Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola

$- 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup chopped almonds - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips Gathering the right ingredients is key for great granola. First, I use rolled oats. They give a hearty base. Next, I add unsweetened shredded coconut. It brings a nice chew and tropical flavor. Chopped almonds add crunch and nutrients. Sunflower seeds offer a nutty taste and extra texture. For sweetness, I choose honey or maple syrup. Both work well to bind the granola. Melted coconut oil helps everything stick together. It also adds a light coconut flavor. Vanilla extract enhances all the tastes in the mix. Lastly, I sprinkle in sea salt. It balances the sweetness and makes flavors pop. Don't forget the dark chocolate chips! They melt slightly while baking. They add a delicious richness to the granola. This mix makes a perfect blend of taste and texture. It’s a joy to eat, whether for breakfast or a snack! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep the granola from sticking. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup chopped almonds - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds Mix these dry ingredients well. They will form the base of your granola. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt This mixture adds sweetness and flavor. Make sure it’s well combined. 4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated. You want every oat and nut to soak in those tasty flavors. 5. Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Press it down gently with a spatula to help it clump together. Clumping gives you those crunchy bits we all love. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. You want it golden brown, not dark. 7. Once baked, remove the granola from the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will harden as it cools, making it extra crunchy. 8. Once cool, stir in 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed. This adds a rich chocolate flavor that pairs well with coconut. 9. Transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage. Enjoy it immediately with yogurt or milk for a tasty breakfast or snack! How to achieve clumping in granola To get those tasty clumps, you need to press the mixture down. After mixing the wet and dry ingredients, spread it on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to press it down gently. This helps your granola stick together. Tips for crispy vs. chewy granola For crispy granola, bake it longer. A golden brown color means it is ready. If you want a chewy texture, take it out sooner. Add the chocolate chips right after baking, and they won't melt too much. Adjusting sweetness to your preference You can change how sweet your granola is. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. Start with the recipe's amount and taste. Add more if needed. Remember, the chocolate chips add sweetness too! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your oats, nuts, and coconut are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your granola. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap almonds for your favorite nuts like walnuts or cashews to give the granola a unique twist. Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the granola while it's baking; it can go from golden brown to burnt in a matter of minutes. Store Properly: For maximum freshness, store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will last for up to two weeks. {{image_2}} You can easily change this granola to fit your taste. Here are some fun ideas: - Adding different nuts or seeds: You can swap out almonds for walnuts or pecans. Sunflower seeds can be replaced with pumpkin seeds for a new twist. Each nut or seed adds a unique flavor and crunch. - Substitute honey with agave or other sweeteners: If you prefer a vegan option, use agave syrup instead of honey. Maple syrup also works great for a rich taste. Just remember to adjust the amount to match your sweetness level. - Incorporating dried fruits for added texture: Dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots add chewiness. Toss them in after baking for the best texture. This way, you mix sweet and crunchy in each bite. These easy swaps let you create a granola that feels like your own. Enjoy experimenting! How do you store granola for freshness? I recommend using an airtight container. This keeps out air and moisture. You want your granola to stay crunchy and tasty. What kind of container should you use? A glass jar or a plastic bin works well. Just make sure it seals tightly. What is the shelf life of homemade granola? If stored correctly, it lasts about two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze it. How can you freeze granola? Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove all the air before sealing. It will stay good for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, just let it thaw. You can enjoy it on yogurt or with milk. Can I make this granola vegan? Yes, you can make this granola vegan. Just replace honey with maple syrup. Both sweeteners work great and keep it tasty. How do I adjust the recipe for allergies? To adjust for allergies, swap out any nuts or seeds. You can use pumpkin seeds or even puffed rice. Always check labels to avoid allergens. What are some serving suggestions for the granola? You can enjoy granola in many ways. Serve it with yogurt, milk, or a smoothie. It also works well as a topping on oatmeal or fresh fruit. Where can I buy pre-made coconut chocolate chip granola? You can find pre-made versions at grocery stores or online. Look in the health food aisle or check specialty stores. Just read the ingredients to ensure it fits your needs. You learned how to make coconut chocolate chip granola step by step. We covered the key ingredients, from rolled oats to dark chocolate chips. You can adjust the recipe to fit your taste with different nuts, seeds, and sweeteners. Proper storage keeps your granola fresh longer. Remember, you can always tailor the recipe for allergies or to make it vegan. Best of all, you now have tips to create chewy or crispy granola. Enjoy making this delicious snack that suits your needs!$

Coconut Chocolate Chip Granola

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
0.5 cup almonds, chopped
0.25 cup sunflower seeds
0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon sea salt
0.5 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and sunflower seeds. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt until well combined.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Press it down gently with a spatula to help it clump together.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will continue to harden as it cools.
Once cool, stir in the dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage or enjoy it immediately with yogurt or milk.

Notes

Serve in a mason jar for a rustic look or sprinkle over fresh fruit and yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack!

Keyword granola, healthy, snack