Coconut Walnut Sunflower Seed Granola with Maple Syrup
A crunchy homemade granola featuring walnuts, cashews, and sunflower seeds bound together with maple syrup and coconut oil. The addition of flax seed creates natural binding while shredded coconut and dried cranberries add sweetness and texture. Perfect for breakfast with yogurt and fresh fruit, or enjoyed as a wholesome snack. This version bakes at a lower temperature to achieve golden clusters without burning the nuts.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 cups raw walnuts
- 2 cups raw cashews
- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F
- 2
Whisk together ground flax seed and water in small bowl
- 3
Let flax mixture stand for 10 minutes until thick and egg-like
- 4
Pulse walnuts and cashews in blender or food processor to chop, avoiding flour consistency
- 5
Whisk flax mixture with coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in large bowl until combined
- 6
Add chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, and cranberries to wet mixture and stir until coated
- 7
Spread granola mixture over one large baking sheet
- 8
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once after 20 minutes
- 9
Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes without stirring
- 10
Break granola into desired chunk sizes with spatula or wooden spoon
- 11
Serve with yogurt, almond milk, berries, or banana
Tips
Watch granola carefully during baking as nuts burn easily at this temperature.
Don't stir granola immediately after removing from oven to allow clusters to form properly.
Pulse nuts just enough to break them up but avoid creating nut flour for better texture.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for up to 1 month.
Can be made up to 1 week in advance. Store in airtight container.
Serve at room temperature with yogurt, milk, or fresh fruit.
Common Mistakes
Avoid over-processing nuts to prevent turning them into flour.
Don't stir granola immediately after baking to allow proper cluster formation.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this granola oil-free?
Yes, you can omit the coconut oil but the granola won't cluster as well and may be more crumbly. Add extra maple syrup if needed for binding.
How long does homemade granola keep?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 1 month for maximum freshness.
What if my granola isn't clustering?
Ensure the flax mixture is thick and egg-like before mixing. Don't stir immediately after baking, and press mixture firmly on the pan before baking.