Meta Description: This recipe for homemade blueberry coconut almond granola is a healthy and delicious way to start your day. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and has the perfect amount of crunch.
For most of my life, my breakfast routine was a grab-and-go affair, usually a store-bought granola bar or a bowl of cereal. I always thought that making my own granola was an intimidating, complicated process reserved for seasoned bakers. The store-bought options were convenient, but they were also often loaded with sugar and a list of ingredients I couldn’t pronounce. I was craving something that was both wholesome and satisfying, something with a satisfying crunch and a natural sweetness. One day, I decided to finally give it a shot. I had a big bag of old-fashioned oats, some coconut flakes, and a bag of almonds in my pantry. I mixed them with a little maple syrup and a few other simple ingredients, spread it on a baking sheet, and popped it in the oven. The aroma that filled my kitchen was incredible—a warm, nutty, and slightly sweet scent that was pure comfort. The result was a revelation. It was crunchy, golden-brown, and had a complex flavor that was nothing like the stuff I bought at the store. The sweet, juicy blueberries and the nutty almonds were a perfect combination with the crunchy oats and coconut. This blueberry coconut almond granola has since become a staple in my kitchen, a perfect, healthy way to start my day. It’s a recipe that proves that making your own granola is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding.
🌟 Why This Granola is a Must-Make
This blueberry coconut almond granola is a complete game-changer for your breakfast routine. What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The base of old-fashioned oats is a classic for a reason—it toasts up beautifully and provides a satisfying crunch. The addition of flaked coconut and sliced almonds adds a wonderful, nutty depth of flavor and a rich, satisfying texture. The true magic of this granola, however, is the dried blueberries. Their sweet, chewy texture is a perfect contrast to the crunchy nuts and oats, creating a flavor combination that is both delicious and incredibly addictive.
Beyond the flavor, this granola is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s packed with whole grains, healthy fats from the almonds and coconut, and fiber from the oats and blueberries. This makes it a fantastic, balanced breakfast that will keep you full and energized for hours, preventing that dreaded midday crash. It’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a big batch of delicious, healthy granola ready to go for the entire week. This is a recipe that proves that healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect way to bring a little bit of goodness to your table without a lot of fuss.
✅ Ingredients
This recipe is built on a foundation of simple, wholesome ingredients. The key is to use a good quality, pure maple syrup and to use a variety of your favorite nuts and seeds.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw sliced almonds
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup dried blueberries
⏰ Total Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly crunchy, flavorful blueberry coconut almond granola. The key is to stir it halfway through so it toasts evenly!
- Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is a crucial step to prevent the granola from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, and unsweetened shredded coconut flakes. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Make the Wet Mixture: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together until the oats, almonds, and coconut are evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the granola mixture in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring it halfway through. The granola is done when it’s a beautiful golden brown and smells fragrant.
- Cool and Add Blueberries: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will harden and become crunchy. Once the granola is completely cool, stir in the dried blueberries. This is a crucial step; if you add the blueberries before baking, they will become hard and burnt.
- Store and Enjoy: Store the finished granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy it with milk, yogurt, or as a simple snack.
👩🍳 Recipe Variations
This blueberry coconut almond granola recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of creative additions. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Different Nuts: Swap the almonds for chopped walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios. Each nut will give the granola a slightly different flavor profile and crunch.
- Different Fruits: Swap the dried blueberries for other dried fruits like chopped dried cranberries, cherries, or even apricots.
- Add Seeds: For a boost of nutrition, you can add a few tablespoons of chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or sunflower seeds to the dry mixture.
- Make a Chocolate Version: For a chocolatey twist, you can add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the wet mixture. Once the granola has cooled, you can also stir in some mini chocolate chips or a few pieces of chopped dark chocolate.
- Add Spices: You can add other spices to the granola, like a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice, to give it a warmer, more autumnal flavor.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is my granola not crunchy? The most common reason for soggy granola is not baking it long enough or not letting it cool completely. Granola hardens as it cools, so it’s important to let it cool completely on the baking sheet before storing it. Overcrowding the pan can also prevent it from getting crunchy.
- Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats? While you can use quick oats, they will result in a granola with a less chewy and more powdery texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats are highly recommended for the best results.
- How do I know when the granola is done? The key is to use your nose. The granola will become fragrant and nutty, and it will turn a beautiful golden-brown color. Watch it carefully in the last few minutes, as it can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly.
- How do I store this granola? Store the finished granola in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it fresh and crunchy. If it starts to lose its crunch, you can put it back in a 250°F (120°C) oven for a few minutes to crisp it back up.
- Can I make this nut-free? Yes, you can. You can swap the almonds for seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You can also use a seed butter in place of the coconut oil for a richer, more decadent granola.
✅ Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Conclusion
This blueberry coconut almond granola is a perfect example of a fast, healthy, and incredibly delicious breakfast or snack. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. The combination of crunchy oats, nutty almonds, sweet coconut, and chewy blueberries creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will make you rethink everything you know about granola. It’s a recipe that is as nourishing for the body as it is for the soul, and it’s a total game-changer for anyone looking to eat a little healthier without sacrificing taste.
I truly hope you give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite go-to breakfast. It’s the perfect dish for a busy morning or a quick energy boost, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone you share it with. I’d love to hear how your granola turned out and if you added any of your own creative twists! Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Happy baking! 😋
