I used to think I didn’t like dried apricots. As it turns out, I do, but only the extra squidgy unsulphured ones. When you bite into them or pull them apart it’s almost like they are full of thick honey and you can see the strands of sticky apricot trying to hold on to the other half. They are the perfect addition to some apricot and coconut granola; a burst of sunny-day flavours for breakfast is how I like to start my day.
ingredients
You will need (for a big jar of finished granola):
- 350g oats
- 150g mixed nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, macadamias, walnuts or whatever you like)
- 75g seeds (poppy, linseed, sesame or whatever you like)
- 75g desiccated coconut
- 125g dried apricots, chopped
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 120ml honey or maple syrup
method
In a large bowl mix together the oats, nuts, seeds and desiccated coconut.
Preheat an oven to 150C and line two large baking trays with baking paper.
Add the honey (or maple syrup) and coconut oil to a small pan and heat gently until the coconut oil has melted. Stir everything together to make sure it’s well combined.
Pour the honey and coconut mixture over the granola ingredients and mix everything together really well with a large spoon.
Tip the granola onto the lined baking trays and spread the mix out over the tray so you have one even layer.
Put the trays into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until it’s smelling toasty. Remove the trays from the oven, mix everything together well and then put back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes so that everything gets evenly toasted. Be careful not to let anything catch but do leave it in long enough for everything to be a lovely golden colour.
Remove the trays from the oven and leave to cool. Add the chopped apricot to the granola mix then tip into an airtight container.
This amount of granola will last two of us at least a fortnight having a generous serving with yoghurt.
I love how dark the apricots are amongst all the other ingredients. You can of course use the orange dried apricots, or any other dried fruit that you like to make it your own. The combination of apricot and coconut together I really like and I think I’d add some coconut flakes next time for more texture. I like to serve my homemade granola over yoghurt and my OH likes to add some to other cereal and make both go a little further.
I was to make my own granola, but I guess I’ve gotten lazy. Reading your post has motivated me to make a batch of
your Apricot and Coconut Granola.
Caroline – I agree with you about the apricots. The unsulphured ones are tastier, the others are prettier! I normally choose flavor! And, I love homemade granola, the store-bought just doesn’t compare, does it? Thanks for the recipe!
No comparison! They definitely taste better unsulphured.
What a great way to start your day! I should eat more granola… 🙂
i’ve only ever had dried apricots, never fresh ones, and they’re definitely hit-or-miss! love this simple but yummy granola!
Oh I just love dried apricots and always keep them in our pantry for this time of the year. I know I would like your granola.
Love making granola, and I am completely with you on the dried apricots. The dark squidgy ones are miles better than the hard yellow/orange ones.
I haven’t had granola in years, and of course now you have me craving it. Dried apricots sound like a nice addition. Thanks!
This looks really tasty! I love apricots but I never really thought about combining them with granola – what a great shout. And coconut is always really good for adding that natural sweetness. Can’t wait to try this with some creamy yoghurt. Breakfast should always be exciting, after all.
Love these apricots granola, always I have dried apricots!!
I have to rty this.
Great granola indeed. I love fresh apricots best, I never tried unsulphured ones will have to look for some.
Definitely worth looking out for them, they’ve got a great treacly flavour.