Tropical Granola Recipe

Imagine waking up to the aroma of toasted coconut and the sweet scent of dried tropical fruits wafting through your kitchen. That’s the magic of Tropical Granola! This delightful homemade granola recipe combines the tropical flavors of coconut, pineapple, and mango with the wholesome goodness of oats, nuts, and honey. Whether you enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or simply as a snack, this Tropical Granola will transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise

ohn’s uncle made a few batches of his delicious granola for the family to enjoy while vacationing at the Outer Banks this past week, and it reminded me just how fantastic homemade granola can be. I ate more than my fair share of the sweet, buttery granola, and savored every single crunchy bite. Once we arrived back home in Boston, I found myself craving a light & healthy homemade granola with bright, beachy flavors.

I started with the base of rolled oats, puffed brown rice cereal, and applesauce that I used for my Cranberry Pecan Granola, and tailored the recipe to fulfill my desire for a tropical flavor profile. I subbed in agave nectar for the maple syrup and coconut extract for the vanilla, added a bit of ground ginger, and finished the granola off with cashews, a trio of dried tropical fruits, and unsweetened coconut flakes.

The aroma of the baking granola was one I wish I could bottle and open in the middle of winter when a desire for the tropics strikes. The ground ginger and coconut extract perfumed the air so richly that I could easily conjure an image of a hammock swinging lazily in the ocean breeze under two palm trees, a fruity drink with an umbrella perched on top sweating in the sunshine.

If not, allow me to tempt you further. The oil-less granola miraculously crisps up into crunchy clusters, which are pleasantly complimented by the chewy dried fruit and coconut flakes. The no-sugar-added dried bananas, mango, and pineapple are surprisingly sweet all on their own, and contribute the perfect trifecta of tropical fruit flavor. The lack of butter is unapparent thanks to the natural richness of the cashews and unsweetened coconut flakes.

This low-sugar and moderately low-fat granola is so tasty that I am fairly certain I will be making another batch in the very near future, and I hope that you do as well!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups puffed brown rice cereal
• 6 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 1/2 tsp pure coconut extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped cashews or macadamia nuts
• 1/2 cup diced dried mixed tropical fruit, such as mango, banana, and pineapple, preferably unsweetened & unsulfured
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, and chopped mixed nuts. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the coconut oil and honey together until they become a liquid, about 30 seconds in the microwave. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

4. Mix Everything Together

Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.

5. Spread on Baking Sheet

Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Press it down slightly with a spatula to help form clusters.

6. Bake and Stir

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown, stirring once or twice during baking to ensure even cooking.

7. Add Dried Fruits

Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool slightly. Once it’s cooled a bit, stir in the chopped dried pineapple, dried mango, and banana chips.

8. Let It Cool Completely

Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crisp as it cools.

9. Store and Enjoy

Once the granola is completely cool, transfer it to an airtight container. Your Tropical Granola is now ready to enjoy! Serve it with yogurt, milk, or as a snack on its own.

This Tropical Granola recipe brings the flavors of the tropics right to your breakfast table. With the sweetness of dried fruits, the crunch of nuts, and the earthy goodness of oats, it’s a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to customize it with your favorite tropical fruits and nuts to make it your own tropical paradise in a bowl.

*The bowl pictured in the first four photographs was a gift that my parents picked out during a recent trip to Maine. Susan Horowitz of Ash Cove Pottery has been hand-making pottery since the 1970s. Her pottery is oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe, and each piece is distinctive. I love how she describes the inspiration for her artwork: ”My inscribed and brushwork decorations are based on the patterns left in the sand by the receding tide.” How very apropos then, to use this gorgeous vessel for photographing my Tropical Granola!

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

Calories	220 calories
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	30mg
Total Carbohydrates	24g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	10g
Servings	5
Protein	3g

Please note that these nutrition values are estimated and may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. It’s always a good practice to check the nutrition information on the product labels for the most accurate data, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions. Enjoy your Tropical Granola!