Do you remember the mason jars I filled with homemade granola for the holidays? I am so excited to finally share the recipe with you! We have been enjoying this healthy, sweet & crunchy mix for breakfast and snacks. This is a simple and tasty way to treat yourself to all natural whole foods. It will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth with pure & healthy ingredients.
Let’s make some granola!
Over the holidays I was in Grand Cayman. Have you ever been there? It is very beautiful. Above is my daughter with her sweet cousins on a dock.
The weather and views are spectacular there. They make you want to dance…
My son loved looking at the boats that lined the docks…
OK, time to get back to granola, thanks for letting me divert. I tend to do that sometimes.
Even though you might not be in the Caymans you can still enjoy a taste of the tropics. This granola can help brighten up a dreary winters day. The flavors of coconut, papaya and banana infuse each and every bite. Not to mention some crunch macadamia nuts add to the fun.
It granola is so pretty all dressed up for the holidays. Do keep it in mind for gift giving any time of the year. I got all crafty this year and made holiday gift tags. You can download those any time you need them.
This recipe is the perfect gluten free breakfast and we love packing it in our lunch boxes too! The perfect snack for Project Lunch Box.
Perhaps it is because I knew I had an upcoming trip to Grand Cayman that inspired me to go with a tropical twist on with this recipe. Or maybe it was because I found these gorgeous dried papaya pieces at my favorite natural foods store Mother’s Market.
Enjoy this any time of day with dairy free or regular milk. Don’t forget that steamy cup of coffee to round it all off. Never forget the coffee.
This granola is also wonderful served with thick Greek yogurt in parfaits ~or~ as a decadent little dessert with frozen yogurt or ice cream.
What is your favorite kind of granola? Do you make it yourself?
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Granola Recipe Links
- Chocolate Crunch Dessert Granola Oh She Glows
- Dark Molasses Cranberry Granola Nourished Network
- Granola Deconstructed Gourmande in the Kitchen
- Grain Free Granola The Food Lover’s Primal Palate
- Low Fat Granola Bars with Cranberries, Bananas and Pecans Cookin’ Canuck
This looks so fresh and yummy. I love that you added a tropical twist!! And your daughter…what a doll!!
Thanks Kristan, that gal was loving dancing on the dock!
I love tropical flavours so this looks like the perfect granola to me! Love your holiday shots as well, the colour of that sea is just wonderful!
A marvelous idea! Your granola must tastes wonderful.
Cheers,
Rosa
I love this!! I haven’t had macadamia nuts in a while, but I bet they are fabulous in granola. The banana chips sound great in it, too.
My favorite granola is Pumpkin Spice Latte Granola. I made it as gifts for last year, too! http://spoonfulofsugarfree.com/2011/09/23/pumpkin-spice-latte-granola/
Grand Cayman is a beautiful place, so I can understand the happy dance. Thijs granola might have you doing one too with all the great flavors! Happy New Year!!
Love the recipe and love the pics of the kiddies, too cute!
What a fun sounding vacation! I love how you made this tropical granola to make you feel like you were back in paradise! I haven’t made my own granola yet, but really want to! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Forgetting coffee? Unheard of! 🙂
Even though the LA winter has been far from dreary, I would make this in a heart-beat. It’ll remind me of all the tropical vacations I’ve been on and give me a boost of natural energy.
This looks delicious Marla. I’ve been making my own granola for about 3 years now. Can’t believe I ever ate store-bought–homemade is so much better! I love how versatile granola recipes are. The tropical variation sounds refreshing. Great pictures, too. Happy New Year! Hope to see you again this year.
This looks so tasty Marla! I bet my kids would love it.
So delicious! I love granola, and the I need those tropical flavors in my life… much too cold here!!!!
My kids get so exited when I make granola. They stand by the oven, breathing in that sweet earthy aroma, then pick it up hot as it comes out of the oven. Love the addition of papaya here!
Such lovely pictures! I love tropical granola 🙂 And you dishes are adorable!! Are they vintage?
love the tropical twist!
I’m a little jealous that you’ve been in the Grand Caymans and you’ve been eating this granola! The only partial remedy I have for my jealousy would be to make this granola. Thanks for the recipe. Maybe I’ll get some little umbrellas for the bowls and pretend I’m on a tropical island.
Shawna, now that is an amazing idea! Now that I am back in the OC I might need to do the same 😉
You had me at macadamia nuts. 🙂
love the use of tropical ingredients in your granola! and a trip to the Cayman’s sounds perfect right about now!
Looks yummy. Does the dried fruit have added sugar? All the dried fruit I ever see has so much sugar, it’s not worth it. But maybe I should check at Whole Foods?
Catherine, I do not like sugar on my dried fruit either. You can find dried fruit without the added sugar, you just need to look really carefully for it & at the ingredient lists.
I’m not sure which I like more – the granola or the thought of going to the Cayman Islands!!
Jen, both together are blissful!
Looks awesome and I could go to town on it. As well as the candied papaya 🙂
Averie, that papaya is addictive. Love it’s chewy texture too!
Yummy! I love the tropical flavors, and the maple syrup and coconut oil are exactly what I would use. I find I usually have to sub ingredients in recipes that I want to try so often so it’s so nice to see a recipe I wouldn’t need to the change at all 😀 Awesome!
