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    Home » All Recipes

    Author: Donna | Published: Feb 22, 2022 |

    Cardamom and Coconut Cashew Granola

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    Cardamom and Coconut Cashew Granola is slightly spicy from the cardamom, slightly sweet from the maple syrup, lots of crunchy from the nuts and seeds and so delicious. Easily prepped ahead of time for delicious homemade granola that pairs just perfectly with yogurt for breakfast.

    Super Crunchy Cardamom and Cashew Granola
    Loaded with cashews, coconut, and whole grain oats, this granola is one of my favorite ways to start the day.
    Jump to:
    • Cardamom and Coconut Cashew Granola
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Cashew Granola
    • Meal Prepping Homemade Granola
    • How To Serve
    • Recipe

    Cardamom and Coconut Cashew Granola

    There was a time that I felt like I had taken the whole 'crunchy mom' thing a bit too far, and new granola recipes were popping up on the blog way too often.

    Check out a couple of them here:

    • Raspberry Dark Chocolate Granola
    • Fresh Apple Cinnamon Granola
    • Bursting With Nuts Grain-Free Sugar-Free Granola

    Then I had a look today, and it's been ages since I added a new one.

    Let's rectify that right now with this totally different Cardamom and Coconut Cashew Granola.

    Cardamom and Cashew Granola has a totally different flavor to any granola I have had before.

    Full of healthy fats, it is slightly spicy from the cardamom, slightly sweet from the maple syrup, lots of crunchy from the nuts and seeds, and just totally delicious overall.

    Up close shot of freshly baked granola on a metal baking sheet
    Be sure to allow your granola to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.

    Ingredients

    I love loading my homemade granola up with lots of nuts and seeds so that we stay full right up until lunchtime.

    For this granola you are going to need:

    • pure maple syrup: look for proper maple syrup, not maple flavored syrup. You can also sub in some agave syrup, or rice malt syrup if prefered;
    • ground cardamom;
    • raw coconut oil: this will need to be melted so that we can mix it in with all of the other ingredients. If it is cold where you are, and the coconut oil has solidified, then melt in the microwave or one the stovetop before using;
    • vanilla extract: use vanilla extract instead of vanilla essence;
    • sea salt;
    • uncooked rolled oats: we want rolled oats for this, not quick cooking oats, as they will cook too wuickly and likely burn;
    • slivered almonds: alternatively, if you only have whole almonds, you could roughly chop them instead;
    • raw unsalted cashew nuts: these are going to be toasted whilst the granola bakes, so aim for raw cashews;
    • raw pumpkin seeds; these can be subbed with sunflower seeds if you prefer
    • unsweetened coconut flakes: you want the big flakes for this homemade granola, however, if you already have the dessicated coconut you can definitely sub that in instead. Toasted coconut could also be used, but add this to the granola once it has been baked and cooled;
    • optional dried fruit of choice: you can add some dried fruit if you like. I have added chopped dried figs and chopped dried apricots, and they have worked really well with the flavors.

    You will also need some milk or yogurt to serve.

    Homemade granola served in a white bowl with a side of milk and dried figs. The granola is surrounded by loose freshly baked granola on a metal baking sheet.
    Serve the granola with dried chopped figs, or other dry fruit of choice.

    How To Make Cashew Granola

    This recipe contains enough to make 2 baking sheets worth of granola.

    Line the baking sheets with parchment paper, or silicone baking sheets prior to baking.

    This prevents the ingredients from burning and also makes cleaning up that little bit easier.

    Add the wet ingredients to a large mixing bowl, and mix to combine.

    Add the dry ingredients, and mix to make sure they are completely covered.

    Spread evenly between the two trays.

    Try to get the mixture into as much of a single layer as you can so that all of the ingredients cook evenly.

    The granola will crisp up as it cools, so please allow it to cool completely before eating or storing.

    Storing warm granola will cause it to become soggy so allow the granola to completely cool before storing.

    Once cooled, break up into crunchy clusters and store.

    Hand picking up a cluster of homemade granola from a glass jar
    Once completely cooled, store the granola in a glass jar with a lid to retain crunchiness.

    Meal Prepping Homemade Granola

    Homemade granola is perfect for meal prepping breakfast for the week ahead.

    It keeps well stored on the counter in an airtight container for about a week.

    You can easily double or triple the recipe to get a few batches up and running and ready to go.

    Plus it freezes well, so you can have a batch going this week, and a batch in the freezer to keep it nice and fresh for the following week.

    How To Freeze Homemade Granola

    To freeze, arrange the granola in a single layer on a baking sheet small enough to fit into the freezer.

    Pop into the freezer.

    Remove when frozen and transfer to a freezer-friendly container or Ziploc bag and pop back into the freezer until ready to use.

    Simply remove the night before and allow to thaw in the fridge overnight.

    Layered fruit and yogurt parfaits in 3 small glass jars with honey being drizzled on top
    Serve your cashew granola in Plum, Granola, and Yogurt Parfait Cups for something a bit different.

    How To Serve

    This is cold-weather granola for sure, and just perfect for someone who loves something a little on the savory side for breakfast.

    Serve up by:

    • with some cold milk of choice (regular milk or a plant-based milk will work perfectly);
    • pairing with some chopped dried or fresh fruit - figs work perfectly with this granola;
    • on top of thick strained yogurt and a swirl of runny cashew butter, almond butter, orother nut butter of choice;
    • as a trail mix for when you are on the go, or for a quick afternoon snack;
    • serve on top of a smoothie bowl and top with sliced fresh figs;
    • in these Plum, Granola, and Yogurt Parfait Cups.

    How will you serve yours?

    Can This Be Made Nut Free?

    Yes.
    Instead of the cashews and slivered almonds, simply use extra pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, and sunflower seeds.

    Can I Use Toasted Coconut?

    Yes.
    But don't add it to the granola before baking. Add it to the granola once it has baked and cooled.

    Can This Be Frozen?

    Yes.
    Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and pop into the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a Ziploc bag, or freezer-safe container, and freeze until needed.

    Can I Make A Double Batch?

    Yes.
    This is the perfect recipe for making a double batch and freezing half for a busy week.

    Happy eating.

    xx

    Recipe

    Super Crunchy Cardamom and Coconut Cashew Granola

    Cardamom and Cashew Granola. Slightly spicy from the cardamom, slightly sweet from the maple syrup, lots of crunchy from the nuts and seeds and so delicious
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipes!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine Breakfast
    Servings 12 serves
    Calories 308 kcal

    Equipment

    • Baking Pan

    Clicking any equipment link above will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup pure maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
    • 3 tablespoon raw coconut oil melted
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 2 cups uncooked rolled oats
    • 1 cup slivered almonds
    • 1 cup raw, unsalted cashews
    • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
    • 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
    • 1 cup dried fruit of choice (optional)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 250F and line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, cardamom, coconut oil, vanilla and salt.
    • Add in the oats, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds and coconut and stir until fully incorporated.
    • Divide oat mixture between the two baking sheets. Use a spatula to spread into a thin, even layer
    • Bake for an hour and 15 minutes, stirring every half hour or so. It will be ready when everything is toasted and carmelized.
    • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before removing from the trays (it will get crispier as it waits). If you want to add in some dried fruit, then do so now.
    • Store in an airtight container for about a week (two weeks is usually fine). Or divide into ziplock bags and freeze until the night before you are ready to use.

    Notes

    Storing
    Store in an airtight container (I tend to use a glass jar with a lid) on the countertop for about a week.
    Can also be stored in the fridge for about 2 weeks.
    Freezing
    Can also be frozen.
    Simply freeze the granola in a single layer on a baking dish. Once frozen, transfer to a Ziploc bag, or freezer-safe container, and keep stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    Allow thawing in the fridge overnight before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 308kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 8gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 103mgPotassium: 301mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    « Weeknight Cauliflower Curry Recipe (Instant Pot)
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nicole says

      January 19, 2024 at 5:52 am

      Best tasting granola ever! I have a weird obsession with anything cardamom-flavoured. My house smelled divine even the next day. I added chopped dates, so yum!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        January 20, 2024 at 9:18 am

        So glad to hear you love it as much as I do 🙂

        Reply
    2. Kristin says

      February 26, 2023 at 1:00 pm

      Just finished making this - added an extra cup of oatmeal instead of the seeds and dropped in a couple handfuls if golden raisins at the end.

      Wow! This is probably one of the best, if not *the* best granolas I’ve ever made.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        March 07, 2023 at 11:03 am

        Oh wow, thanks Kristin!

        Reply
    3. Linda says

      February 24, 2022 at 5:43 pm

      This granola is so fun and full of flavors! I just can't stop snacking on this homemade granola

      Reply
    4. Jennifer says

      February 24, 2022 at 1:16 am

      I LOVE cardamom but have never had it in granola! This was soooo crazy good! It's my new favorite! Love the crunch, the nuts, and everything!

