This homemade strawberry granola is an awesome twist on my classic healthy homemade granola recipe. We use a fun secret (and affordable) ingredient to make a delicious variation on this old classic.

The secret ingredient? Freeze-dried strawberries!

Not only is this healthy recipe packed with wholesome ingredients, but it’s also easy to make and customizable to suit your preferences. It’s great with milk (homemade cereal!), on top of yogurt, or just as-is for a wonderful snack.

Why Make Homemade Strawberry Granola?

When it comes to granola, store-bought options often contain excessive sugars, unhealthy fats, and unnecessary additives.

By making your own strawberry granola, you take control of the ingredients and ensure a healthier and more flavorful outcome. Plus, homemade granola allows you to experiment with various flavors and add-ins.

The Benefits of Homemade Granola

Not only does strawberry granola taste amazing, but it also offers a range of health benefits.

Here’s a quick look at some of the nutritional advantages of this delightful treat:

1. Fiber-rich: The whole rolled oats in this granola recipe provide a good dose of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps you feel satisfied for longer periods.
2. Nutrient-packed: Strawberries are bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and freeze-dried fruits retain many of the fresh fruit’s nutrients. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that freeze-drying helped retain antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and vitamin C content in fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. You’ll also get all of the healthy nutrients in the nuts and seeds you add to your granola.
3. Heart-healthy fats: Virgin coconut oil, used in this recipe, contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known for their potential health benefits, including promoting heart health. You could also choose macadamia nut oil, extra virgin olive oil, or another other healthy cooking oil that you prefer.

Strawberry Granola Ingredients

• Honey: I prefer unprocessed honey. You can also use real maple syrup or sweetener of your choice).
• Coconut oil: This granola recipe needs a little fat to come together and toast in the oven. The fat also helps you absorb the fat-soluble nutrients. Virgin coconut oil is a great choice (you can’t even taste it, the granola is not coconutty.) As mentioned above, you could also choose macadamia nut oil, extra virgin olive oil, or another other healthy cooking oil that you prefer.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds gourmet sweetness and flavor without adding extra sugar.
• Fine sea salt: I like the Real Salt brand, but any fine-grain salt works
• Whole rolled oats (preferably organic): Whole rolled oats are classic in granola. I’ve never made this with other oats, so I recommend sticking to whole rolled oats.
• Slivered almonds: Almonds add great flavor that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries. You can also use any nuts you prefer, or substitute raw pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas) or sunflower seeds if you’re allergic to nuts
• Freeze-dried strawberries: Our secret ingredient! I use 1 (34g) bag of Trader Joe’s freeze-dried strawberries. You can find freeze-dried strawberries in most grocery stores or online.

Is Strawberry Granola Gluten-Free?

Yes, this granola recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the oats used are certified gluten-free.

While oats themselves are naturally gluten-free, they can often be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing. Therefore, it’s important to look for oats specifically labeled as “certified gluten-free” to ensure they have been processed in a gluten-free facility and are safe for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. By using certified gluten-free oats in this recipe and verifying the gluten-free status of other ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and gluten-free strawberry granola.

How to Make Strawberry Granola

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine maple syrup or honey, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Add in the whole rolled oats, nuts, seeds (if using). Spread onto the lined baking sheet, and bake until golden, about 10-12 minutes. Let it cool, add freeze-dried strawberries, and store in an airtight container.

See the full recipe in the printable recipe card below.

Making your own strawberry granola not only allows you to indulge in a flavorful and satisfying snack but also offers a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

By using high-quality ingredients like whole rolled oats, nuts, and freeze-dried strawberries, you’ll create a granola that’s packed with nutrients and bursting with amazing flavors.

If you like this recipe, check out the full recipe index here.

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