Can I make this granola without nuts for allergies?

Absolutely! Simply replace the nuts with additional oats, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or even some puffed rice cereal for texture. The granola will still be delicious and will form clusters beautifully.

Why didn't my granola form clusters?

Cluster formation depends on a few key factors: pressing the granola firmly before baking, not stirring during baking, and allowing it to cool completely before breaking it apart. The maple syrup and oil create the "glue" that holds clusters together when properly cooled.

Can I reduce the maple syrup to make it less sweet?

Yes, you can reduce the maple syrup to 1/3 cup, but be aware that this may affect cluster formation slightly. You'll still get delicious granola, just with potentially smaller clusters.

How can I tell when my granola is perfectly baked?

Look for an even golden-brown color and a fragrant, toasty aroma. The granola will still feel slightly soft when you remove it from the oven but will crisp up as it cools. If it seems undercooked in the center after 25 minutes, give it a few more minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning.

Strawberry Granola Recipe

Name: Strawberry Granola Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries; 3/4 cup white chocolate chips, optional (or use dark chocolate chips)

This homemade Strawberry Granola is a game-changer for your breakfast routine – crunchy, sweet, and bursting with berry flavor! The perfect balance of wholesome oats, nuts, and freeze-dried strawberries creates clusters of goodness that will have you reaching for more. Made with natural ingredients and ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack for busy days!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Clustered: This recipe creates those satisfying crunchy clusters we all hunt for in store-bought granola!
Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite nuts, seeds, or chocolate variations to make it uniquely yours.
Better Than Store-Bought: Fresher, more flavorful, and without any preservatives or excessive sugar – you control exactly what goes into your breakfast.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a batch on Sunday and enjoy homemade granola all week long with zero morning prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Old-fashioned oats: The foundation of great granola – provides that hearty texture and wholesome base. Quick oats won’t give you the same satisfying clusters.
Flaked coconut: Adds wonderful texture and a subtle tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Almonds and pecans: Provide protein, healthy fats, and a satisfying crunch factor that makes this granola truly special.
Pepitas: These little green powerhouses add color, crunch, and a dose of nutrients to your breakfast bowl.
Flaxseed meal: A nutritional boost that helps bind the clusters together while adding omega-3s and fiber.
Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances all the flavors and adds depth to the granola profile.
Sea salt: The secret ingredient that makes all the flavors pop – don’t skip this!
Coconut oil: Creates those perfect crispy clusters. Butter works too for a more traditional flavor.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that adds wonderful caramel notes without being overly sweet.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Freeze-dried strawberries: The star of the show! These maintain their bright flavor and add beautiful pops of color.
White chocolate chips: Optional but highly recommended – they add sweet creamy bites that complement the tart strawberries perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Seasonal Fruit Changes

Switch up the freeze-dried fruit depending on what you’re craving. Blueberries, raspberries, or mangoes all work beautifully with this base recipe.

Chocolate Options

Dark chocolate chips create a more sophisticated flavor profile, while milk chocolate makes it more dessert-like. Or skip the chocolate altogether for a less sweet version.

Nut Alternatives

Cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamias can replace or supplement the almonds and pecans based on your preference.

Seed Boost

Add chia seeds, hemp hearts, or sunflower seeds for even more nutritional benefits and texture variations.

How to Make Strawberry Granola

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature is perfect for slowly toasting the granola without burning.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut flakes, chopped almonds and pecans, pepitas, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until the mixture is well combined and all dry ingredients are coated with the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Press and Bake

Transfer the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Here’s the crucial step: press the granola down firmly using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup. This compression helps create those coveted clusters!

Step 5: Bake Without Disturbing

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the granola turns slightly golden brown. Do NOT stir during baking – this is essential for cluster formation! Simply rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, let the granola cool completely on the pan without touching it. Patience is key here – the cooling process is what solidifies those perfect clusters.

Step 7: Break and Mix

When completely cooled, break the granola into clusters of your desired size and gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips (if using).

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t rush the cooling process: Letting the granola cool completely on the baking sheet is crucial for achieving those perfect clusters.
Customize the cluster size: Break the cooled granola into larger pieces for snacking or smaller pieces for yogurt topping.
Add the strawberries after baking: Never bake freeze-dried fruit – it’ll lose its color and flavor. Always fold it in after the granola has cooled.
Rotate, don’t stir: To ensure even browning without sacrificing clusters, rotate your baking sheet halfway through baking time.
Watch closely near the end: Granola can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on it during the final minutes of baking.

How to Serve

Breakfast Ideas

Serve over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a protein-packed breakfast. Layer in a parfait glass with yogurt and fresh strawberries for an impressive brunch offering.

Snack Options

Pack in small containers for an on-the-go snack, or enjoy by the handful when afternoon hunger strikes.

Dessert Transformation

Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert with contrasting textures. Use as a crumble topping for baked fruits or berry crisps.

Milk Pairings

Enjoy with your favorite milk – almond, oat, coconut, or dairy all work beautifully with this granola’s flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Granola

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Mason jars or containers with tight-fitting lids work perfectly.

Extending Freshness

For maximum crunchiness, add a food-safe silica packet (saved from other food packages) to your storage container.

Freezing Options

This granola freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag, and allow to come to room temperature before eating.

Gift Giving

Package in decorative jars with ribbon for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress friends and family.

FAQs

Can I make this granola without nuts for allergies?

Absolutely! Simply replace the nuts with additional oats, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or even some puffed rice cereal for texture. The granola will still be delicious and will form clusters beautifully.
Why didn’t my granola form clusters?

Cluster formation depends on a few key factors: pressing the granola firmly before baking, not stirring during baking, and allowing it to cool completely before breaking it apart. The maple syrup and oil create the “glue” that holds clusters together when properly cooled.
Can I reduce the maple syrup to make it less sweet?

Yes, you can reduce the maple syrup to 1/3 cup, but be aware that this may affect cluster formation slightly. You’ll still get delicious granola, just with potentially smaller clusters.
How can I tell when my granola is perfectly baked?

Look for an even golden-brown color and a fragrant, toasty aroma. The granola will still feel slightly soft when you remove it from the oven but will crisp up as it cools. If it seems undercooked in the center after 25 minutes, give it a few more minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Granola recipe truly transforms breakfast from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort. There’s something magical about the combination of toasty oats, crunchy nuts, and sweet-tart strawberries that makes mornings something to look forward to. Unlike store-bought versions, you’ll taste the freshness in every bite, plus enjoy the satisfaction of having made something truly special from scratch. Give this recipe a try this weekend – your future self will thank you when Monday morning breakfast is already sorted!