Easy Coconut Pecan Granola Recipe – Ginger & Tropical Fruit

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Coconut Pecan Granola Recipe – Ginger & Tropical Fruit

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this granola recipe with you. It’s become a total staple in my house – seriously, I make a batch almost every week! There’s just something so comforting about a warm, crunchy bowl of homemade granola, especially when it’s packed with delicious flavors like coconut, pecans, and a hint of ginger. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a little late-night treat (don’t judge!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average granola. It’s a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. The toasted coconut adds a lovely sweetness, the pecans give it a satisfying crunch, and the ginger brings a warm, subtle spice. Plus, the tropical fruits make it feel like a little vacation in every bite! It’s super easy to make, and honestly, it tastes so much better than anything you can buy in the store.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this goodness:

• 3 cups rolled oats (about 270g)
• 0.5 cup coarsely chopped pecans (about 60g)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (about 2g)
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (about 1.5g)
• 0.66 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (about 80g)
• 0.33 cup honey (about 80ml)
• 3.5 tablespoons coconut oil (about 50ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (about 2.5ml)
• 1.25 cups dried tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, mandarins) (about 150g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little tips I’ve picked up over the years:

• Coconut Oil: I love using coconut oil in this recipe. It adds a subtle coconut flavor and helps everything get beautifully golden and crispy. You can use refined coconut oil if you prefer a more neutral taste.
• Pecans: Pecans are my go-to for this granola, but walnuts or almonds would also be fantastic! Just make sure they’re coarsely chopped for the best texture.
• Ginger: Don’t skimp on the ginger! It really elevates the flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use a little fresh grated ginger – about a tablespoon would be perfect.
• Tropical Fruit Variations: Feel free to get creative with the dried fruit! I often swap in dried papaya, cranberries, or even a little chopped dried banana. My kids love when I add little chocolate chips too – a sneaky treat!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! It’s easier than you think.

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread those coconut flakes on a baking sheet and toast them for 7-8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re beautifully golden. Keep a close eye on them – they burn easily!
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, ground ginger, and salt. Give it a good mix.
3. Now, in a small saucepan, gently warm the honey, coconut oil, and almond extract until everything is nicely combined. Don’t let it boil!
4. Pour that lovely liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and mix, mix, mix! You want everything to be evenly coated.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Spread the granola mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This ensures everything cooks evenly and gets nice and crunchy.
7. Once it’s cooled completely, gently mix in the toasted coconut and those delicious dried tropical fruits.
8. And that’s it! Store it in an airtight container and get ready to enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: A single layer is key for crispy granola. If you need to, use two baking sheets.
• Stir, stir, stir! Seriously, stirring every 10 minutes is important for even baking.
• Let it cool completely: This is the hardest part, I know! But the granola will get even crispier as it cools.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Gluten-Free Notes: Make sure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer flavor. My friend loves adding a tiny dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick!
• Festive Gifting Ideas: Package the granola in pretty jars with a ribbon for a homemade gift. It’s perfect for the holidays!

Serving Suggestions

This granola is so versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• With yogurt and fresh berries for breakfast.
• Sprinkled over smoothie bowls.
• As a topping for ice cream (yes, even in winter!).
• Straight out of the jar as a snack – no judgment here!

Storage Instructions

Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. It might lose a little of its crunch over time, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

How do I prevent my granola from burning?

Keep a close eye on it, especially during the last 10 minutes of baking. Stirring frequently also helps!

Can I use different nuts or seeds?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds would all be great additions.

What’s the best way to store homemade granola?

An airtight container at room temperature is perfect.

Can I make this granola ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes even better after a day or two.

What are some other flavor combinations I can try?

The possibilities are endless! Chocolate and peanut butter, apple cinnamon, or blueberry almond are all fantastic options.