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)

Description

This easy homemade strawberry granola recipe combines hearty oats, crunchy nuts, seeds, coconut, and natural sweeteners, all baked to golden perfection and finished with freeze-dried strawberries and optional white chocolate chips for a delicious, satisfying snack or breakfast topping.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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 (or butter as substitute)
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Add-ins (after baking)

1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
3/4 cup white chocolate chips, optional (or use dark chocolate chips)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large-rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Set the baking sheet aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the old fashioned oats, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, pepitas, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted and slightly cooled coconut oil (or butter), maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until every component is coated and the mixture looks cohesive.
Spread and Press Mixture: Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup, press and spread the mixture into an even layer. This helps the granola bake evenly and form clusters.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the granola turns slightly golden brown. Do not stir while baking to allow clusters to form. Rotate the pan halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
Cool Completely: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring. This is essential for the granola to set into crunchy clusters.
Add Finishing Touches: Once fully cooled, break the granola into clusters of your desired size. Gently stir in the freeze-dried strawberries and, if desired, white or dark chocolate chips. Enjoy plain, with milk, or as a topping for yogurt.

Notes

Do not stir the granola during baking or cooling to obtain the best clusters.
You can substitute coconut oil with butter for a richer flavor.
For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips or omit them entirely.
Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Customize by adding your favorite nuts or seeds.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/16 of recipe (about 1/3 cup)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg