Homemade Maple + Coconut Granola

Baking granola has become a weekend ritual for me.  It’s so simple to make delicious and healthy granola in your own kitchen, and I bet you already have most of the ingredients you’ll need in your pantry!  I like to use rolled oats, chopped almonds and pecans, sunflower seeds, quinoa,  and omega 3 – rich chia and flax seeds as the base.   Hints of caramely maple syrup, floral clover honey, warm cinnamon, creamy coconut oil, plus a hint of salt make for the most decadent tasting granola!  As a note, this recipe is adaptable.  You can easily swap out your favorite grains, nuts, seeds, oil, and sweetener depending on what you have on hand.

I love this particular recipe because it’s full of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, so I can feel great about having it on top of my yogurt with berries, smoothie bowls, or straight out of the jar.

Ingredients:
3 Cups rolled oats
3/4 Cup chopped almonds (unsalted)
3/4 Cup chopped pecans  (unsalted)
1/4 Cup sunflower Seeds  (unsalted)
1/4 Cup dry quinoa
1 Tablespoon flax seeds
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 Cup flaked/shredded coconut (you can add this in before or after baking, I like to add it before so it can get nice and toasty, others have a preference for after – both are delicious!)
1/4 Cup coconut oil
1/4 Cup honey
1/4 Cup maple Syrup
Pinch of salt

 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350*.  Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and toss with hands or fold with a wooden spoon.  If your coconut oil is at room temperature and solid, scoop it into a skillet over medium heat until melted.  Add the melted coconut oil, honey, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt to the dry base and mix so everything is very well incorporated.  Sometimes using your hands is the best way to do this!  Spread the granola mixture evenly over a baking sheet, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, depending on how toasted you want your granola to be.  I prefer mine on the toastier side and always bake it for closer for 30 minutes, if not a bit longer.  Toss the granola around with a wooden spoon about halfway through the baking process to ensure everything bakes evenly.  Once the granola is visibly toasted and golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking sheet, for about 25 minutes.  Store your finished product in an air-tight container, like a mason jar – it should keep for a couple of weeks, but we usually go through this stuff in a few days because it’s so delicious!

What are your favorite ways to enjoy granola? Let me know in the comments, happy snacking!