Tropical Granola Recipe

Most granola exists firmly in autumn-and-winter territory oats, cinnamon, maple syrup, dark warming spices. This Tropical Granola exists to break that pattern. It goes in the opposite direction entirely: coconut flakes, macadamia nuts, dried mango, dried pineapple, and a light honey-coconut oil coating. It tastes like summer, regardless of what month you make it.

If you are curious about the nutritional side of granola, the granola and weight loss guide on this site is worth reading. And if you want something in the more classic flavour direction, the Cranberry Pecan Granola is a great companion recipe.

Working with Coconut Flakes

Large coconut flakes are one of the best additions to granola they toast to a beautiful golden colour and add a crunch and coconut flavour that shredded coconut can't replicate. The catch: they toast much faster than oats and will burn if left in the oven from the start. Add them during the last 10 minutes of baking so they get golden without overcooking.

For maximum clumping, don't stir while the granola bakes. Spread it in an even layer, let it bake undisturbed, then cool completely before breaking into clusters. The cooling time is where the clumps form and set.

The Add-In Order Matters

• With the oats: macadamia nuts, seeds, rolled oats, oil and honey coating
• Last 10 minutes: large coconut flakes they toast quickly and need less time
• After baking, once cooled: dried mango, dried pineapple, dried papaya add all dried fruit post-bake to preserve chewiness

Serve over Greek yogurt with fresh pineapple, mix into smoothie bowls, or eat straight from the jar as a snack. Keeps for two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups puffed brown rice cereal
• 6 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 1/2 tsp pure coconut extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped cashews or macadamia nuts
• 1/2 cup diced dried mixed tropical fruit, such as mango, banana, and pineapple, preferably unsweetened & unsulfured
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, and chopped mixed nuts. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the coconut oil and honey together until they become a liquid, about 30 seconds in the microwave. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

4. Mix Everything Together

Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.

5. Spread on Baking Sheet

Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Press it down slightly with a spatula to help form clusters.

6. Bake and Stir

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown, stirring once or twice during baking to ensure even cooking.

7. Add Dried Fruits

Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool slightly. Once it’s cooled a bit, stir in the chopped dried pineapple, dried mango, and banana chips.

8. Let It Cool Completely

Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crisp as it cools.

9. Store and Enjoy

Once the granola is completely cool, transfer it to an airtight container. Your Tropical Granola is now ready to enjoy! Serve it with yogurt, milk, or as a snack on its own.

This Tropical Granola recipe brings the flavors of the tropics right to your breakfast table. With the sweetness of dried fruits, the crunch of nuts, and the earthy goodness of oats, it’s a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to customize it with your favorite tropical fruits and nuts to make it your own tropical paradise in a bowl.

*The bowl pictured in the first four photographs was a gift that my parents picked out during a recent trip to Maine. Susan Horowitz of Ash Cove Pottery has been hand-making pottery since the 1970s. Her pottery is oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe, and each piece is distinctive. I love how she describes the inspiration for her artwork: ”My inscribed and brushwork decorations are based on the patterns left in the sand by the receding tide.” How very apropos then, to use this gorgeous vessel for photographing my Tropical Granola!

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

Calories	220 calories
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	30mg
Total Carbohydrates	24g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	10g
Servings	5
Protein	3g

Please note that these nutrition values are estimated and may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. It’s always a good practice to check the nutrition information on the product labels for the most accurate data, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions. Enjoy your Tropical Granola!

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

Please note that these nutrition values are estimated and may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. It’s always a good practice to check the nutrition information on the product labels for the most accurate data, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions. Enjoy your Tropical Granola!