Do you have any embarrassing childhood cereal obsessions? My ultimate indulgence was Fruity Pebbles, then came Lucky Charms, and later, Frosted Mini Wheats. And when I was in college I developed a thing for Special K with Strawberries.
Are you sensing a pattern? I got progressively more old lady in my cereal tastes as I got older (appropriately so). And these days I don’t even buy cereal and only make my own – the ultimate grandma move.
But be I honest, I miss strawberry cereal and was on a mission to recreate an inspired version at home. Spoiler alert: It’s ridiculously easy and crazy delicious.
This granola comes together in about 30 minutes and requires just 8 ingredients!
Rolled oats, nuts, and coconut form the base.
Coconut oil helps everything crisp up.
Maple syrup and coconut sugar add natural sweetness.
And the star of the show is freeze-dried strawberries!
Freeze dried fruit is extremely delicious when drowned in a bowl of milk. Ugh. Trust me, I did some testing and the results were conclusive.
I hope you all love this granola! It’s:
Light
Crunchy
Satisfying
Fruity
Naturally sweetened
Fiber- + protein-packed
Simple
& Delicious
Make a batch of this granola to have on hand during the week for breakfast and on-the-go snacks. It’s tasty on its own, but it’s ideal when drowned in almond milk and topped with bananas. Yum.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram. I LOVE seeing your photos. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Cheers, friends! (P.S. Here are 8 more Simple Granola Recipes!)
Strawberry Coconut Granola
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 3/4 cups raw nuts (I like pecans and almonds // roughly chopped)
- 2 Tbsp coconut sugar (or sub organic brown sugar, muscovado, or organic cane sugar)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 3 1/2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or agave nectar)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened large flake or desiccated coconut
- 1.2 ounces unsweetened freeze-dried strawberries (I like Trader Joeβs brand)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 340 degrees F (171 C) .
- Add oats, nuts, coconut sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- To a small saucepan, add coconut oil and maple syrup. Warm over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, whisking frequently until the two are totally combined and there is no visible separation.
- Immediately pour over the dry ingredients and stir to combine until all oats and nuts are thoroughly coated. Arrange on a bare large baking sheet and spread into an even layer (use more baking sheets, as needed, if increasing batch size).
- Bake for 20 minutes. Then remove from oven, add coconut, and stir/toss the granola. Turn the pan around so the other end goes into the oven first (so it bakes evenly) and bake 5-8 minutes more. Watch carefully as to not burn, especially the coconut. You’ll know it’s done when the granola is deep golden brown and very fragrant.
- Let cool completely before adding the strawberries. Toss to combine. Enjoy as a plain snack, or top with bananas and dairy-free milk!
- Store leftovers in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for 2-3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 month or longer.
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with half almonds and half pecans.
*8 More Granola Recipes!
Rachel says
This looks delicious!! I am very excited to try. I see that the description says βprotein-packedβ but there are only 6 grams of protein per serving. Do you have any suggestions on how to modify the recipe to make it higher in protein?
Hey Rachel! We would suggest serving the granola over something with a higher protein like yogurt or cottage cheese!
Jenna says
This recipe is GREAT. I just made it, and I’m already wishing I doubled the recipeπ. The main modification I made was to blitz my oats (by themselves) in my food processor for about 10-15 seconds before continuing on with the recipe. I prefer a finer texture to rolled oats. I used pecans and walnuts, and it was delicious!! Another winner! ππ
Amazing! We’re so glad you love the granola, Jenna. Thank you for sharing! xo
Elizabeth Lelli says
I eat plant based and am gluten intolerant and I strive for “everyone eats together” foods that carnivorous family members like too. My difficult to please stepmom loved this so it will be on repeat. I’m certain my 2 y.o. granddaughter will love this. It’s 8 -1/2 cup servings not 10; please update this. This is not exactly a question but instead a request.
Thanks for letting us know, Elizabeth! We’re so glad it’s a hit with your family. We’ll get that updated.
Nicole says
Every one of your granola recipes I have made are a slam dunk. Thanks for great recipes!
Whoop! We’re so glad to hear it, Nicole. Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Paige says
Not big on nuts chopped in my granola so I forgo them and once the granola is made I add dark chocolate covered almonds (from sprouts). Adds sweetness and a delicious texture.
Yum! Thanks so much for the great review, Paige!
Nyari says
This was amazing! I made it this evening and that was a big mistake ππ. Iβve been munching on these more than I should have ππΏ.
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Nyari! Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Irene says
One of my favorite MB granola recipes that’s in my weekly granola rotation (I eat granola cereal every day). I have made it with almonds, pecans and macadamia nuts. Sometimes I’ve topped it with chocolate-covered freeze-dried strawberries to take it to the next level. So good!
Lauren Dorsey says
This granola is so good! Those pieces of freeze-dried strawberries are the perfect pop of flavor and this recipe is just really easy to make. I love it!
Amazing! Thanks for sharing, Lauren!