      Reply
    5. Sherry says

      February 23, 2022 at 4:14 pm

      Your granola recipe has all of my favorite ingredients so I had to make it. Easy, delicious, and great with my morning yogurt. Thank you for a great recipe!!

      Reply
    6. Mandy Applegate says

      February 23, 2022 at 5:12 am

      This is right up my street! I love the combination of flavors in this granola!

      Reply
    7. Lynn Polito says

      February 23, 2022 at 3:07 am

      I am obsessed with this granola!! SO GOOD!

      Reply
    8. LAR556 says

      January 02, 2021 at 6:57 am

      This is absolutely delicious!! I used dried apricot. This time I’ll try dried cranberries. It was so good, I packed some up and sent to my son and daughter-in-law to try. They loved it too!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        January 11, 2021 at 9:48 am

        Oh that's lovely, what a nice present to receive in the mail, so glad you all enjoyed!

        Reply
    9. Maria says

      October 15, 2020 at 6:00 am

      I feel guilty for not having commented on this yet, since I've returned to this page and made it a billion times now. This recipe is phenomenal, and as someone who cooks a ton I don't say that lightly! I love the buttery taste of the cashews, and I love cardamom in anything. I used fresh ground cardamom. I did leave out the almonds and cut back on the syrup to just 1/3 cup, and it was still fantastic (just a personal preference). Might try the previous reviewer's suggestion of adding some tart cherries next time, but it's honestly perfection as is! Sweet, salty, addictive. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        October 16, 2020 at 10:31 am

        Thank you so much for taking the time to pop back and leave a comment Maria, that made my morning 🙂 This is definitely one of my favorite granola recipes too, not too sweet and just a little bit savory!

        Reply
    10. Carrie says

      April 12, 2020 at 2:58 am

      I didn’t have all the ingredients on hand during this Coronavirus pandemic but I added cherrios instead of seeds & what ingredients I did have to make a delicious granola. I don’t think I have ever used cardamom but it was awesome flavor. It was easy to make and delicious to eat.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        April 13, 2020 at 12:05 pm

        It's such a great flavor for something different, isn't it!! Love the addition of cheerios instead of seeds, I think we are all going to come out being great at making substitutions after this is all over! I know I have had to get quite inventive a few times over the past weeks!!

        Reply
    11. Blithe Raines says

      February 05, 2018 at 2:51 pm

      RIDICULOUS! THIS recipe is SOOOOO GOOD! I absolutely love cardamom so it was a no brainer. I followed the recipe exactly. The sea salt and coconut oil give it a buttery taste. I used dried cherries (chopped) for mine and the tart is really nice paired with the earthy, spicey cardamom. It is perfectly delicious without any dried fruit though. New staple in my house! Thank you, Donna!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        February 08, 2018 at 8:17 pm

        YUM! So glad you loved it Blithe, it is on constant rotation here 🙂

        Reply
    12. Rachel says

      May 19, 2017 at 8:02 pm

      How many cups does this make?

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        May 21, 2017 at 1:12 pm

        Hi Rachel, it should make around 6-7 cups.

        Reply
    13. Alyssa says

      January 22, 2017 at 6:30 pm

      Looks delicious!! There is no better snack than crunchy, flavorful granola! Love the cardamom too!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        January 23, 2017 at 8:41 am

        Thanks Alyssa! The cardamom really gives it a kick 🙂

        Reply
    14. Elaine @ Dishes Delish says

      January 18, 2017 at 6:54 am

      Yummy! I never thought of adding cardamon to granola! I can imagine that this will be delicious! I too don't like too sweet granola! I look forward to try it!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        January 20, 2017 at 1:21 pm

        It sure is 🙂 Gives it a nice little kick!

        Reply
    15. Kylee from Kylee Cooks says

      January 17, 2017 at 7:33 am

      When at Nana's house... lol. That's awesome. Sounds like you have a wonderful relationship with your family! I love this granola idea, not a typical recipe - excited to try the addition of cardamom!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        January 17, 2017 at 1:06 pm

        Yes there are definitely different rules for everything when at Nana's 🙂

        Reply
    16. Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says

      January 17, 2017 at 7:11 am

      There is nothing like homemade granola! We do not buy the store bought ones anymore. I really like the cardamom and cashew flavor of yours! And I love that it is super crunchy!

      Reply
      • Donna1 says

        January 17, 2017 at 7:19 am

        Thanks so much Nicoletta 🙂 The store-bought versions are just way too sweet aren't they - The few times I have caved while traveling etc and we have bought them, it's almost like eating candy!!

        Reply
    5 from 18 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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