Easy Vanilla Coconut Granola

Name: Easy Vanilla Coconut Granola
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 Cups Rolled Oats; 3/4 Cup Shredded Flaked Coconut; 1/4 Cup Chia Seeds; 2/3 Cup Maple or Date Syrup; 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract; 1/2 Teaspoon Salt; 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon

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This Vanilla Coconut Granola is a tasty breakfast or snack, filled with sweet coconut flavor and notes of vanilla. Sweetened with maple syrup, this granola bakes quickly and creates huge clusters.‍

Easy Vanilla Coconut Granola on a baking sheet.

Granola is one of my favorite snacks! I love that you can add in tons of healthy ingredients and still have an incredibly delicious snack. I have a huge sweet tooth, but I want to make sure that I'm snacking on good-for-you foods.

This vanilla coconut granola has oats, coconut, chia seeds, and tons of sweet flavor! So many good, whole foods, filled with vitamins and other nutrients. So good!

Why I love this Vanilla Coconut Granola

Dietary needs - this recipe is plant-based, oil-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free
Perfect treat- this vanilla coconut granola is made from whole food ingredients with fiber and nutrients for a healthy and tasty breakfast or snack
Simple ingredients - With only 7 ingredients, you likely already have all the ingredients you need to make this granola recipe!
Customizable - stir in your favorite dried fruits or nuts. Add flax seeds. Whatever you love! The possibilities are endless
Makes your kitchen smell like a literal dream - seriously. Vanilla and coconut smell absolutely divine when cooked in the oven.
Neutral taste, perfect for pairing - serve with your favorite smoothie, on a yogurt bowl, or by itself!
Coconut & Vanilla - two sweet flavors combine for an irresistible flavor combo

A close up of a tray of Easy Vanilla Coconut Granola.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Rolled Oats: You can make granola with quick oats but it's much better with rolled oats. If you are gluten-sensitive be sure to buy certified gluten-free oats to avoid any cross contamination
Shredded/Flaked Coconut: Coconut is labeled in a confusing way. I recommend using "flaked" coconut, which looks shredded, so I typically refer to it as shredded. There's also "coconut flakes" which are larger pieces (that I stirred in at the end for the photos) but I like the texture of the shredded style. Either way, be sure to buy unsweetened coconut.
Chia Seeds: chia seeds add an extra crunch. They also pack a nutritional punch of omega 3s. You could use another seed like ground chia seeds or hemp seeds.
Maple Syrup: I like using maple syrup in my granola recipes because it creates the best crunch. Date syrup is a great sub if you'd like to make the recipe completely fruit-sweetened.
Vanilla: for ultra strong vanilla flavor use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract. If you don't have paste, extract is perfectly fine!
Salt
Cinnamon

Easy Vanilla Coconut Granola Ingredients

How to make Vanilla Coconut Granola

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients until the oats are thoroughly coated.

Easy Vanilla Coconut Granola step 2 - mix all the ingredients.

Step 3. Spread in an even layer on the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Easy Vanilla Coconut Granola Step 3 - spread the oats on the pan and bake.

Step 4. Remove from the oven and cool completely on the pan to create clusters. Then break into chunks and enjoy!

Easy Vanilla Coconut Granola Step 4 - let cool completely.

Ways to eat granola

On top of a smoothie or açai bowl
Paired with a high-protein yogurt
On oatmeal or overnight oats for some crunch
For some crunch in your cereal
As a topping for ice cream
In trail mix
By itself - my favorite!

Two jars of Easy Vanilla Coconut Granola.

FAQs & Expert Tips

Seriously.. let the granola cool

The key to a crunchy granola is to let it cool completely on the pan. This allows the syrup to dry completely and bind each cluster together.

Patience is essential when you want all those clusters!

Switch up the flavors

Feel free to play around and add seeds, fruits, and spices for your own spin on this granola

Is this granola gluten-free?

Yes. Oats are naturally gluten-free. Some oats are contaminated with gluten during the processing so if you're allergic to gluten be sure to buy certified gluten-free oats.

How can I make this granola fruit-sweetened?

Use date syrup instead of maple syrup. You can swap them 1:1 in this recipe.

A jar of Easy Vanilla Coconut Granola with a jar of oats and a vase of flowers.

More Homemade Granola Recipes

Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for nutritious snacks for us to enjoy. Amen.

Tried this recipe?

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