a clever step that helps prevent sticking and saves you from scrubbing later. This little prep goes a long way toward an effortless baking experience.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Gather all your dry ingredients—oats, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, pecans, pepitas, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and sea salt—and combine them thoroughly in a large bowl. This step ensures every bite has an even distribution of textures and flavors, which is key for a memorable granola.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, pour in the melted coconut oil (or butter, if you prefer), the pure maple syrup, and the vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture looks cohesive and every oat and nut is coated in that golden, luscious glaze. This binding is crucial for those irresistible granola clusters.

Step 4: Spread and Press the Mixture

Transfer the granola mix onto your prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup, press the granola down evenly into a firm, flat layer. This pressing step is what helps your granola stick together in crunchy clusters instead of baking as loose crumbs.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Avoid stirring during baking because you want those clusters to form naturally. Rotate the pan halfway through to ensure an even golden color that promises a perfect crunch with every bite.

Step 6: Cool Without Disturbing

Once baking is complete, resist the urge to break the granola apart right away. Leaving it undisturbed on the baking sheet allows it to set and harden into those delightful clusters you’re after, creating the signature texture of this recipe.

Step 7: Stir in Strawberries and Chocolate Chips

When the granola has cooled completely, gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberries and your choice of white or dark chocolate chips for an extra treat. This final addition adds pops of color, flavor, and texture that make this Strawberry Vanilla Granola with Nuts and Coconut Recipe truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Granola with Nuts and Coconut Recipe

Garnishes

Consider topping your granola bowl with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for extra creaminess and natural sweetness. Fresh mint or a sprinkle of additional freeze-dried strawberries also make stunning garnishes that elevate both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This granola pairs beautifully with fresh fruit such as sliced bananas, berries, or mango slices. It’s also fantastic alongside a smoothie bowl or even as a crunchy elevator to your morning oatmeal or chia pudding.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, layer the granola with yogurt and fruit in a glass to create a colorful parfait. Package small portions in cute jars or bags to share as thoughtful homemade gifts. You can even sprinkle it over ice cream for an unexpected crunchy topping that brightens any dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your granola fresh and crunchy by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly sealed, it will stay delicious for up to two weeks—perfect for busy mornings when you want a quick, nourishing breakfast.

Freezing

If you want to extend its shelf life, granola freezes wonderfully. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and it will maintain its flavor and texture for up to three months. Freeze in portions that suit your usage to make thawing easy.

Reheating

This granola is best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, gently heat a small portion in the oven at low heat or microwave briefly, just enough to take the chill off without melting the chocolate chips or damaging the crunchy clusters.

FAQs

Can I substitute the nuts in this Strawberry Vanilla Granola with Nuts and Coconut Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap almonds and pecans for walnuts, cashews, or even hazelnuts based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just keep the total nut amount the same to maintain the texture balance.

Is it necessary to use freeze-dried strawberries?

Freeze-dried strawberries are important because they add intense flavor without moisture, keeping the granola crisp. Regular dried strawberries are softer and can introduce moisture, which may lead to soggy granola.

Can I make this granola vegan?

Yes, simply use coconut oil instead of butter and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free if using them. Maple syrup is naturally vegan, so no changes needed there.

How do I get large clusters instead of small crumbs?

The key is to press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking and to resist stirring while it’s in the oven and while cooling. Gentle handling after baking also helps preserve those big, crunchy clusters.

Can I add other flavors to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding spices like nutmeg or ginger, or incorporating seeds like chia or sunflower. Just be mindful of how additions will affect texture and baking times.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this Strawberry Vanilla Granola with Nuts and Coconut Recipe as much as I do. It’s a delightful way to brighten your mornings or snack time with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite granola to keep on hand all year round!

Strawberry Vanilla Granola with Nuts and Coconut Recipe

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4.3 from 76 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Strawberry Granola Recipe is a delicious, crunchy treat perfect for breakfast or snacking. Made with oats, nuts, seeds, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup, it features the delightful addition of freeze-dried strawberries and optional white or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. Baked to golden perfection, this granola forms beautiful clusters that are perfect on their own or as a topping for yogurt and smoothie bowls.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: 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.
Prepare for Baking: 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 Ingredients: 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.