Crunchy Coconut Granola

Let’s talk cereal. Or rather... let’s talk about why I stopped buying it. Like most moms, I just want my son to eat a decent breakfast—but I also want to feel good about what I’m feeding him. Most boxed cereal isn’t actually food (sorry, but it’s true!), and it definitely doesn’t set him up for a calm, focused morning.

So I started playing around with making my own version—something simple, crunchy, slightly sweet, and packed with real ingredients I trust. The result? This granola. It’s cozy, crunchy, toasty, and deeply satisfying. My son eats it with milk like cereal, my husband sprinkles it over his yogurt, and I snack on it straight from the jar.

And the best part? It takes 15 minutes to bake, uses pantry staples, and stores beautifully in a mason jar for up to two weeks. You don’t have to homestead your way through life—but making a few things from scratch can have a huge impact on your daily rhythm (and your peace of mind).

I even made a quick little TikTok while baking this batch—because it really is that easy. You can watch it here if you want to see it in action!

@oliveandfennel I don’t trust most store-bought cereal—so I make this instead. This coconut granola is made with 10 real ingredients, full of healthy fats, fiber, and plant protein. My 6-year-old helps make it… and actually eats it! We serve it like cereal, or snack on it plain. Recipe below—and more simple food ideas at oliveandfennel.com. Coconut Granola Recipe • 3 cups rolled oats • 1 cup chopped pecans • ½ cup almonds • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes • ¼ cup hemp hearts • ½ cup maple syrup • ⅓ cup coconut oil • 1½ tsp vanilla • ½ tsp salt • 1 tsp cinnamon Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes. Let cool completely. Store in a jar up to 2 weeks—or freeze for later. #homemadegranola #coconutgranola #realfoodrecipes #kidapprovedmeals #healthykidssnacks #momlife #feedthekids #easyrecipes #oliveandfennel ♬ Passage - Andrew Gialanella

I make this granola almost every week now. It's one of those little rituals that grounds me—and keeps breakfast simple. You can tweak it to suit your pantry, but honestly, the original version is the winner in our house. I did try a variation with freeze-dried strawberries once, but my family voted it down. We're purists, I guess!

Before we dive in, just a note on oats

I recently switched to buying glyphosate-free oats. There’s been a lot of talk on social media about oats being “trash,” but I totally disagree. The issue isn’t the oats themselves—it’s how they’re grown. Many conventional oats are sprayed with glyphosate, a weedkiller that’s been linked to health concerns. Choosing organic or glyphosate-free oats is a simple, high-impact swap.

Recent scientific reviews have highlighted how much glyphosate may linger on non‑organic oats—a concern since it’s found in many boxed cereals. One animal study lasting two years showed that low doses (considered safe by regulators) increased tumor risks in rats, including early leukemia Verywell Health. While experts don’t agree on how this translates to humans, choosing organic or glyphosate‑free oats is a simple, evidence‑based way to reduce exposure. If it brings you peace of mind—try it out!

Why I Mention Glyphosate

You won’t find doom and gloom here—but you will find curiosity, real food, and a desire to raise my family with fewer unnecessary toxins. I’m not perfect (who is?), but if there’s a simple switch—like choosing glyphosate-free oats—I take it. Not because I live in fear, but because I live in hope. I hope this helps you feel informed, not overwhelmed.

If you try this recipe, I hope it brings a little more ease to your morning routine. And if not, that’s okay too.

Yield: 6-7 cups

Author: Candie Matthews

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Crunchy Coconut Granola

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 20 Min

This homemade coconut granola is crunchy, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and full of nourishing ingredients like hemp hearts, coconut flakes, and nuts. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s the perfect real food breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats (preferably organic or glyphosate-free)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
• ½ cup almonds, chopped
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• ¼ cup hemp hearts
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. If you’re skipping parchment paper, place your baking sheet in the oven while it preheats—this helps the granola crisp up and prevents sticking.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, coconut flakes, hemp hearts, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix well to coat everything evenly.
5. If using parchment paper: Line your baking sheet and spread the granola out in an even layer.
6. If skipping parchment paper: Carefully remove your hot baking sheet from the oven, add a tiny bit of coconut oil (just enough to coat the surface), and spread it around with a spatula or brush. Then spread your granola mix evenly across the pan.
7. Bake for 15 minutes. If you like it extra toasty, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
8. Let it cool completely before transferring to a jar or airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

725

Fat

52 g

Sat. Fat

21 g

Carbs

99 g

Fiber

18 g

Net carbs

81 g

Sugar

12 g

Protein

24 g

Sodium

158 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg

• Nutrition info is approximate and may vary depending on your ingredients.

If this recipe helped you ditch boxed cereal or simplify breakfast in your home, tell me in the comments below! I love connecting with other real-food-minded folks. Your story might inspire someone else too.