Brighten up your mornings with this California Orange Granola Make Ahead recipe—a vibrant twist on traditional granola that's perfect for meal prep. Bursting with fresh citrus notes from orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice, this homemade granola is complemented by the warm sweetness of honey, a hint of cinnamon, and the tropical essence of coconut oil. Packed with wholesome rolled oats, crunchy almonds and pecans, and a medley of dried cranberries and apricots, it’s a nutrient-dense, flavorful blend that’s irresistibly crisp. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this golden-baked granola is ideal for breakfast, a yogurt topping, or an on-the-go snack. Plus, it stays fresh for up to two weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy schedules.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, raw almonds, raw pecans, shredded coconut, orange zest, and ground cinnamon.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the orange juice, honey, and coconut oil. Stir until the coconut oil has melted and the mixture is smooth, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well to evenly coat everything.
Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.
Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools.
Once cooled, stir in the dried cranberries and chopped dried apricots.
Transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage. It will keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage.
Calories |
4928 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 279.8 g | 359% | |
| Saturated Fat | 109.9 g | 550% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 18.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 108 mg | 5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 557.4 g | 203% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 96.9 g | 346% | |
| Total Sugars | 304.5 g | ||
| Protein | 95.7 g | 191% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 774 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 28.4 mg | 158% | |
| Potassium | 5215 mg | 111% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.