Cherry Chocolate Coconut Granola

Annie's Eats

My hope is to inspire you to be fearless in the kitchen, to try new things, to take the time to make things the homemade way and most importantly, to have fun doing it!

Cherry Chocolate Coconut Granola

71 comments

posted in: Annie's Picks, Breakfast, Healthy

01.09

2012

Happy Monday everyone! Let’s talk about breakfast. In the past few years, I’ve made many changes in our kitchen, making more and more things the homemade way rather than purchasing pre-packaged items. One of the hardest habits for me to kick was my cereal habit. I grew up eating a bowl of cereal for breakfast pretty much every single day, and so I continued that pattern well into adulthood. But, I was starting to get really sick of it. Plus, the nutritional value was somewhat lacking. (I realize there are healthy cereals out there, but I just couldn’t get on board with any of those. I was more into things like Count Chocula.) The change started with finding several varieties of oatmeal that I not only liked, but loved, and I realized I could be getting more out of my breakfast. Even oatmeal gets old after a while, so I like to mix it up with some crave-worthy granola over yogurt.

Ben is particularly fond of granola and would often buy it from the store…but that just seemed wasteful because it’s so incredibly easy to make good granola at home. Not to mention, store bought granola often appears healthy but a quick peek at the ingredient list or nutrition facts can reveal otherwise. What better way to control all of that than to make your own? One of his favorite flavors was a cherry-chocolate-coconut variety so I set out to create a homemade version. I ended up including this in our holiday goodie packages this year and it was definitely well received. This has become a staple in our home and the moment we run out, I whip up another batch. I can happily say that I don’t even remember the last time I bought a box of cereal. (I wish I could say the same for my family but for now, I’m just trying to lead by example.)

Cherry Chocolate Coconut Granola

Yield: about 14 cups

Ingredients

2 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
2/3 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
6 cups old fashioned rolled oats
6 tbsp. canola oil
1 cup honey
¼ cup ground flaxseed (optional)
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
2 cups dried cherries
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coconut to the pan in an even layer and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and toasted. Transfer to a bowl and wipe out the pan. Return the pan to the heat and add the chopped walnuts and almonds. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the oats and canola oil and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.
Transfer the oat mixture to a large bowl and stir in the honey, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. Spread out onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake, stirring every few minutes, until the granola is light golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Stir in the toasted coconut and dried cherries. Move the granola to one side of the baking sheet and press gently into a thick slab. Let cool to room temperature. Break the dried and cooled granola into small clusters, mix in the chopped chocolate, and store in an airtight container.

Source

adapted from America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook

http://tideandthyme.com/ Laura

So glad you posted this! I was just browsing the granola selection at our local mega-mart yesterday (my only grocery store…wah!) and was disappointed by the granola selection. I was thinking it would be a good breakfast option over yogs. Figured I could make my own. I shoulda known I could count on you! Thanks, girl!
http://www.healthyfoodforliving.com/ Lauren

I love making granola at home (so much better than store-bought) and this flavor combination sounds fantastic. Definitely making this!
http://uniquelychicevents.blogspot.com/ jillian nicole

That looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it!:)
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar

Whoa! This sounds insanely yummy! Love this idea :)
Emilie @ Emilie’s Enjoyables

Looks delicious Annie!
Anonymous

Ooh that looks wonderful! It’s probably good I don’t have chocolate in the house right now though. There would be a big bowl o’ granola left with no chocolate! LOL
http://www.annelovesfood.com/ Anne

Mhhhh, looks so delicious. I love chocolate and coconut. Perfect for a great start in the morning.

Greetings from Germany
Anne
Anonymous

Not yet, but I’ll keep my eye out for any good inspirations in that regard.
Anonymous

Dried cherries are definitely yummier than raisins, I’d recommend them. I prefer to eat my granola over yogurt but Ben loves to eat it with milk like cereal. It’s just a personal preference thing.
Anonymous

I’m a bit confused – this recipe has no added sugar, and only uses honey as a sweetener.
Anonymous

Please see the FAQ page regarding nutrition facts.
Anonymous

Please see the FAQ page regarding substitutions.
Chelsea Francis

This looks great! You definitely inspired me to buy and consume less processed foods and this looks like such a breeze to grab in the morning. Thanks!
http://fooddoodles.com/ Heidi @ Food Doodles

I know exactly what you mean! Boxed cereal from the store is a very rare treat for us, maybe a couple times a year and even then it’s treated more like dessert or a sweet snack than breakfast. I love making homemade granola and the cherry, chocolate and coconut sounds like an awesome combo!
http://anniescookinglab.com/ Annie @ Annie’s Cooking Lab

This looks really good! I’m having a hard time kicking my cereal habit too- I say as I sit at my computer eating a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch :) I’ve been trying to eat oatmeal more often and I’m excited to add this granola to the breakfast rotation too!
http://cookingbride.com/ Lisa @ The Cooking Bride

I LOVE granola, but yeah I stopped eating it after I found out just how unhealthy the prepackaged stuff could be. This almost looks like it could be a dessert! Yum!

Where do you buy ground flaxseed? At a healthfood store?
Sylvie77

That went straight into my to-try bookmarks folder. I need to start having a greater variety of breakfast foods and this looks delicious.
http://onecooktwokitchens.com/ Lisa

This looks delicious, and beautiful. I am going to try it this weekend (if I can wait that long!) Those chunks of chocolate combined with the dried cherries would make it a great hostess gift because it’s such a treat and so gorgeous to look at. I have given breakfast treats as a hostess gift for friends who have had us over for a big dinner party (such as scones and pancake mix). It’s nice not to have to think about breakfast the day after. It looks like I have a great new addition to the breakfast gift basket! Thanks Annie!
Julie @BananasforBourbon

Ever since I started making my own granola, I haven’t gone back to boxed cereals. I started because I had completely cut processed foods out of my diet, except the cereal. I thought it was good for me, but I noticed I always got a stomach ache after breakfast. I read somewhere that the grain in cereals are super processed and actually really bad for your body. I figured the stomach aches were telling me something and I switched to granola. No more sick feeling! Now I feel full all the way until lunch without feeling heavy. It’s worked out really well. :)

In my version I use coconut oil instead of canola oil. I love that coconut flavor!
http://atthepatisserie.wordpress.com/ Ann P.

I love Count Chocula and all the chocolate sugary cereals too, but I would give them all up in a heartbeat for a bowl of this yogurt and granola!! Lucky I have the recipe now :) Thanks Annie!
Edownes10

After reading this post this morning, I ran out and got the ingredients and made it right away! It is so delicious! I started out making it with the chocolate but ended up switching out for white chocolate which made a nice combo with the cherries. Thanks, Annie!
http://www.fortyninefiftyone.blogspot.com/ Amibeth

Thanks Annie! My son and I both love granola with yogurt, but the kinds we normally go for are so expensive. I’m trying to cut down on food costs without sacrificing health (or taste, obviously :) ) and this looks fantastic. Its more cost effective because I always have a lot of these ingredients onhand, purchased in bulk. I am slowing watching my pantry and fridge transform from plenty of boxes to lots of pretty glass containers full of yummy stuff. Loving it! Thanks again! I am excited for the yogurt recipe, too. I have been looking for my recipe and can’t seem to find the book – must have lent it out.
Anonymous

Agreed! Store bought granola is definitely cost prohibitive.
Anonymous

My store has a nice and ever-growing selection of Bob’s Red Mill flours, grains, etc. and I buy it in the baking aisle.
Kristin

This sounds sooo good! I wish granola wasn’t so darn high in calories, though…can you tell I’m resenting needing to lose weight….this might just be worth saving room for, though! :)
Bubbly

Hi, Annie!!!! I’m Rossie and I’m writing from Bulgaria. I found your blog months ago and every now and then I check up your great recipes (especially the desserts are soooo tempting!) I’ve never tried your ideas but here comes big YET!!! Cherries, coconut, chocolate, oatmeal and yoghurt – I can’t see anything I don’t like!!! Definetely on my to-do list! Keep the same spirit!!!
http://kerrycooks.wordpress.com/ Kerry

Holy cow, look at those chunks of chocolate! If my granola was this yummy I think I’d eat it for every meal!
http://culinarilycourtney.blogspot.com/ CulinarilyCourtney

I love to make granola. I usually make a Maple Apple Walnut Granola. Chocolate and Coconut is one of my favorite flavor combinations, and I love the idea of incorporating that into granola…mmmmm
Laura Healthy Jalapeño

This sounds heavenly. Chocolate/ granola/ cherry… it’s like dessert in a granola that I can have for breakfast of my sweet tooth snack fix. Love it. New follower here!
Anonymous

This recipe is fabulous (and so simple to make)! I made it first thing this morning and I’m enjoying it over some Greek yogurt right now. It’s so good that I feel like I’m having a sweet treat. I can definitely see this becoming a staple at my house.
Anonymous

My sis-in-law gave us some homemade granola for Christmas and it was delicious! I can definitely taste the difference between homemade and store bought. Thanks for sharing.
alison

I’m so making this – has everything I have been craving this holiday (and into the new year!). Question: if making for gifts (like you did!), how far in advance can I make + store in air-tight container before gifting?
The Hungry Housewife

Would it be ok if I picked out all of the chocolate first??? I love granola! But I love chocolate more! :)
http://itsthecookiemonster.wordpress.com/ Connie the cookie monster

look at those huge chunks of chocolate! now THIS is granola
http://twitter.com/JenatPBandP Jennifer Drummond

I love granola and this recipe looks great! I never made it this way, so this will be a must soon! Booking marking this! thanks, I can’t wait to try it!
Anonymous

It should keep for a pretty long time.
Molly F.

This flavor combination looks delicious! I got the Healthy Family Cookbook for Christmas, and I love the approach to healthy eating, which seems very similar to your philosophy. Making things like this is so much better than buying it in the store!
http://www.fortyninefiftyone.blogspot.com/ Amibeth

I’ve also bought it from both my health food store and grocery store – just ask, they probably have it. I keep the ground flaxseed/flax meal in the freezer, but I also keep whole flax seeds (usually available in bulk at my regular grocery store and health food store) on hand, and if I feel like it I’ll grind my own in a small electric coffee mill (I do it this way when I add it to our oatmeal too). Fresh ground is always better, but I like to have the pre-ground stuff onhand too, for convenience… its still really good for you! I ran out of eggs (heaven forbid, I think it was a first!) recently and was able to mix a Tablespoon of flax meal with 1/4 cup of water, let it sit for 10 minutes, and use it as an egg replacer and it worked out great!
Russianmomcooks

I’ve been thinking of trying to make a granola for a while now! Thanks for the delicious inspiration! ;-)

Anastasia
http://www.facebook.com/miranda.mccaslin Miranda McCaslin

Thank you so much!!!! I’ve only recently started making stuff at home on a regular basis so I’m really new at some of this stuff. But my kids LOVE cereal and I’ve been staring at endless lists of unhealthy ingredients for weeks trying to figure out how to make some yummy cereal at home. Perfect! I will be trying this within the next week for sure! Have u ever subbed the cherries for another type of dried fruit? Cranberries? Blueberries? (It seems like they would be interchangeable.)
Anonymous

Yes, you can certainly customize it any way you like.
Jessie Crow

This looks amazing! I was looking for a good way to use up some leftover coconut, guess I found it!
Jessie Crow

Can I make a special request? For all of us that swear we will read a recipe thoroughly before beginning then get so excited to make said recipe that we don’t read the directions ahead of time…maybe just a small edit to say transfer oat mixture to a separate bowl or another bowl. Duh! I’m still excited even though I missed a small step. Hopefully my coconut won’t be too crispy! Thanks a ton for the inspiration. I’m 14 wks pregnant and seriously nauseous. I haven’t cooked much in the last months aside from eggs and pasta. Feels good to be making something!
Anonymous

I’m not sure I understand where your confusion lies. The recipe does say to transfer the oats to a separate bowl. But then you talk about the coconut being to crispy, so maybe that is what you mean? It also says about the coconut, “Transfer to a bowl and wipe out the pan.” Maybe you can clarify what is confusing to you.
Nadine

I wish I wished for a million dollar!! just like you we are reducing the amount of packaged food and I must say that oatmeal does get old after a while and we love granola but I never dared to buy it because it was loaded in calories..making my own granola was on my mental to do list and there you are..my sweet sweet Annie…making a deliciously looking granola…thank you..you may not know it, but you do make a difference in people lives…you make me smile everytime I open your page. have a wonderful day Annie.
Joy

I’m so excited about this recipe! I grabbed a couple of boxes of granola bars at the store recently because I like having them on hand right after I have a new baby. I was extremely surprised by how much I liked the chocolate & cherry combo so I was hoping to make some soon. I’ll make this instead since the hubs has recently started eating granola & yogurt for breakfast at work!
Anonymous

Thank you so much for your kind words!
Anonymous

It’s okay, I adapted it quite heavily to come up with this variation :)
Anonymous

That would likely significantly affect the consistency and flavor of the granola, since the wet:dry ratio is fairly important here. Maybe you could try a substitute?
Anonymous

No, I just use whatever I have on hand.
Anshu

Made this yesterday – delicious! Thanks Annie :-)
Christine

This is a must-try. I tried making granola before from a recipe my friend gave me but it never turns out like hers! I am definitely trying this one. Looks so good. I’m sure my 2 year old will love this as well. I’ve becoming more of a DIY-er because the taste is undescribably so much better (your hamburger buns changed me… Bagels are next to try!) and it’s almost always healthier.
Thanks, Annie! If I’m ever in search for a good recipe, I ALWAYS look at your site first and I am never disappointed. You amaze me with all you do…
grace bernhardt

I made a half batch of this today and it is delish! I only had quick oats, but it still came out pretty well (a little flakier I suspect than it’s supposed to be). I also messed up by not reading the directions all the way through . . . so really, I didn’t follow your recipe that well :) but it still came out yummy! Thanks for always posting great ideas!
http://bakeeatrepeat.blogspot.com/ Courtney R

This looks SO GOOD! I am a cereal fanatic and actually really enjoy the healthy kinds, but it’s just so expensive! This sounds like a great way to cut down on cost and still enjoy a bowl of crunchy goodness in the morning.
Jenn

Annie- I came about your blog a year ago shortly after we had our first child (crazy that he’s a year old now!). I was in search of good, new, yummy, and healthy recipes to make for our growing family and I am extremely thankful to have found your blog. I have made countless (more than 60) of your recipes in the last year…I almost feel like I should write a blog to highlight your blog (similar to the Julie & Julia movie, ha!). You have broadened my abilities in the kitchen and I cannot thank you enough! This granola is just what I was looking for and I can hardly wait to go grocery shopping for next week’s menu (which also includes the wraps you just posted, yum!). So many of the recipes you post and create are now considered weekly staples in our household. Thanks for all of the hard work you do with balancing a family/household, work, and a business of sorts. Thanks for being my friend in the kitchen!
Anonymous

Jenn, thank you so much for taking the time to read and try so many recipes. I’m thrilled that you have enjoyed the experience so much. I really appreciate you reading :)
Anonymous

Really any way you want – straight, on yogurt, with milk, whatever.
Anonymous

Great combo
Jessie Crow

Yes, that’s what I did…added the oat mixture into the coconut bowl. I thought maybe the coconut would get too crispy in the baking process. The end result tasted a tiny bit burnt to me but everyone else that tried it didn’t notice. And, it’s still yummy!
Chandra

Just wanted you to know that this granola is rocking my world right now! I made it with just a few changes based upon the ingredients available in my pantry, and, HOLY MOLY, I skipped dinner and just ate this. My 17 month old did, too! I only had 1 cup of rolled oats, so used 4 cups of quick oats and 1 cup of steel cut oats. I subbed pecans for the walnuts. I also threw in some pepitas. And I used a mix of dried cherries, blueberries, raspberries and golden raisins. And, I didn’t have any bittersweet chocolate, so I just used some semisweet chips. But, oh so good! I can’t wait to make it with all the correct ingredients. Keep up the good work, Annie!
Smorrice

Soi just ,add this and it is super yummy. My only question is mine didn’t come out “crunchy” or didn’t really chuck when I broke it apart…what could have gone wrong ( I followed the recipe exactly) maybe I needed to cook it longer? Thanks off all your awesome recipes!!!!
Anonymous

Yes, it sounds like it just needs to bake a bit longer next time. I have also heard that mixing in an egg white can help it clump up more, though I have not tried that technique myself.
jean

Annie, I made this granola this weekend and it is so delicious! I only made a half batch since there are only two of us, but now I’m wishing I had made the full recipe so I could have a container at work too. I love the taste of the toasted nuts and coconut. Thanks for a delicious recipe!
Fatuglyrhino

I have been thinking about this granola since you posted the recipe and today I finally had time to make it. It came out so good! My kids think its a treat so I don’t think I’ll have any trouble switching their usual Cheerios out for this in the morning. It made plenty so I’m going to bring some in individual baggies to work on Friday to share with my coworkers. I love sharing the fruits of your recipes with my peeps at work! They all think I’m some kind of culinary genius or something.
Wendi

AMAZING!!! This is so delicious. Thank you. My husband likes it better than his store bought granola….hehehehee…
Eeyore Ko

Absolutely delicious!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!
Loretta

I made this granola this week and my husband wants me to always have some in the freezer. In other words, delicious! Thank you!
Lauren Ochoa

Hey Annie, is it possible that your newer recipes aren’t showing up when doing a search? I searched granola looking for this recipe and it didn’t come up in the search results. Serves me right, obviously I need to bookmark this one because it’s going to become a staple in our house!
Anonymous

I have noticed the same thing with some recipes, but can find no real rhyme or reason to the missing recipes. I’ll let me coding guys know and see if they can figure it out!
http://aglassofmilk.wordpress.com/ jennie

just made this for breakfast and it totally hits the spot. this is now one of those “i’m never buying _____ again” dishes. going to work on that chocolate lovers’ cheesecake for valentine’s day this evening. it will be an annie’s eats day!
Monica

Just have to share a funny story. Have made this before and it is excellent, everyone who tried it raved about it. This last time I made it, got in a hurry in the end when adding the coconut, nuts, flaxseed and spices, I also added the chocolate. Woops! Well just didn’t stir it as much and I have more of a chocolate coated granola, but still yummy.