If you’re on the hunt for a delicious treat that perfectly balances fruity sweetness with indulgent chocolate, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Chocolate Granola Recipe. It’s a mouthwatering blend of hearty oats, crunchy nuts, fragrant coconut, and vibrant freeze-dried strawberries, all brought together with just the right amount of chocolate to make every bite a little celebration. This granola isn’t just breakfast—it’s a snack, a topping, and a comfort food rolled into one, guaranteed to brighten your mornings and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients is the key to nailing this Strawberry Chocolate Granola Recipe. Each element plays a unique role, whether it’s adding crunch, sweetness, or a pop of color that makes this granola irresistibly inviting.
- 3 cups old fashioned oats: The wholesome base that offers a satisfyingly chewy texture and whole-grain nutrition.
- 1 cup flaked coconut: Adds natural sweetness and a tropical flair, creating delightful bursts of flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds: Boosts the crunch factor and brings a subtle nutty richness.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Enhances the flavor with buttery notes and a tender bite.
- 1/3 cup pepitas: Pumpkin seeds add earthiness and a fun crunch that’s packed with nutrients.
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal: Gives a gentle nutty flavor and a boost of omega-3s and fiber.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses warmth and aromatic depth that complements the granola’s natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Balances the flavors by bringing out the sweetness and enhancing all the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled: Binds the mixture with healthy fat and adds a subtle richness—can swap for butter if you like.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness that caramelizes perfectly during baking, giving the granola an irresistible glaze.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: Brightens the flavor profile with sweet aromatic notes.
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries: Brings vibrant color and intense berry flavor without moisture—key to keeping crunch.
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional): Adds creamy sweetness; dark chocolate chips work beautifully too if you prefer a richer taste.
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Granola Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This step might seem small, but preventing stickiness means your granola stays intact and cleanup is a breeze—always a win!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the oats, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, pepitas, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and sea salt. Give everything a good stir so the spices and seeds are perfectly distributed; this mix is the hearty backbone of your granola.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour the melted coconut oil (or butter), pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly so every oat and nut is lovingly coated. This luscious mixture will transform into golden clusters that have just the right stickiness and crunch.
Step 4: Spread and Press the Mixture
Transfer the granola onto your prepared baking sheet. Use the back of a spatula or a measuring cup bottom to firmly press it into an even layer. Pressing helps your granola bake into satisfying chunks that hold together instead of crumbling into dust.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the granola turns a light golden brown. Resist the temptation to stir—this allows the clusters to form beautifully. Remember to rotate the pan halfway through baking, ensuring every bite has that perfect, even toasty crunch.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Adding Finishing Touches
Patience is key here! Remove the granola from the oven and leave it on the sheet to cool entirely. This cool-down solidifies the clusters so they stay intact. Only once cooled, stir in your vibrant freeze-dried strawberries and gently fold in the chocolate chips, if you’re using them. The strawberries keep the granola bright and fresh, while the chocolate adds that dreamy indulgence.
How to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Granola Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, top your granola with a sprinkle of fresh sliced strawberries or a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt. Adding a drizzle of honey or a swirl of almond butter can elevate each bite, making it feel a little more decadent and personalized.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salads, smoothie bowls, or a chilled glass of milk. It’s excellent alongside a simple berry compote or even sprinkled over warm baked apples for a wholesome dessert vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl by layering the granola with yogurt and fresh strawberries in pretty parfait glasses for breakfast or brunch guests. Or pack it in mason jars as a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s both tasty and charming. You can also sprinkle it on your ice cream for a sweet and crunchy twist that never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Strawberry Chocolate Granola Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This keeps it crunchy and fresh so every handful tastes just as amazing as the day it was made.
Freezing
Want to keep it longer? Freeze your granola in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to three months. Just thaw it at room temperature before serving. Freezing won’t change the texture, so it’s a great way to enjoy your favorite snack any time.
Reheating
Usually, this granola is just as delicious straight from the container, but if you want to warm it slightly, pop a small portion in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crunch and aroma. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried for this granola?
Fresh strawberries contain moisture that can make granola soggy, so freeze-dried strawberries are recommended to keep it perfectly crunchy. If using fresh, add them right before serving rather than mixing in during preparation.
Is it possible to make this granola gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats because oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt.
Can I substitute the coconut oil for another fat?
Yes, melted butter works wonderfully and provides a rich flavor. You could also try avocado oil or a neutral oil, but coconut oil adds a subtle tropical note that pairs especially well with the coconut flakes and strawberries.
How do I get big clusters instead of loose granola?
The key is to press the mixture firmly before baking and avoid stirring it while it bakes or cools. This encourages the oats and nuts to stick together in nice, chunky clusters.
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Definitely! The granola is delicious on its own with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and strawberries shining through. Chocolate chips are just an optional, indulgent addition if you want that extra decadent touch.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Chocolate Granola Recipe is like creating a little batch of happiness in your kitchen. It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and versatile enough to brighten your breakfasts and snacks all week long. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to recipes, just like it is for me. So grab those ingredients, start mixing, and enjoy every crunchy, fruity, chocolaty bite!
Print
Strawberry Chocolate Granola Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Granola recipe is a crunchy, flavorful blend of oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut, baked to golden perfection and mixed with sweet freeze-dried strawberries and optional chocolate chips. Perfect as a healthy breakfast or snack, this granola offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors with wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup pepitas
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled (or butter as substitute)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips, optional (or dark chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup, then set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the old fashioned oats, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, pepitas, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted and slightly cooled coconut oil (or butter), pure maple syrup, and pure vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all components are well coated and the mixture is cohesive.
- Spread and Press Mixture: Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to press and spread the mixture into an even layer to promote even baking and formation of clusters.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the granola is slightly golden brown. Avoid stirring during baking to allow clusters to form. Rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the sheet without stirring. This step is crucial for the granola to set into crunchy clusters.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once cooled, break the granola into clusters of your preferred size. Gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberries and white or dark chocolate chips if using. Enjoy as is, with milk, or as a topping for yogurt.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit almonds and pecans and increase pumpkin seeds or add sunflower seeds.
- Substitute butter for coconut oil if preferred.
- To keep clusters larger, avoid stirring the granola while baking or cooling.
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks for best freshness.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add a natural tartness and crunch; fresh strawberries are not recommended as they add moisture.