Elena says
Yummy and comes together quickly. I used honey in place of maple syrup and I feel it added to making the granola more clustery and yum. Used sliced almonds as nut and that was perfect. Also used freeze dried raspberries instead and it was great.
All in all tasty and beautiful looking. I kept some to eat and gifting the other and feel it’s extra cute for valentines day with the red fruit.
Amazing! Thanks for sharing Elena!
Sara says
Where do you usually buy your freeze dried strawberries? I dried some in my oven but they don’t have quite the same magic as freeze dried ones do! :)
Sara says
Whoops! I see in your recipe you’ve mentioned Trader Joes, we are in Canada and don’t have access to Trader Joes. Any other ideas?
Hi Sara, We aren’t familiar with the grocery stores in Canada, but we think most health food stores should have them. Hope that helps!
Emily says
I tried this yesterday and it is delicious! I was specifically looking for a replacement to my strawberry Special K addiction :)
I used agave, walnuts instead of pecans, and cane sugar instead of coconut. I’ll probably try with maple syrup next time.
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Emily! Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Monisha says
Have tried and loved all the granolas I’ve made from your site ! Excited to try this as I miss Special strawberry too!
Would it be possible to leave out the coconut ? Would it effect the taste/texture ?
Thanks
Hi Monisha, the coconut adds a bit of sweetness, but we think subbing for another nut/seed would still be good. Let us know how it goes!
Monisha says
Sure will ! Thank you !
Josie says
I have made this several times and I figured I should leave a review because I appreciate (and use) this recipe so much! I live in Vancouver, Canada (where we don’t have Trader Joe’s) but every time I go to the US, I load up on these freeze-dried strawberries just so that I can make this granola. I often throw other random ingredients in there too (like hemp seeds). When I’m feeling lazy, I use walnut pieces and slivered almonds so that I don’t have to chop anything.
I’ve given batches of these in pretty jars as gifts and they are ALWAYS appreciated. Thanks Dana!
So kind! THanks for sharing, Josie!
Christine Benjamin says
Super yummy and easy to make. Going to make this again and again.
Cheryl says
My favorite granola!
Antoinette Mallia says
I use to make a very similar recipe of granola, but my problem is that oats makes me constipated. Is there any other grain that I can use instead of oats? I have IBS and some low fodmap items still makes me bloated. Thank you
Hmm, what about trying to modify this grain-free recipe? Or this buckwheat recipe?
Kim M. says
The problem with making this recipe is saving enough for later – I kept eating it while it cooled ? This is absolutely delicious! On a whim, I added ground cardamom. Oy! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Kacie says
This is my favorite granola to make at home. I literally make it every two weeks. The only changes Iβve made are adding 1-2 tsp of pure vanilla extract to the coconut oil mixture, and using honey or a mixture of honey and maple syrup. Thanks for the great recipe that my whole family enjoys!
Thanks for sharing, Kacie!
Bethany says
This granola is better than anything you can buy, and it is so simple! I make this on a regular basis. Definitely recommend!
Glad to hear that, Bethany!
Joana Rosa Bragança says
I really loved this recipe! Delicious! :D
Mandy says
Just made this granola recipe this morning and WOW Soooo good as is – no substitutes warranted. I could eat this granola all day long!
Susan says
This is amazing! We eat this for our nighttime snack. It’s absolutely perfect. This recipe tastes great with blueberries as well. Thanks Dana!
Sarah says
I made this and my mom and I loved it!
Rachel says
Just made this and it is so yummy! Our little house smells like we are living inside a waffle ;) Can’t wait to try the other granola recipes! Thank you.
katie says
i make this weekly now for myself and my family! i double the batch and it lasts all week. we eat it with yogurt, with milk as a cereal, or mix with chocolate chips for dessert! so awesome! thanks
Liz says
I made this last night and it came out great! The only change I made was to swap some of the maple syrup with brown rice syrup with the goal of getting it to clump together more. But then it seemed like it could be a touch sweeter… so I added few more tablespoons of coconut sugar. It’s perfect! And the Trader Joe’s strawberries are such a good idea. I’m going to try some of their other freeze dried fruits, too. Thank you!
Mary says
Oh my, oh my! I did not think I could love another granola more than the tried and true recipe I make weekly…how wrong I was! I couldn’t get the strawberries, but the granola is yummy on its own!
Alanna Cruz says
Delicious recipe! I added walnuts instead of pecans, since I already had them in my apartment. The walnuts were delicious, they roasted just the right amount. Thanks for the recipe!
Hannah says
I made two separate batches of this granola! One of the batches was made with maple sugar instead of coconut sugar and for the second batch I followed the recipe. Both were different but excellent! So tasty!
KJ | Om Nom Herbivore says
Can’t wait to try this!!! I used to love special K!
Elizabeth says
This recipe looks delicious! I want to try it, but would it work if I substituted honey for maple syrup? Thanks!
Andrea says
New family fave! We love this granola, we devoured it immediately and are making a second batch!
