Homemade Coconut Cashew Crunch Grain-Free Granola: Your Ultimate Healthy Snack

Imagine a snack that’s perfectly crunchy, wonderfully nutty, and bursting with tropical flavor – all while being incredibly good for you. That’s exactly what you get with this delightful Coconut Cashew Crunch Grain-Free Granola! Forget the store-bought varieties loaded with hidden sugars and grains; this homemade version is a game-changer. Crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients like creamy cashews, nutrient-dense sunflower seeds, sweet coconut, and powerhouse hemp and chia seeds, it delivers irresistible texture and flavor.

Beyond its delicious taste, this grain-free granola is a nutritional superstar. It’s naturally free from grains, making it an excellent choice for those following specific dietary preferences like paleo or simply looking to reduce grain intake. More importantly, it’s a powerhouse of essential nutrients, generously packed with plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and healthy fats that will keep you feeling full, energized, and satisfied throughout your day. It’s the ideal fuel for any adventure, whether you’re heading out for a hike or just need a wholesome pick-me-up.

Embracing Summer with Healthy Choices

How has your summer been unfolding? Are you soaking up every bit of sunshine, warm weather, and cherished moments with family and friends? Here, the past week has been wonderfully warm and humid, inspiring us to get out and make the most of the fleeting good weather. We’ve enjoyed invigorating hikes, relaxed backyard BBQs, and plenty of meals eaten al fresco. There’s a certain magic to these summer days, and this granola perfectly complements that carefree, vibrant spirit.

Even as summer seems to fly by, there’s still ample time to savor grilled delights like spicy turkey burgers and cool off with delightful frozen summer treats. And this week, my kitchen has been filled with the irresistible aroma of this tropical, crunchy granola. It embodies all the best summery vibes, making it the absolute perfect topping for those colorful smoothie bowls you’re undoubtedly enjoying all season long!

The Inspiration Behind a Grain-Free Granola Obsession

If you were to peek into my kitchen almost any day of the week, you’d almost certainly find a container of homemade granola proudly sitting on the counter. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a fundamental staple for busy weekday breakfasts, a reliable afternoon pick-me-up, and an absolute non-negotiable for my Sunday meal prep routine. I’m constantly experimenting with new flavor combinations and ingredient twists, and for quite some time, a truly satisfying grain-free granola had been high on my culinary wish list.

So, when I stumbled upon a promising Grain-Free Nut and Seed Granola recipe in a past issue of Clean Eating Magazine, I knew I had to give it a try. To say it was delicious would be an understatement; it was an absolute revelation! That recipe served as the perfect springboard, inspiring me to delve deeper and ultimately create this unique and utterly delightful Coconut Cashew Crunch Grain-Free Granola. It’s my personal twist on a healthy favorite, offering an even more tropical and crunchy experience.

Why Go Grain-Free? The Power of Nuts and Seeds

Choosing a grain-free granola isn’t just a trend; it’s a fantastic way to boost your nutritional intake and potentially alleviate common digestive issues for some individuals. While grains have their place in a balanced diet, a grain-free approach often emphasizes nutrient-dense nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, which are key components of this recipe. This granola provides a wealth of benefits:

Rich in Healthy Fats: Cashews, sunflower seeds, coconut oil, and cashew butter contribute monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, essential for heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.
Excellent Source of Protein: Cashews and the trio of sunflower, hemp, and chia seeds provide a significant protein punch, crucial for muscle repair, satiety, and sustained energy.
Fiber-Packed: All the nuts and seeds are rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Vitamins and Minerals: This granola is a good source of essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and selenium, along with vitamins like Vitamin E, all vital for various bodily functions.
Gluten-Friendly: For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, this grain-free recipe offers a safe and delicious alternative to traditional granolas.

By focusing on these wholesome ingredients, you’re not just enjoying a tasty treat; you’re nourishing your body with every crunchy bite, making this granola an intelligent choice for a balanced lifestyle.

Mastering the Art of Crunchy Granola Clusters

Achieving those coveted, perfectly crunchy clusters in your homemade granola is an art, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be a master in no time. Here are my tried-and-true secrets for making this Coconut Cashew Crunch Grain-Free Granola an absolute success:

Choose the Right Baking Sheet: For consistently golden-brown granola without burnt bottoms, always opt for a stainless steel or light-colored baking sheet. Darker baking sheets absorb more heat and can cause the bottom of your granola to brown (or even burn!) much faster than the top.
The Secret to Clusters – No Stirring! This is perhaps the most crucial tip for achieving those satisfying clusters. Once you spread your granola mixture onto the baking sheet, resist the urge to stir it during baking. Letting it bake undisturbed allows the sugars and fats to meld and create a solid sheet.
Patience is Key for Cooling: After baking, remove the granola from the oven and, again, resist stirring or breaking it apart immediately. Let it cool completely, ideally for at least an hour (or even longer!), right on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will harden and form beautiful, crunchy clusters that you can then easily break apart.
Toasting Coconut: This recipe calls for toasted coconut to enhance its flavor and aroma. While you can buy pre-toasted coconut, making your own is incredibly simple and ensures freshness. Just spread the required amount of unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for just 4-5 minutes. Coconut browns very quickly, so keep a close eye on it to prevent burning – I’ve definitely had my share of accidentally over-toasted coconut!
Optional Tropical Fruit: The addition of a half-cup of dried tropical fruit mixture is completely optional but adds a wonderful chewiness and extra burst of flavor. I’ve enjoyed this granola both with and without the fruit. If you’re committed to a strictly “clean eating” approach, be sure to look for dried fruit mixtures that have minimal to no added sugars.
The Pinch of Salt: Don’t skip the small pinch of sea salt sprinkled over the granola before baking. This might seem like an odd step for a sweet recipe, but a touch of salt beautifully enhances and balances the sweeter notes from the honey and coconut sugar, preventing the granola from tasting overly sweet and adding a subtle depth of flavor.

