Caroline's Cooking

Internationally inspired recipes for everyone to enjoy - mostly healthy, always tasty

  • Recipes by Course
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Appetizer/Starter
    • Main dishes
      • 30 minute meals
      • Seafood recipes
      • vegetarian meals
    • Side dishes
    • Lunch
    • Snack recipes
    • Desserts
    • Drinks recipes
  • International Recipes
  • Seasonal recipes
    • Spring Recipes
    • Summer Recipes
    • Fall Recipes
    • Winter Recipes
    • Holiday Recipes
  • Travel
  • Subscribe
  • About

Homemade granola recipe (with cranberries & coconut)

November 4, 2019 by Caroline's Cooking 17 Comments

It’s easier than you might think to make granola (and healthier). This easy homemade granola recipe is naturally sweetened and loaded up with cranberries, pecans and coconut. Crunchy delicious!

Homemade granola recipe - some in bowl, rest in jar from overhead

This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page.

If you are a regular here, you have probably seen me mention that breakfast never used to be “my meal”. In school, I generally just ate a banana (and my parents still get a bunch before I visit, thinking I’ll eat them). Then I progressed to toast – I know, not much better.

When I lived in New York, I was introduced to the idea of brunch and loved eggs Benedict, stuffed French toast or whatever else the options were. But my day to day breakfast was still pretty boring.

homemade granola with bowl to front

It was only once a certain company in the UK (if you’re there, you know who I mean) introduced some really good mueslis to the market that I started to eat a more interesting breakfast. Then I’d have muesli with fruit and yogurt, plus I made my own Swiss Bircher muesli now and then.

Having had kids, I’m glad to say breakfasts have become a lot better and we rotate around various forms of oatmeal mid-week and the likes of waffles and pancakes, including Dutch baby pancakes, at the weekend.

Granola wasn’t something that was around in the UK, as far as I know, when I was a kid, but that same company makes it in the UK now and we’ve had some on visits back. I’ve meant to make my own for ages, and our last trip prompted me to get round to it. Homemade granola really is so much easier than you might think, and so delicious. 

Homemade granola recipe - base mix ready to bake

Is it really better to make your own granola?

I know, it may seem crazy to make something you can easily buy, but I do think homemade can be better. For a start, you can control the sweetener (I find many commercial versions WAY too sweet), as well as vary the add-ins. 

Homemade granola also isn’t really as time-consuming as you might think. All you do is:

  • Mix the oats and nuts/seeds with oil, sweetener and any flavorings.
  • Lay out on a lined baking sheet then bake.
  • Stir once or twice as it bakes so it colors evenly.
  • Add in the dried fruit once cool.

See how it all comes together in the short video!

homemade granola out of the oven

Ways to adapt homemade granola

It’s incredibly easy to change up the ingredients to taste. Your basic ingredients are oats, an oil (I prefer coconut oil but you could use another eg vegetable or olive oil), a sweetener and add-ins. 

Nuts and seeds you can add to granola include:

  • Pecans (as I used here)
  • Sliced almonds
  • Walnut pieces
  • Coconut flakes
  • Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • Sunflower seeds

If you are using coconut flakes, as I did here, just be aware they brown much more quickly so just add them towards the end of cooking. Larger nuts and seeds are fine to add at the beginning to help give them an extra crunch (and get the flavor from the maple etc).

adding cranberries to homemade granola

In terms of fruits, you can add pretty much any dried fruit that you like, eg:

  • Raisins
  • Cranberries (as I used here)
  • Dried cherries
  • Dried apple (the chewy kind is best)
  • Dried apricots 
  • Prunes
  • Figs
  • Dates
  • Dried pineapple, papaya etc.

For larger fruits, you are best to cut them into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat in the mixture. Also, for stickier fruits like dates you can either buy them ready-cut, rolled in oat flour, or I’d suggest rolling them in oat flour before adding to the mixture. This will help avoid them clumping together, but also doesn’t impact the flavor of the granola.

Add the fruit after the rest of the granola has been in the oven, as they do not need to cook at all (and are sweet enough as they are).

bowl of homemade granola

This granola was so popular in our house, I kind of wish I’d made a larger batch. But that just means more excuse to make some more and play about with the add-ins. Though we loved the combination in this homemade granola recipe and will definitely be having it again soon. Try it yourself, and enjoy!

Try these other breakfast recipes:

  • Swiss bircher muesli (the original overnight oats, with apple)
  • Vegetarian breakfast burrito
  • Banana oatmeal
  • Plus see many more breakfast and brunch recipes in the archives.

Tools to make this (affiliate link)

I’d recommend using parchment on top of a Half Baking Sheet to make this.

See more of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline’s Cooking Amazon store. 

