Warm, Personal Introduction
The smell of sweet coconut and roasted nuts fills the air, instantly transporting me to cozy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. She taught me the joy of making trail mix granola, a recipe that brings back tender memories of our time together. This granola isn’t just a snack; it’s a reminder of the love and warmth shared over simple ingredients. Whether you’re hiking, road-tripping, or just enjoying a quiet moment at home, this trail mix granola is the perfect companion. What makes this recipe special is its ability to adapt. Add your favorite nuts or dried fruit for a personal touch. Let’s dive into making this delicious treat!
Why Make This Recipe
Making trail mix granola at home is not only easy, but it also allows you to choose your favorite ingredients. You can control the sweetness and customize flavors to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to store-bought granolas that may contain additives or preservatives. Freshly baked granola fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas and provides a satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even as a topping for yogurt or desserts. This recipe is a fun and engaging way to enjoy nutritious ingredients.
How to Make Trail Mix Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups oats (we used quick)
- 1/2 cup sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
- 2 cups nuts (we used a combination of pecans, almonds, and slivered almonds)
- 1 cup M&Ms
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons coconut oil*
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Stir well so everything is evenly distributed.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the coconut oil, maple syrup, salt, and brown sugar together. Stir continuously until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm syrup mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a sturdy spatula, mix very thoroughly until all of the oats are evenly coated and fully saturated.
- Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly, then press it down firmly into a thin, compact layer. Pressing it flat is key for larger chunks.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the pan without stirring. This is crucial if you want big clusters.
- Once fully cooled, break into your desired chunk size and store in an airtight container.
*Tip: A friend swapped the coconut oil for avocado oil and had amazing results, so feel free to use that if you prefer.
How to Serve Trail Mix Granola
Serve trail mix granola in a bowl as a breakfast cereal with milk or yogurt. You can also sprinkle it over smoothies or desserts for added crunch. For a quick snack, simply grab a handful and enjoy it on its own!
How to Store Trail Mix Granola
Store your trail mix granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can keep it in the fridge for up to a month or freeze it for future munching.
Tips to Make Trail Mix Granola
- Make sure to mix the dry ingredients well for even flavor.
- Press the mixture down firmly before baking for larger clusters.
- Allow the granola to cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
Variation
Feel free to add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or banana chips for extra sweetness and flavor. You can also swap out the nuts for your favorites or use different types of chocolate candies instead of M&Ms.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
A: Yes, rolled oats will work just fine, but the texture may be slightly different.
Q: How can I make this granola nut-free?
A: You can replace the nuts with seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, the recipe is already mostly vegan. Just ensure that the chocolate candies (M&Ms) you use are vegan-friendly, or substitute them with another chocolate option.
Trail Mix Granola
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and stir well to evenly distribute.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the coconut oil, maple syrup, salt, and brown sugar together, stirring continuously until dissolved and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm syrup mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until all oats are coated.
- Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly. Press down firmly to create a compact layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes, rotate the pan, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the pan without stirring.
- Once cool, break into desired chunk size and store in an airtight container.
