Recipes for granola abound on the web, in cookbooks and family kitchens. Granola is such a simple thing to make and so delicious for breakfast or as a sweet snack or light dessert. The popularity of granola could be due to the fact you can really make it just how you like it, with additions of nuts, seeds and dried fruits, the possibilities are virtually endless.

This homemade granola recipe is quite simple with coconut and chopped dates and golden syrup added for sweetness. Once you make up a batch it will keep for a week or more in an air-tight container, ready for a quick breakfast in the morning.

For a great vegan breakfast I love to serve granola with banana whip, which is simply a frozen banana either whipped up in a blender or allowed to defrost a little and then mashed. It is so sweet and creamy, a perfect accompaniment to the crunchy granola.

Alternatively you can serve the granola with your favourite yoghurt and fresh fruit adding nuts and/or seeds for a truly satisfying and healthy start to your day. This granola is also great on frozen desserts like soy or dairy ice-cream or frozen yoghurt for a quick and delicious dessert.

Sweet Coconut & Date Granola
Preparation time: 50mins // Makes 425g (15 oz) (approx)

• 250g (9 oz) traditional rolled oats
• 100g (3½ oz) shredded coconut
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup golden syrup
• 100g (3½ oz) dates, chopped

Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F

Combine the oats, coconut and a pinch of salt in a large bowl, measure out the oil and pour over the mixture, using the same measuring cup measure out the syrup (this will allow the syrup to cleanly pour out of the measuring cup) pour the syrup over the mixture.

Toss and stir well to combine all ingredients, making sure the oats and coconut are well coated with the oil and syrup.

Line a large baking tray, or two smaller ones, with baking paper. Spread the oat mixture over the tray evenly. Place in the pre-heated oven and cook for 30-45mins.

Check the granola every 5-10 minutes, toss gently with a wooden spoon, moving the oats around so they cook evenly. Remove the granola once it is golden; remember it will become crunchier as it cools.

Once the granola is cooked, toss through chopped dates and allow to cool before transferring to an air-tight container. Enjoy for a healthy breakfast or snack with non-dairy or dairy yoghurt and chopped fresh fruit like plums, kiwifruit, mango, banana or try the recipe below for something truly delicious.

Sweet Coconut & Date Granola w/ Banana Whip
Preparation time: 3 minutes // Serves 1

• ¾ cup sweet coconut & date granola
• 1-2 frozen ripe bananas
• 1 kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
• shredded coconut to serve

Either blend the frozen banana in a blender or food processor or allow it to defrost slightly before mashing until you have a smooth, creamy consistency.

Mix the banana whip through the granola top with slices of kiwifruit and a sprinkle of coconut. Enjoy for a great vegan breakfast with fresh fruit or toast or simply on its own. So good