This attention to detail will ensure your homemade Coconut Cashew Crunch Grain-Free Granola is not only delicious but also boasts that perfect, satisfying crunch every single time. It’s a small investment of time for a huge reward in flavor and texture!

Print Recipe

Coconut Cashew Crunch Grain-Free Granola Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
5 from 5 reviews

Author: Leanne
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 cups
Category: Breakfast, Snack

Print Recipe

Description

This Coconut Cashew Crunch Grain-Free Granola is an incredibly satisfying and healthy snack or breakfast option. Made with a carefully selected blend of cashews, sunflower seeds, delightful coconut, and super-nutritious hemp and chia seeds, it delivers a fantastic crunch and a burst of flavor. This granola is not only wonderfully grain-free but also a powerhouse of nutrition, generously packed with vital protein, essential fiber, and beneficial healthy fats to keep you fueled and satisfied throughout your day.

Ingredients

1 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup raw hulled sunflower seeds
1/2 cup + 1/4 cup toasted coconut slices, divided (see note on toasting)
2 tbsp coconut sugar
2 tbsp hemp seeds (or hemp hearts)
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp cashew butter
1 tbsp virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil
1 tbsp honey
Pinch of sea salt
2/3 cup unsweetened coconut, flaked or medium desiccated, toasted (see note on toasting)
1/2 cup dried tropical fruit (optional)

Cook Mode

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Instructions

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the raw cashews, raw sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup of toasted coconut slices, coconut sugar, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Pulse the mixture several times until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture. Ensure some larger chunks of nuts and seeds remain for a satisfying bite.
In a small, microwave-safe dish, add the cashew butter, coconut oil, and honey. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until just melted and warm enough to stir. Stir the mixture well until it is completely smooth and thoroughly combined.
Pour the warm cashew butter mixture into the food processor with the granola mixture. Pulse again until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture starts to clump together. Be careful not to over-process.
Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly and press down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands to compact it into a single layer. This step is crucial for achieving clusters. Sprinkle the top with a pinch of sea salt.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges of the granola are beautifully golden brown. It is very important NOT to stir the granola while it bakes, as this will prevent the formation of clusters.
Once baked, remove the granola from the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring. This cooling period is essential for the granola to crisp up and form firm clusters.
After the granola has cooled and hardened, break it apart into your desired cluster sizes. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of toasted coconut slices (you might want to chop these into smaller pieces) and the optional dried tropical fruit mixture.
Store your finished Coconut Cashew Crunch Grain-Free Granola in an airtight container at room temperature on your counter for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.

Notes

You can often find pre-toasted coconut slices at bulk food stores or specialty grocery stores. I’ve found great success buying larger bags at stores like Costco.
To toast the unsweetened flaked or desiccated coconut yourself (not the slices used in the main mixture), spread the desired amount thinly on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for just 4-5 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Coconut toasts very rapidly, so watch it carefully to prevent burning.
The dried tropical fruit is entirely optional. It adds a lovely chewiness and additional flavor, but the granola is delicious without it too. If incorporating, choose a fruit mixture with minimal or no added sugars to maintain a clean eating profile.
This recipe was lovingly inspired by the Grain-Free Nut and Seed Granola recipe featured in the April 2018 issue of Clean Eating Magazine.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

Once your Coconut Cashew Crunch Grain-Free Granola is cooled and broken into clusters, the possibilities are endless! It’s incredibly versatile and makes for a perfect addition to a variety of meals and snacks:

Classic Breakfast: Enjoy it with your favorite milk (dairy or plant-based) for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
Yogurt Topping: Sprinkle generously over a bowl of Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for added crunch and flavor.
Smoothie Bowl Boost: As mentioned, it’s the ideal textural contrast and nutrient boost for any smoothie bowl.
Snack On Its Own: Grab a handful directly from the jar for a delicious and energizing snack anytime, anywhere.
Dessert Topping: Use it to top roasted fruit, apple crisp, or even a scoop of nice cream for a healthier dessert option.

To keep your homemade granola fresh and crunchy for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly and also looks beautiful on your counter! It will maintain its freshness for up to two weeks. For even longer storage, especially if you live in a humid climate, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Give This Healthy Granola a Try!

I truly hope you’re inspired to give this delightful Coconut Cashew Crunch Grain-Free Granola recipe a try! It’s an incredibly rewarding recipe to make, offering not just a delicious and nutritious snack, but also the satisfaction of creating something wholesome right in your own kitchen. There’s nothing quite like the taste and texture of homemade granola, and this grain-free version is no exception.

If you do decide to whip up a batch, please don’t hesitate to let me know what you think in the comments section below. I absolutely love hearing from you and learning that you’ve tried my recipes. Even better, I get so much joy from seeing how you put your own unique spin on them, whether it’s by adding different dried fruits, spices, or serving them in creative ways!

For those who, like me, are always on the lookout for more fantastic granola options, I invite you to explore these other beloved recipes available on Crumb Top Baking:

Maple Walnut Crunch Granola
Nut-Free Pumpkin Pie Granola
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola