Description
This homemade Strawberry Granola recipe features a delicious blend of oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut, baked to a perfect golden crisp and mixed with sweet freeze-dried strawberries and optional white chocolate chips. It’s a wholesome, crunchy snack or breakfast topping that’s easy to prepare and full of natural flavors.
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 (can use butter)
- 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, can use dark chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large-rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the old fashioned oats, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, pepitas, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and sea salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and pure vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated and combined.
- Spread Mixture: Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Use a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture down firmly into an even layer to encourage cluster formation.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the granola turns a light golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking, but do not stir the granola during the baking process to maintain clusters.
- Cool: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring. This allows the granola to harden and form clusters.
- Add Final Mix-ins: Once cooled, break the granola into clusters of your desired size. Gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips if using. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Make sure not to stir the granola while baking to preserve cluster formation.
- You can substitute coconut oil with butter if preferred.
- Use dark chocolate chips as a healthier alternative to white chocolate chips.
- Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add a crunchy texture and natural sweetness without moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