Homemade granola recipe - some in bowl, rest in jar from overhead
Print Recipe
4.67 from 3 votes

Homemade granola recipe (with cranberries and coconut)

Homemade granola is easier than you might think and this is an easy, relatively healthy and delicious combination.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time35 mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: granola
Servings: 4 approx (depends on size of portion)
Calories: 390.06kcal
Author: Caroline's Cooking

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 c oats 145g
  • 1/2 c pecans 50g
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 c maple syrup 4tbsp
  • 2 tbsp apple juice
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/4 c coconut flakes 15g
  • 1/2 c cranberries 70g

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325F/160C. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper.
  • Place the oats in a bowl and add the pecans and cinnamon Stir to mix.
  • Pour over the maple syrup, apple juice and coconut oil. Mix well.
  • Tip the mixture onto the baking sheet and spread it out into a layer that's still close enough together that it sticks a little.
  • Bake for approx 25-30min, turning roughly halfway through then also adding the coconut flakes a couple mins before end.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool before adding the cranberries. Store in an airtight container at room temperature until needed.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 390.06kcal | Carbohydrates: 39.57g | Protein: 5.56g | Fat: 24.84g | Saturated Fat: 13.23g | Sodium: 6.16mg | Potassium: 245.45mg | Fiber: 5.76g | Sugar: 14.47g | Vitamin C: 1.66mg | Calcium: 46.39mg | Iron: 1.78mg

It’s Cranberry Week! See all the other delicious cranberry recipes being shared today (and follow #cranberryweek to see even more):

  • Cranberry & Brown Sugar Glazed Turkey Meatloaf from Savory Moments
  • Cranberry Butter from Daily Dish Recipes
  • Cranberry Curd Pie from The Redhead Baker
  • Cranberry Glazed Meatballs from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
  • Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip from Sweet Beginnings
  • Cranberry Orange Marmalade from Books n’ Cooks
  • Cranberry Prosecco Punch from Our Good Life
  • Cranberry Salsa from The Freshman Cook
  • Cranberry Swirl Mini Cheesecakes from Our Crafty Mom
  • Cranberry Walnut Bread from Palatable Pastime
  • Easy Homemade Cranberry Vanilla Liqueur from Family Around the Table
  • Jalapeno Cranberry Bombs from Cookaholic Wife
  • Pear and Cranberry Salad from A Day in the Life on the Farm
  • Polar Espresso Cookies from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
  • Roasted Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce from Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
  • Sugared Sparkling Cranberries from Cheese Curd In Paradise
  • Tart Cherry Cranberry Sauce from The Spiffy Cookie

Remember to pin for later!

It's easier than you might think to make granola (and healthier). This easy homemade granola recipe is naturally sweetened and loaded up with cranberries, pecans and coconut. Crunchy delicious! #granola #healthy #breakfast #cranberry #cranberryweek

Sharing is caring!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Pin

Filed Under: Breakfast and Brunch Recipes Tagged With: coconut, cranberry, pecan, vegan, vegetarian

« Pasta with Clams and Sausages
Cranberry orange scones »

Comments

  1. Teri@The Freshman Cook says

    November 21, 2019 at 8:04 pm

    Love how much healthier this is. I am looking forward to trying it during the holidays!

    Reply
  2. Cheese Curd In Paradise says

    November 18, 2019 at 11:56 am

    5 stars
    Homemade granola is so good. I love all the different mix-ins here, and the different mix-in suggestions!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      November 19, 2019 at 2:46 pm

      Thanks, there really are so many possibilities, but I do definitely love this combination.

      Reply
  3. Jaida ~ Sweet Beginnings says

    November 14, 2019 at 12:32 pm

    5 stars
    Homemade granola is the best, and I love the flavors you have in this one. Great for so many things from breakfast to a snack all on its own!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      November 14, 2019 at 10:57 pm

      Thanks you, I agree it’s so tasty and the flavors here work so well together.

      Reply
  4. Liz @ Books n' Cooks says

    November 8, 2019 at 8:22 am

    Homemade granola is the best, and this recipe sounds delicious!
    Thanks for once again hosting Cranberry Week. It’s one of my favorite weeks of the year!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      November 9, 2019 at 1:08 pm

      Thank you, this is definitely one that’s going to be on repeat in our house. Thank you for joining in as well – I do love it too!

      Reply
  5. Hezzi-D says

    November 5, 2019 at 6:34 am

    I make homemade granola a lot and can’t wait to try your version!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      November 5, 2019 at 8:03 pm

      Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Karen says

    November 5, 2019 at 12:04 am

    This sounds amazing with the maple syrup and apple juice! Such perfect fall flavors.

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      November 5, 2019 at 8:03 pm

      Thanks, yes the flavors are great.

      Reply
  7. Nicole says

    November 4, 2019 at 6:11 pm

    Love this! I love how I can add things I want, or take away. I have actually never made homemade granola and I know I need to! Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      November 5, 2019 at 8:03 pm

      Thanks, indeed it’s so easy to change up to suit what you like or don’t.

      Reply
  8. Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck says

    November 4, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    This is my kind of granola! All of the good stuff!!!

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      November 5, 2019 at 7:32 pm

      Thanks, indeed so many tasty flavors!

      Reply
  9. Wendy Klik says

    November 4, 2019 at 1:31 pm

    I would love some of this stirred into my yogurt in the morning. Thanks for hosting Caroline.

    Reply
    • Caroline's Cooking says

      November 5, 2019 at 7:32 pm

      Sounds perfect! Thanks for joining in.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Caroline's Cooking

Welcome! I'm Caroline and this is where I share recipes inspired by travels, places I want to go, or just ideas from feeding the family. Most recipes are easy to make and healthier, but there are treats too! Read More…

Recent Posts

  • Swedish cardamom buns
  • Baklava recipe
  • Chicken crepes with leek and mushrooms
  • Melomakarona (Greek honey cookies)
  • Gingerbread waffles

Get the free newsletter!

Thanks - you have successfully subscribed!

Search for more recipes:

More on Caroline’s Cooking

  • Privacy policy
  • Language and measurements
  • Instagram
  • As featured…
  • Blogging resources

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Subscribe to the newsletter!

Thanks - you have successfully subscribed!

Copyright © 2019 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress