This fig, coconut, and nut granola is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that elevates your everyday breakfast or snack.
The natural sweetness of figs pairs perfectly with the toasty crunch of walnuts and almonds, while coconut flakes add a subtle tropical note.
Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats from nuts and seeds, this granola keeps you full and energized throughout the morning.
Using heart-healthy flaxseeds further enhances its nutritional profile with omega-3 fatty acids.
Lightly sweetened with honey or maple syrup, it provides a balanced sweetness without relying on refined sugars.
Beyond its health benefits, this granola is incredibly versatile—perfect as a topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or enjoyed on its own.
Quick to prepare and easy to store, it’s ideal for meal prep, making a week’s worth of nutritious snacks in a single batch
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Baking Sheet
A flat, rimless or low-rimmed baking sheet ensures even heat distribution, allowing the granola to toast uniformly without burning. Perfect for roasting nuts and crisping oats.
Parchment Paper
Lining the baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless while protecting delicate ingredients like coconut flakes from direct heat.
Large Mixing Bowl
Essential for combining oats, nuts, spices, oil, and sweetener thoroughly. A roomy bowl allows for easy tossing, ensuring each piece of granola is evenly coated.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise measurement of ingredients like honey, coconut oil, and spices ensures consistent flavor and texture with every batch.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ideal for mixing sticky granola mixtures without scratching your bowl, while helping evenly distribute nuts and seeds throughout the oats.
Easy No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars
Equipment
- 1 arge baking sheet
- 1 sheet of parchment paper
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups 350 g rolled oats or 5-grain flakes
- 1 cup 100 g walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup 100 g almonds, coarsely chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons flaxseeds
- ½ cup 125 ml melted coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup 125 ml honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup 50 g unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup 200 g chopped dried figs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) to ensure a steady, even baking temperature. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple. Make sure the sheet is wide enough to hold the granola in a single, even layer for optimal toasting.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats (or 5-grain flakes), chopped walnuts, chopped almonds, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, sea salt, and flaxseeds. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to thoroughly mix all dry ingredients until evenly distributed and aromatic.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted coconut oil (or olive oil) over the dry mixture and stir well to coat the oats and nuts completely. Next, drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the mixture, stirring again until the oats and nuts are evenly coated and sticky, ensuring every piece is lightly sweetened.
- Step 4 – Spread Granola on Baking Sheet: Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer approximately ½-inch thick. This ensures consistent browning during baking and prevents clumping in some areas while under-toasting others.
- Bake the Granola: Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring the granola halfway through at around 10 minutes to ensure even browning. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes, as granola can quickly go from golden to over-browned.
- Cool and Add Dried Fruit: Once golden brown and fragrant, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, crumble it into bite-sized clusters and gently fold in the chopped dried figs, taking care not to crush them.
- Store and Serve: Transfer the granola into an airtight container to maintain its crunch and freshness. Store at room temperature for up to 3–4 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks. Enjoy as a topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or simply as a snack.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats or a 5-grain flake mix for the best texture and flavor.
- Toast nuts lightly in the oven before mixing for an extra layer of aroma and crunch.
- Add the dried figs only after baking to prevent them from burning or becoming bitter.
- Stir the granola halfway through baking to ensure even browning and avoid clumping.
- Adjust sweetness to taste with honey or maple syrup; start with less and add more if desired.
- Let the granola cool completely before storing to maintain its crisp texture.
- Store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and crunch for several weeks.
Chef’s Secrets: Achieving Perfect Crunch
The key to a perfectly crunchy granola lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients and careful baking.
Use a combination of coconut oil and honey or maple syrup to coat the oats and nuts evenly.
Stirring halfway through baking ensures that every cluster browns evenly, while cooling completely on the baking sheet helps it firm up without turning soggy.
Toasting nuts before mixing enhances their natural flavor, making every bite aromatic and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Ways to Enjoy
This granola is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways.
Sprinkle it over yogurt, smoothie bowls, or even ice cream for added crunch and flavor.
It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits like berries, banana slices, or apple chunks.
For a grab-and-go snack, portion it into small containers or reusable bags—perfect for work, school, or travel.
Its naturally sweet, nutty flavor also works beautifully as a topping for oatmeal or baked goods.
Storage Tips: Keeping Granola Fresh
To maintain crispness, store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 weeks.
For longer storage, refrigeration extends its life to about 6 weeks, but always ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
Avoid storing near heat or humidity, as this can make the granola soft or stale.
If the granola loses its crunch slightly, a brief 5-minute toast in a low oven refreshes its texture.
Frequently Asked Questions: Common Granola Queries
1. Can I use other nuts or seeds?
Absolutely! Pecans, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds can replace or complement the walnuts and almonds. Adjust quantities to keep the same texture balance.
2. Is this granola vegan-friendly?
Yes, use maple syrup instead of honey to make it fully vegan while maintaining sweetness and consistency.
3. How do I prevent clumping?
Stir the granola once or twice during baking and avoid over-packing it on the pan. Cooling in a single layer ensures the clusters remain separate.
4. Can I add the figs before baking?
It’s not recommended, as dried figs can burn or become bitter during baking. Always add them after the granola has cooled.
5. How do I make granola less sweet?
Reduce the honey or maple syrup slightly, or balance it with more nuts and oats. The figs and coconut provide natural sweetness, so you can tailor it to your taste.
This recipe is inspired by allrecipes and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
