If you are looking for a crunchy, flavorful breakfast or snack that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Homemade Granola with Hazelnuts, Cranberries, and Coconut Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the wholesome goodness of toasted oats with the rich nuttiness of hazelnuts, the tart burst of cranberries, and the tropical hint of coconut flakes, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more. This granola is easy to whip up and versatile enough to blend into your daily routine, whether as a topping, a snack, or a quick energy boost anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Granola with Hazelnuts, Cranberries, and Coconut Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, bringing its unique texture, color, and taste to the mix to transform basic pantry staples into a vibrant, satisfying granola.
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base for your granola, providing that perfect chew and fiber-rich goodness.
- 1 cup roughly chopped hazelnuts: Adds a rich, buttery crunch and subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped unsalted almonds: Offers extra crunch and a mild, nutty flavor that complements the hazelnuts.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds: Brings a delicate nuttiness and a lovely green color contrast.
- 1/4 cup chia seeds: Adds a nutritional punch and a little bit of crunch.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Infuses warmth and a cozy depth of flavor to the granola.
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil: Binds everything together while contributing a subtle, tropical richness.
- 1/3 cup honey: Sweetens naturally and helps create those irresistible crispy clusters.
- 2 teaspoons sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 cup goji berries: Adds a tart sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Provides bursts of tangy, chewy goodness.
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes: Sprinkles in a tropical flavor and adds a flaky texture.
How to Make Homemade Granola with Hazelnuts, Cranberries, and Coconut Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is essential to ensure that your granola bakes evenly and develops that beautiful golden color and toasty aroma we all love. While the oven preheats, gather your ingredients so everything is ready to mix.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped hazelnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin pie spice. This mix brings together the crunch from nuts and seeds with the warmth of spices, forming the flavorful backbone of your granola.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Combine
Pour in the melted coconut oil, drizzle the honey, and sprinkle the sea salt over your dry mixture. Using your hands, crumble and mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each oat and nut is coated. This step is where the magic begins, as the oils and honey bind the components, promising those crunchy clusters.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on a cookie sheet. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep a close eye, stirring occasionally if you like, so it doesn’t burn and turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will surely have you sneaking tastes already.
Step 5: Cool and Add Berries and Coconut
Once baked to perfection, let your granola cool completely on the sheet; this step is crucial to let it crisp up nicely. After cooling, gently stir in the dried goji berries, cranberries, and coconut flakes. Mixing at this stage prevents the delicate berries and coconut from breaking and keeps those satisfying chunky textures.
Step 6: Store and Enjoy
Transfer your granola to a sealed container, and it’s ready to enjoy right away! Or keep it fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks. The versatility and freshness make this Homemade Granola with Hazelnuts, Cranberries, and Coconut Recipe a pantry favorite that suits any snack craving.
How to Serve Homemade Granola with Hazelnuts, Cranberries, and Coconut Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle this granola over your morning yogurt or smoothie bowls to add a delightful crunch. A drizzle of fresh honey or a few fresh berries on top can elevate the presentation and introduce a juicy contrast to the toasted goodness beneath.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs wonderfully with creamy cottage cheese or alongside a bowl of fresh fruit salad, bringing a satisfying crunch and extra flavor complexity that lifts simple dishes to a special experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your granola in clear parfait glasses with alternating layers of yogurt and fresh fruit for a visually stunning and delectable breakfast treat. Or use it as a topping for baked apples or pears for a warm, comforting dessert that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your granola fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This helps the clusters stay crisp and the flavors remain vibrant without moisture creeping in.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, feel free to freeze your granola in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature—no pesky ice crystals, just fresh-tasting granola whenever you like.
Reheating
While granola is best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer it warm, lightly toast it in a dry skillet or oven for just a couple of minutes. This will revive that freshly baked aroma and crunch, making your snack extra cozy.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for hazelnuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap hazelnuts with walnuts, pecans, or cashews depending on your preference or what you have on hand, though each will slightly change the flavor profile.
Is this granola gluten-free?
This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Always double-check packaging if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup is a great natural sweetener alternative that works beautifully in this granola, adding a subtle caramel note.
How crunchy will the granola be after baking?
If baked and cooled properly, the granola should be wonderfully crunchy with some soft chewy bits from the dried fruits, making for a perfect texture contrast.
Can I add other spices to this granola?
You can experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cardamom to customize the warmth and complexity of flavors, making the recipe uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade granola, especially when it’s packed with love and vibrant ingredients like in this Homemade Granola with Hazelnuts, Cranberries, and Coconut Recipe. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and incredibly satisfying. So, grab your mixing bowl and share this cozy treat with your loved ones—you might just create a new favorite breakfast tradition.
Print
Homemade Granola with Hazelnuts, Cranberries, and Coconut Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A wholesome and crunchy homemade granola recipe packed with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack. This granola is lightly sweetened with honey and infused with warm pumpkin pie spice for a comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup roughly chopped hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped unsalted almonds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/3 cup honey
Add-ins
- 1/4 cup goji berries
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to prepare for baking the granola.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, hazelnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin pie spice, ensuring everything is well distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil, honey, and sea salt. Use your hands to crumble and mix the ingredients together thoroughly, helping to create clusters.
- Bake the Granola: Spread the mixture evenly across a cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring or checking frequently to prevent burning, until the oats are golden brown.
- Cool and Add Dried Fruits: Let the baked granola cool completely on the sheet. Once cooled, gently stir in the goji berries, dried cranberries, and coconut flakes, taking care not to break up the clusters.
- Store: Transfer the granola to a sealed container. Store at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For chunkier granola, avoid stirring too much while baking.
- Feel free to substitute or add other nuts and seeds based on preference.
- Adjust the honey amount to control sweetness.
- Ensure the granola is completely cooled before adding dried fruits to preserve texture.
- Stored properly, granola maintains its crunch and flavor for weeks or longer if frozen.