Elizabeth says
Wow! I can’t wait to make this. What a great twist on granola by adding the strawberries too. Have you also tried it in a dehydrator?
Stephanie says
Second batch is in the oven! I use fresh fruit instead and add milk. Thanks for sharing, this is a keeper!
Jenni says
I have been through the same cereal pattern as you and only ate cereal as a kid that didn’t go soggy!
I make my own granola now but I leave out the sugar and maple syrup. You don’t need it if you use dried fruit. You can use a range of fruit- prunes, figs, cranberries, apricots etc. or use fresh fruit. I always eat mine with yoghurt which gives me the sweetness. I do use natural yoghurt though to keep the sugar content down. The yoghurt helps to keep your gut health in the right place.
I love my granola! Starts the day the right way every day.
Sara says
I made this today, decreased the amount of nuts by 3/4 c so there would be more oats to nuts ratio and used agave instead of maple syrup. Maybe because of the agave it browned quickly so needed a little less time in the oven. The tartness of the freeze dried strawberries really made this sweet and crunchy granola pop! Thank you, I make your recipes all the time:)
Sara says
Just made this, so delicious! I could only find a mixed dried berry at my bulk bin store and it was awesome! The raspberry bits were my favourite, so if you can find those you should try it out. This is going to be my new go-to granola recipe.
Lovely! Thanks for sharing, Sara! Would you mind adding a rating next time? It really helps us out! xoxo
Giulia says
SO GOOD. First time making granola and now I can’t wait to try your other recipes!
Lovely! Thanks Giulia! xoxo
Louise Woodcock says
I love your healthy recipe and may I say your photography is so good I can taste your recipes off my screen!
Verna says
The answer to my breakfast problem. This has always been my problem since i started working out. I’ll make one tom for breakfast after i run.
Yolanda says
Looks amazing! will definately give it a try!
x
Aleksandra says
It almost looks to pretty to eat :)
Cassie says
I didn’t really eat strawberry cereal, but I DO love strawberries IN cereal! :) This looks incredible–I have to try this out next time I try making granola!
Paige says
This looks delicious! Recently made your pumpkin maple pecan granola and was thinking that you should test an apple pie granola! Just an idea ;)
Great idea – thanks Paige!
Casey the College Celiac says
Love the strawberry and coconut combo – homemade granola is the best!
Vanessa says
I love your blog and very coincidentally I made a really similar granola recipe yesterday and I used dried strawberries that were dried in the dehydrator. They have a slightly crisp but mostly chewy texture. But the freeze dried version sounds great & easier than to dehydrate them for hours!
Jennifer Berkey says
It’s definitely cool with strawberries! And I’ll definitely try this version of granola!
Mary says
Where do you get freezes dried strawberries? Recipe looks great. I use to eat special K with strawberries before I went gluten free.
We get ours from Trader Joe’s, but if your local market doesn’t carry them you can order them online!
Kim says
I ordered mine from BePrepared,com. So delicious! And a huge amount for a great price. I caught a sale.
Maria says
This looks great!! I am wondering how oven dehydrated strawberries would taste in this? They are more chewy than crunchy, but the granola looks like it has plenty of crunch to go around. This recipe looks great and classic! The addition of strawberries goes so naturally! I am excited to try. If you want more clusters in your granola, add a handful or two of bran and whole wheat flour;)
P.S. I was a Cheerios kid myself;)
Hi Maria, I bet it will work with oven dehydrated strawberries! Let us how it turns out if you try it!
Kathryn says
Have you tried dried (as opposed to freeze-dried) strawberries? I recently got a sample of them from nuts.com, and they’re AMAZING. Like fruit snacks without the creepy ingredients. I’m not sure what to do with them, though, other than eating them plain or processing them with oats to make energy bites.
I have! But in this recipe I wanted a crunch. You could easily sub dried though!
Angela says
Do you think you could do your own dried strawberries? I’ve never seen these in store so just curious? How would you do it?
We get ours from Trader Joe’s! We haven’t tried to make our own dried strawberries! (yet!)
Lyndsay says
I’m soooo pumped to make this. Sounds dangerously delicious..!! In my first year of university living in dorms, I would have Life cereal for dinner and Froot Loops for dessert. I had no idea about nutrition!!
Heidi @ Red Checkered Tablecloth says
Haha, Frosted Mini Wheats was my definition of breakfast in college. Back when I could still eat wheat, I used to stockpile the double boxes when Costco had them on sale. Granola is my new obsession. Freeze-dried fruit is such a good idea!
Sheila says
This looks so yummy! I think I have the same cereal pattern as you–the Special K cereal was totally my go-to college breakfast, but now that I’m older I rather make my own!
Traci says
Looks delicious!
My childhood cereal obsession was pretty basic–plain cheerios, no milk. Guess what. I still eat them like that today. Dairy milk makes me sick, so I never experienced non-dry cereal until recently when I tried adding almond milk to a bowl of cereal. I didn’t like it at all!