Coconut Almond Granola Clusters

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1 cup raw almonds, chopped - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional) Coconut and almonds are stars in this recipe. Coconut brings a sweet, tropical flavor and healthy fats. It also has fiber that helps digestion. Almonds add crunch and protein, which keeps you full. They also contain vitamin E, great for your skin. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the granola. Both options add flavor and energy. Coconut oil keeps everything moist and adds a hint of coconut taste. Cinnamon gives warmth, while salt enhances all the flavors. You can swap out almonds for other nuts. Walnuts or pecans work well if you want a new twist. For a nut-free option, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. If you want less sugar, use agave syrup instead of honey. You can also use maple syrup if you prefer its taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps your granola from sticking. It makes cleanup easy too. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, and 1 cup of chopped raw almonds. These ingredients bring great flavor and crunch. Next, take a small saucepan. Over low heat, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until smooth. Pour this mixture over your dry ingredients. Stir well to coat everything. Spread the granola mixture onto your lined baking sheet. Press it down slightly to help form clusters. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. This ensures even browning. Keep an eye on it. It can burn quickly. When it turns golden brown, take it out of the oven. Let it cool completely. If you like, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of mini dark chocolate chips while it's warm. Gently press them in. Once cool, break the granola into clusters. Store them in an airtight container. Enjoy your healthy treat! To get those perfect clusters, press the granola down firmly on the baking sheet. This helps the mixture stick together as it bakes. When baking, stir the granola halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep your eyes on it near the end. It can turn from golden to burnt quickly. Once your granola cools, store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. You can also place it in a glass jar for a fun look. If you store it right, it can last for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to separate it into portions. Coconut almond granola is great on its own, but it shines when paired with yogurt. Layer it with fresh fruits for a tasty breakfast. You can also sprinkle it on smoothie bowls for added crunch. Another fun idea is to enjoy it as a snack with milk or plant-based options. The options are endless! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality almonds and coconut for the best flavor and texture in your granola. Customize Your Sweetener: Experiment with different sweeteners like agave or brown rice syrup to find your perfect taste. Cluster Control: For larger clusters, press the mixture firmly into the baking sheet before baking. Storage Savvy: Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to two weeks. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the flavor of your granola. Adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins gives it a sweet touch. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower add crunch and nutrition. Try mixing in different nuts, too. Walnuts and pecans can add unique flavors. You can even add spices like nutmeg for warmth. Get creative and find what you love! If you need gluten-free granola, use gluten-free oats. They are safe and tasty. Most rolled oats are naturally gluten-free but check the label. You can also add chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber. These swaps keep your granola delicious and healthy. To make vegan granola, swap honey for maple syrup or agave. Both are sweet and plant-based. You can also try date syrup for a rich flavor. This change keeps your granola vegan-friendly while still being sweet. Enjoy your treat without worry! To keep your granola clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents air from making the clusters soft. You can use glass jars or plastic bins. Make sure they are clean and dry before you fill them. For added freshness, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of granola. This keeps the clusters from sticking together. Your coconut almond granola clusters will last about two weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, place the clusters in a zip-top freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. Reheating granola clusters isn't usually needed. They taste best when eaten fresh. If you prefer them warm, spread the clusters on a baking sheet. Heat them in a 300°F oven for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore some crunch. Enjoy them as a snack or sprinkle them over yogurt for a tasty treat! Yes, you can make no-bake granola clusters. To do this, mix the dry and wet ingredients as usual. Then, shape the mixture into clusters and chill them in the fridge. They will firm up without the oven. This method keeps things simple and quick. To get crunchy granola clusters, use enough wet ingredients. This helps bind the oats together. Press the mixture down on the baking sheet. This creates nice clusters. Bake it until golden brown while stirring halfway. Let it cool completely before breaking it apart. Cooling is key to getting that perfect crunch. You can add many tasty things to your granola. Dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or raisins add sweetness. Nuts like walnuts or pecans give extra crunch. Spice it up with nutmeg or cardamom for warmth. You can also try adding seeds like chia or flax for more nutrition. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix! In this post, we covered how to make delicious coconut almond granola clusters. We explored the key ingredients, their health benefits, and even substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions, plus tips for perfect clusters and storage. I shared variations for different tastes and dietary needs. Granola can be a fun snack or breakfast. Now, you have all the tools to create your own tasty batches. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and find what you love best. Happy baking!$

A delicious and crunchy granola made with coconut, almonds, and optional dark chocolate chips.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup raw almonds, chopped
0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 cup mini dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, and chopped almonds.
In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Press down slightly to help form clusters.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely. If using, sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the granola while it’s still warm and press them in gently.
Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for freshness.

Keyword almonds, coconut, granola, healthy, snack