Heide, I am happy about that too! I agree, I love when I find recipes in which I don’t need to make any adaptations at all. Rare though 😉
This is a wonderful combo Marla! I could totally go for a tropical twist right now. ; )
LOVE this recipe! Sounds like the perfect healthy snack. And the photos of the kiddos are beautiful! Now I want to go off on a vacation 😉
I love making granola. It’s so simple. My favorites are vanilla scented or with dark chocolate.
Esi, making homemade granola is really so simple. I love all of the variety you can have with it as well! Your vanilla scented with dark chocolate sounds amazing!
Yummy! What a great snack to send to school or to have with Greek yogurt for breakfast. Love the photos from the caymans.
Do the tropical happy dance!!
Love homemade granola! Only eat homemade–everyday. Love your tropical additions!
I am making this one asap!! Miss you!
Awesome flavors. I love homemade granola. I love your photography, Marla!
Those have got to be the cutest spoons I have ever seen! Where did you get them? Adorable! & really like this recipe, must try it for breakfast sometime!
xo. A Southern Bee Diary
🙂
I just love granola, I’m kind of a granola adict, but shhh, don’t tell anyone. I love that you added banana to it! Thanks for posting a link for the maple syrup. I had no clue on what the grades meant.
I love the tropical flavors here! So refreshing I bet, and you can’t go wrong with granola.
Those pictures of the cayman’s are amazing, and your kiddos are as cute as ever. Hope your week starts out great Marla!
Great pics! I just got back from Mexico myself and would love to bring back a taste of the tropics. This granola looks perfect!
Ooh, Grand Cayman — it sounds phenomenal. Thanks for sharing some tropical flavors with this granola, Marla!
Grand Caymen sounds lovely! Thanks for the link to Nourish Network!
A big part of my youth was spent in the Caribbean. It’s magical for kids. I am happy you had a great trip. GREG
I love the tropical twist on your granola! I’d love it for breakfast, and just to snack on. I have many of the ingredients on hand so I might just whip up a batch tonight :). Great recipe! And such beautiful pictures of your kids in the Cayman Islands!
Beautiful photos and a lovely nutritious snack for the active family! What fun! Why the Astrix beside some of the ingredients?
🙂
Valerie
Valerie…I added the * for the notes. Think I’ll change that so folks don’t get confused. Was thinking they *** should not be there 😉 Glad you like the post & recipe. xo
Glad to hear you got away over the holidays. Love tropical fruits and papaya is one of them.
What a beautiful spot Marla – so wonderful that the kids get to spend some time with their cousins! That granola looks like the perfect breakfast to enjoy in the Caymans!
Oh yum. I make almost the exact same granola. I was inspired by the granola at my fave hotel in Maui, the Kea Lani. This is so super duper yum and your kids are beyond adorable. xo
Yum! I’ve had a serious macadamia nut addiction lately.
Awesome combo of flavors. Great choices!
I love homemade granola and this looks amazing! The tropical additions are just great. I gave pumpkin granola for Christmas and it was a big hit! Can’t wait to try this.
I’m obsessed with granola. I make it all the time. Thanks for giving me another recipe to try out! yay! beautiful pictures as always your super talented mama!
Looks like you’re having a ball! Love this tropical granola!
Tropical-inspired granola sounds so good! I love the dried fruit you used, especially those gorgeous pieces of shaved coconut.
You are so talented, Marla! I love the vintage rose look of the plates/bowls/utensils that you matched with this delicious granola…they really look like they were made for each other!
Hi Faith! I am so glad you are liking the sound of my granola recipe. I did have a fun time pairing my new rosette plates with this breakfast. Happy you like them too because they will be making a regular appearance around here 🙂
I was just thinking how much I love granola! I was going to find a recipe to make and you made that easy! I’m gonna whip up a batch this weekend.
Hi Krista! Let me know if you give this recipe a whirl. Bet your kiddos will love it too!
I love making homemade granola! And this is one of the best recipes I’ve seen in a while. Perfect combination of flavors here. Outstanding!
It’s like 30 degrees outside here and the tropics are EXACTLY what I need! Tropical flavors are some of my favorites, probably because I can live vicariously through them. This granola sounds awesome!
Joanne, happy I can whisk you away to the tropics…at least for a few spoonfuls!
I bet your trip was just magical. Your daughter and cousins are precious. Love the granola and adore tropical flavors. Happy New Year, Marla:)xx
Great idea, awesome recipe and beautiful photos!!!!! I’m adding to my must try pile!!!!!
Love the combo of coconut, papaya and banana! I used dried cherries and mango in mine because I didn’t have papaya. Can’t wait to try your version.
I love granola – thanks for sharing this fun version.
Your daughter looks more and more like you every day! This granola, with its tropical flare, sounds like a great way to bring the feeling of the Caribbean back to our wintry climate.
Dara, now if only we could get some snow back into your wintery climate 😉
This looks delicious. And, what lovely photos of your granola and your beautiful children, too.
These cold winter days call for something bright and cheery like this! Looks good!
Love this. Looks like a great time in Cayman. I’ve heard wonderful things about it. And this granola is so fitting. Wish this was my breakfast tomorrow!
Those are some adorable dishes you’ve got there 🙂
What great ingredients — I love tropical flavors from coconut, banana and papaya. Granola is one of my go-to recipes. I make it all the time.
This sounds just amazing- and I love your diversion.Makes me yearn for the beach!
I absolutely adore granola and this tropical blend sounds incredibly addictive! Your children are absolutely adorable!
Love the pictures of you kids…what a beautiful place!!
This granola looks absolutely delicious…nothing like homemade granola. especially with a tropical twist!
This looks so good, Marla!!