Coffee Granola Recipe
I absolutely love this granola recipe because it combines my favorite things—coffee and chocolate—into a delicious and energizing breakfast. Plus, the coconut and maple syrup give it just the right amount of sweetness and crunch, making it perfect for snacking any time of the day!
A burst of energy is the perfect way to start any day, and my Coffee Granola recipe provides just that. It brings together the deep taste of ground coffee and the not-so-shocking nutrition of rolled oats and nuts.
(Did I mention I’m a huge fan of granola? It’s such an easy way to combine health and taste.) What I love about this particular variation is the inclusion of maple syrup and the hint of vanilla that makes it feel like dessert for breakfast.
Ingredients
Oats, in rolled form, contain an abundance of fiber that promotes heart health.
They also provide a wealth of complex carbohydrates.
Chopped Nuts: A fantastic protein and healthy fat source; adds crunch.
Coffee Grounds: Provide powerful flavor and energizing caffeine.
Coconut oil: Supplies healthful fats, gives granola cohesiveness, and lends a delicate coconut flavor.
Maple syrup: A sweetener with natural, mineral-rich ingredients, just a touch of sweetness.
Chocolate Chips: Optional sweetness, rich flavor, adds a special treat.
Dehydrated Fruit: An additional natural sweetness that supplies fiber and vitamins, as well as some antioxidants.
Ingredient Quantities
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup ground coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins) (optional)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a sizable mixing bowl, blend the oatmeal, nut pieces, coconut, coffee, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until they are well blended and almost foamy.
4. Over the dry ingredients, pour the wet ingredients and stir them together, so the oats and nuts are nicely coated.
5. Put the mixture in an even layer on the baking sheet that has been prepared.
6. Preheat the oven. Bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, and stir halfway through. The granola is done when it is golden brown and has a nice fragrance.
7. Take out of the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools.
8. After cooling, mix the chocolate chips or chunks and dried fruit, if you are using any, into the granola.
9. To store the granola, transfer it to an airtight container.
10. Savor your snack, breakfast, or coffee. When these moments come to you, enjoy the opportunity to experience this coffee-infused granola. Eat it with yogurt or milk, or use it to top your breakfast.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Wooden spoon or spatula
10. Airtight container
FAQ
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?For the best texture, use rolled oats. However, quick oats can be used if necessary. The granola may be slightly less crunchy if quick oats are used.
- What if I don’t like coconut?Feel free to leave out the coconut flakes; that can be done. Another option is to use nuts or seeds. Both of those substitutes will give you an extra crunch.
- Will this granola taste strongly of coffee?The flavor of the coffee is not up front and present as one would expect of a regular cup of coffee, but rather it has a flavor that is nice, pleasant, and maybe even surprising because it is so understated. If you want a stronger flavor, go ahead and increase the amount of ground coffee.
- Is there an alternative to coconut oil?You can use another mild oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, but it may slightly change the flavor profile.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?The recipe is vegan as it is. Just make sure that the chocolate chips you use are also vegan if you decide to add them.
- How should I store the granola?An airtight container at room temperature is the best storage option for granola—unless you want to keep it for longer than 2 weeks. Then, the freezer is the better option.
- How can I make this granola gluten-free?Ensure that the oats used are certified gluten-free and verify that all other components are also free of gluten.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use quick oats or a blend of oats and quinoa flakes for a different texture.
Nuts that are chopped: For a no-nut substitute, use seeds—sunflower, pumpkin, or even hemp.
Coconut flakes that are not sweetened: If you want a sweeter granola, use sweetened coconut flakes. For a granola with added crunch, use toasted coconut chips.
Coconut oil: Replace with vegetable oil or melted butter for comparable effects.
Maple syrup: For sweetness, you can use honey or agave nectar as an alternative.
Pro Tips
1. Enhance Crunch with Low and Slow Baking: To achieve an extra-crispy texture, lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake the granola for a longer period, around 30-35 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes to ensure even browning.
2. Customize with Spice Variations: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon to create a richer spice profile. This will enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the granola.
3. Pre-toast Nuts and Coconut: Lightly toast the chopped nuts and coconut flakes in a pan over medium heat before mixing them with the oats. This step enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch.
4. Infuse with Citrus Zest: For an added burst of freshness, incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the mixture. The citrus notes pair well with the coffee and chocolate elements.
5. Prevent Clustering for Uniform Bites: If you prefer granola with smaller, uniform pieces, make sure to spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and avoid pressing it down. Stirring it well during baking will help break it into smaller clusters.
Coffee Granola Recipe
My favorite Coffee Granola Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Wooden spoon or spatula
10. Airtight container
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup ground coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, raisins) (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a sizable mixing bowl, blend the oatmeal, nut pieces, coconut, coffee, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until they are well blended and almost foamy.
4. Over the dry ingredients, pour the wet ingredients and stir them together, so the oats and nuts are nicely coated.
5. Put the mixture in an even layer on the baking sheet that has been prepared.
6. Preheat the oven. Bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, and stir halfway through. The granola is done when it is golden brown and has a nice fragrance.
7. Take out of the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools.
8. After cooling, mix the chocolate chips or chunks and dried fruit, if you are using any, into the granola.
9. To store the granola, transfer it to an airtight container.
10. Savor your snack, breakfast, or coffee. When these moments come to you, enjoy the opportunity to experience this coffee-infused granola. Eat it with yogurt or milk, or use it to top your breakfast.