Meta Description: Discover the ultimate guide to making irresistible homemade cherry almond coconut granola. This easy recipe promises crunchy clusters, a hint of sweetness, and a delightful mix of flavors.
I still remember the first time I made homemade granola. My apartment filled with a warm, nutty aroma that promised something truly special. For years, I had relied on store-bought versions, and while they were convenient, they often fell short—either too sweet, too bland, or full of ingredients I couldn’t pronounce. That day, as I pulled a baking sheet of golden-brown granola from the oven, I knew I had stumbled upon a simple kitchen magic. The clusters were perfectly crispy, the nuts were toasted to perfection, and the dried fruit was chewy and sweet. It was a revelation.
Granola is more than just a breakfast food; it’s a feeling. It’s the comforting crunch in your morning yogurt, the satisfying snack you grab on a busy afternoon, or the little something extra you sprinkle over a smoothie bowl. But let’s be honest: not all granola is created equal. The secret to an amazing granola lies in the balance of textures and flavors. You need that perfect mix of hearty oats, crunchy nuts, a touch of sweetness, and a pop of flavor. And that’s exactly what this cherry almond coconut granola recipe delivers. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, combining the wholesome goodness of oats with the rich warmth of toasted almonds, the tropical sweetness of coconut, and the delightful chew of dried cherries.
This is a recipe designed for real life. It’s for the busy parent trying to get a healthy breakfast on the table, the student needing a quick study snack, or anyone who simply loves a good, wholesome treat. The process is straightforward, the ingredients are simple, and the results are truly spectacular. You’re going to want to make a double batch, trust me. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something so delicious and nourishing from scratch. So, let’s get into the kitchen and create some of that simple magic.
🥣 Ingredients for the Perfect Granola
Making your own granola gives you complete control over the quality and flavor. You can choose the best ingredients and adjust them to your liking. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious homemade almond coconut granola.
- Rolled Oats: 4 cups (old-fashioned oats work best for that classic granola texture)1
- Raw Almonds: 1 cup, sliced or slivered (adds a great crunch)
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: 1 cup (for that tropical flavor)
- Dried Cherries: 1 cup (tart and sweet, they’re the star of the show)
- Maple Syrup: 1/2 cup (or honey for a different flavor profile)
- Coconut Oil: 1/4 cup, melted (helps create those perfect clusters)2
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon3
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (just a pinch to enhance all the flavors)
⏲️ Total Time and Equipment
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
You’ll need:
- A large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- A large mixing bowl
- A spatula or spoon for mixing
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is all about a simple process that yields incredible results. Follow these steps for the best granola recipe with dried cherries.
- Prep Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).4 Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is a crucial step that prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Give everything a good stir to ensure it’s evenly mixed.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. This is the glue that will hold your almond coconut granola clusters together.
- Marry the Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything thoroughly. Make sure every single oat flake and almond is coated. The goal is a uniform, glistening mixture.
- Spread and Bake: Pour the granola mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use the spatula to spread it out into a thin, even layer. Gently press it down with the back of the spatula; this simple trick helps create those coveted, crunchy clusters.5
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Midway through baking (around the 12-15 minute mark), use the spatula to gently turn the granola. This ensures even toasting. Keep a close eye on it during the last 5 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Cool Completely: This is the most important step for getting those crispy clusters. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely and undisturbed on the sheet. It will feel soft when it first comes out, but it will crisp up beautifully as it cools.
- Add the Cherries: Once the granola is fully cooled, break it into chunks. Now, gently mix in the dried cherries. If you add them while the granola is hot, they can become tough and shriveled.
- Store It: Transfer your finished cherry almond granola to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks on the counter.
🌟 Pro Tips and Variations
The beauty of homemade granola is its adaptability. Here are a few ways to customize this recipe and make it your own.
- Nutty Swaps: Don’t have almonds? No problem! You can easily substitute them with pecans, walnuts, or cashews. A combination of a few different nuts can also add a nice complexity.
- Fruitful Choices: Not a fan of cherries? Swap them out for other dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, dried apricots, or even chopped dates. A mix of a few different fruits can be a fun way to add variety.
- Spice it Up: For a warmer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a little ginger to your dry mixture.
- Seed Power: Add a couple of tablespoons of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flax seeds for an extra nutritional boost and a different kind of crunch.
- Chocolate Love: For a truly decadent treat, stir in some chocolate chips after the granola has completely cooled. The residual heat from the granola will melt the chocolate. This makes the granola even more irresistible.
✅ Common Questions
- Why is my granola not clumping? The secret to clumps is in the wet ingredients and the cooling process. Make sure you use enough of the binding agents (maple syrup/honey and coconut oil), press the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking, and—most importantly—let it cool completely and undisturbed.
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Rolled oats are highly recommended because they hold their shape and provide that classic granola texture. Quick oats can become mushy or overly crunchy.
- How do I know when the granola is done? Look for a uniform golden-brown color. It will smell toasty and fragrant. The granola should feel dry to the touch, and as it cools, it will become crispy. If it still feels soft after cooling, it might need a few more minutes in the oven.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
This versatile cherry almond coconut granola is perfect for so much more than just a morning bowl.
- Classic Breakfast: Serve it with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a quick, balanced meal.
- Smoothie Bowl Topping: Sprinkle it over your favorite smoothie bowl for a delightful crunch.
- Snack Attack: Keep a jar in your desk or car for an easy, on-the-go snack.
- Dessert Topper: Use it as a topping for ice cream or a crumble for baked apples. It adds a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.
📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1/4 cup) |
| Calories | 145 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. This is not medical advice, and you should consult a professional for personalized dietary guidance.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something uniquely satisfying about this particular combination. The cherry almond coconut granola is a taste of home, a little piece of comfort you can create whenever you like. The balance of flavors is what truly sets it apart. The slightly bitter, nutty flavor of the toasted almonds complements the rich, tropical notes of the coconut. And then, the tart and sweet dried cherries burst onto the scene, cutting through the richness with a beautiful, bright flavor. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a sensory experience. You’re going to be so proud of yourself after you make this. And your family and friends will be thanking you. I’ve even given this away as a holiday gift, packaged in a cute mason jar with a ribbon. It’s always a huge hit and a wonderful, personal present.
In a world full of shortcuts, taking a few minutes to make something truly special for yourself and your loved ones is a rewarding act. This recipe is a perfect example of that. It’s simple, honest, and incredibly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that will earn a permanent spot in your collection. So, don’t wait. Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. You’re just a few steps away from a delicious, homemade granola that will change your breakfast game forever.
Now it’s your turn. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. What are your favorite additions or variations? I’d love to hear about the delicious granola you create!