Homemade Coconut Granola (Trader Joe's Copycat)

Homemade Coconut Granola (Trader Joe's copycat) is a great snack that is super versatile. This homemade granola recipe is a Trader Joe's copycat and is a freshly made alternative that is well worth the extra yet minimal effort. Its crunchy texture and coconutty flavor complement a variety of breakfast items and can even be bagged up and used as a thoughtful gift. In general, I find that making a fresher version is always better than any store-bought version and I always prefer making my own things if I can.

Ingredients

Unsweetened cornflakes, old fashioned oats such as quick oats, toasted coconut, chopped almonds, and quinoa act as the base for this granola.

Melted coconut oil, real maple syrup, and vanilla extract are the binding agents that sweeten the granola.

Salt balances all of the flavors

Key Equipment Needed

• Extra large bowl to house ingredients
• Large Sheet pan
• Parchment Paper
• Heat-resistant (or tolerant) spoon or spatula
• Small bowl

​More about Homemade Coconut Granola (Trader Joe's copycat)

​This particular recipe is one of those pantry staples that is great to have on hand. Truth be told, mine stayed in a super airtight, suction-sealed jar on my counter for 6 months until I finished it and I used it for everything from snacking to cereal to Rice Krispie treats, and granola bars! While store-bought granola is delicious, I always find that anything homemade is better.

For me, the freshness, taste, and quality of anything homemade is unmatched. I adore the use of coconut oil in this recipe because it is one of those healthy fats but this one imparts so much coconut flavor. While it is not always necessary to bake granola,  baking it in the oven until it's golden brown creates even more crunchy granola. and provides the best results. I love this type of recipe because it's so very versatile. Adding a mix of chia seeds, dried fruit, hemp seeds,  pumpkin seeds, different nuts,  or anything else you desire for this original recipe is perfectly acceptable.

How to make Homemade Coconut Granola (Trader Joe's copycat)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. When making your own granola, I suggest using unrefined coconut oil as it does not require additional processing such as bleaching or deodorizing. Essentially, it is coconut oil in its purest form.

In a small bowl, combine all of the wet ingredients and whisk vigorously until fully combined. This includes melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. In a separate much larger bowl combine all of the dry ingredients- unsweetened flakes, toasted, quinoa, oats, and salt. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and blend everything together with a large spoon.

Once everything is fully incorporated spread the coconut granola onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to spoon it into an even layer. Place the baking sheet in the oven and allow it to bake for 5 minutes. Toss the granola with a heat-proof spoon and allow it to bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Carefully bring up the corners of the parchment paper and place it on the counter to cool. During the cooling process, the granola will become even more crunchy. Once it has completely cooled, break up the chunky clusters as much as desired. Transfer the mixture to your storage container.

What to eat with Homemade Coconut Granola

Homemade Coconut Granola (Trader Joe's copycat) can be enjoyed all alone or in so many different ways. Even as a homemade cereal, it can stand on its own. Add it to the top of a scoop of ice cream for a healthy addition.

Use it in a smoothie bowl or yogurt parfait, especially with the addition of fresh berries.

How to store Homemade Coconut Granola (Trader Joe's copycat)

The absolute best way to store this coconut granola is in an airtight container. I highly recommend a jar that has a wire closure that will allow it to have an extra tight seal. If stored this way, your granola will keep and stay crunchy for six months stored in a room temperature environment. 

Substitutions

Agave nectar and brown sugar are great alternatives to sweeten this granola that will not change the molecular composition. The binding agents need to be able to coat the granola as well as help it stick together and these two sweeteners will do the trick.

Almond extract or coconut extract would be a great sub for vanilla extract as this recipe already contains almonds!

Variations

This is one of those homemade granola recipes that can be adapted to your particular tastebuds and changed however you'd like. Several examples are below:

Sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, chopped dates, raisins, other dried fruits, flax seed, macadamia nuts, pecans, or other nuts.

If you'd like to experience the best part of this recipe without the added sugar, I would suggest making a sugar syrup with equal parts coconut sugar and water. This will create the perfect balance of sweetness especially if you are concerned about your glucose intake. 

If you make this recipe please rate and review it on the recipe card below. I would love for you to tag me on Instagram @belovedplate https://www.instagram.com/belovedplate/

Other snacks to love!

Rice Krispie Popcorn Balls

Easy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

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