Sweet Crunchy Granola

This Sweet Crunchy Granola is the perfect gluten-free breakfast or snack recipe! Full of sweet and salty flavors and just the right amount of crunch, you can make this with or without nuts! And it’s simple to make, so if you’re in the mood for a few variations, you can definitely do that! {GF + VG}

I have wanted to make a gluten-free crunchy granola for AGES, and finally, FINALLY, it has happened! Special shoutouts to Cookie + Kate’s Healthy Granola Recipe and Life is But a Dish’s Sweet & Simple Granola for the inspiration!

This Sweet Crunchy Granola is our family’s latest obsession. And because it’s so easy to prepare, we make two versions, one with pecans and shredded coconut and one without.

This means the girls grab the version they like (without pecans or shredded coconut), and K-Hubs and I grab the version we like – GIVE US ALLLLLLL THE SHREDDED COCONUT AND PECANS. And here’s the thing: In this recipe, the baked shredded coconut is nothing short of divine. That’s saying something coming from someone (me) who could take it or leave it most of the time. And the pecans! They are so good in this recipe, too!

How to make homemade granola crunchy?

This is a common question. And I say, it’s two things:

1. Bake the granola in a thin layer on a baking sheet (one that’s shallow or, even better, without sides).
2. Let the granola cool completely before breaking it up. It will harden as it sets, so it’s important to let it sit on the counter for several hours.

Now that you know the secrets to a homemade crunchy granola recipe, let’s get our crunchy granola ON!

Sweet Crunchy Granola ingredients

Here are the ingredients grab from the pantry to make your own batch of Sweet Crunchy Granola!

• Coconut sugar. If you haven’t baked with coconut sugar before, then this is the recipe to try! It boasts a sweet, hearty flavor similar to molasses. So it’s sweet but not too sweet. 
• Maple syrup. 100% pure maple syrup pairs well with coconut sugar. You can use agave nectar or 100% pure honey, too. 
• Vanilla extract. A tiny splash will do the trick!
• Sea salt and cinnamon. For that sweet ’n salty flavor!  A little of each will go a long way.
• Coconut oil. It works well as a coating agent, holding all the flavors in and the ingredients together.
• Gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats. I haven’t tried this recipe using steel cut or quick oats. But I find when I’m baking old-fashioned oats work the best.
• Shredded coconut. This ingredient tastes incredible once it’s baked.
• Pecans. The sweet, buttery flavor of this nut complements the sweet ’n salty flavors in this gluten-free granola recipe!   

How to make your own Sweet Crunchy Granola

Below are the steps to follow for your own batch of Sweet Crunchy Granola! Keep in mind, it’s a good idea to let the granola cool completely before storing it so that it has a chance to cool off and crunch up!

1. Set the oven to 350 degrees. Line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl combine the coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, cinnamon, and the melted coconut oil. Because the coconut oil will cool and start to harden, quickly stir in the gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats, followed by the shredded coconut and the pecans. Stir everything together until combined. If necessary, knead by hand.
3. Spread the mixture in a thin layer on each of the baking sheets. Press down with a spoon, if needed. Bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating once halfway through. Remove from the oven and let cool for several hours. Break the granola up by hand and store in an airtight container for up to one week.

NOTE: Baking times may vary, depending on the size of your baking sheets and the thickness of the layer of granola. I find that with a flat baking sheet and a thin layer of granola, 20 minutes is perfect.

Recipe variations

• You can make Sweet Crunchy Granola without shredded coconut or pecans. The overall flavor will be much sweeter, the texture may be stickier, and it may break apart in chunks similar to peanut brittle. But we frequently make it this way for our daughters. For best results, be sure to spread the ingredients out in a thin layer on the baking sheet and let the granola cool completely before breaking it up and storing it.  
• Additional mix-in ideas: Think dried fruits, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips.
• Drizzle option: Drizzle melted chocolate chips over the top of the baked granola as it cools on the baking sheet. The chocolate will cool and solidify before the granola does, so once the granola is ready, you should be able to break the granola apart as desired and store in an airtight container.
• As a cereal: Crumble the granola into small clusters or pieces.
• As a snack: Break the granola into large chunks.

More gluten-free breakfast recipes!

If you are on the hunt for more gluten-free breakfast ideas, then put your eyes on these tasty surprises!

• Gluten-Free Peach Crisp
• Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
• Homemade Paleo Granola Cinnamon Apple Quinoa

Spiriteds, I hope this recipe finds you well. Take care and be well! I’m glad you’re here! ❤️

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