Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 160°C (fan)/180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. This lower temperature ensures the granola bakes evenly without burning the nuts or sweeteners.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and desiccated coconut. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients, which will help everything bake at the same rate.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the coconut oil and maple syrup until fully melted and combined, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cinnamon and salt. This warming step helps the sweetener and oil coat the dry ingredients more thoroughly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour the liquid mixture over the oat mixture and stir thoroughly until every piece is lightly coated. The even coating will create those desirable clusters as the granola bakes and cools.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down slightly with a spatula. This will help create clusters rather than loose granola.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring gently halfway through the baking time. The granola should be golden brown and fragrant when ready. Keep a close eye on it in the last 5 minutes as nuts can quickly go from toasted to burnt.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet without disturbing it. This resting period allows the granola to crisp up and form clusters as it cools. The granola may seem soft when first removed from the oven, but it will harden as it cools.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>While the granola is cooling, prepare the smoothie base. Place the frozen mango chunks, frozen banana, coconut milk, honey (if using), vanilla extract, and lime juice in a high-powered blender.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed. The consistency should be thicker than a drinkable smoothie - if it's too thick to blend, add a splash more coconut milk. If it's too thin, add more frozen fruit.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Immediately pour the smoothie mixture into serving bowls. The smoothie will start to melt quickly, so work promptly. The ideal consistency should be like soft-serve ice cream - thick enough to support toppings.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Top each smoothie bowl with a generous handful of your homemade granola, fresh mango cubes, berries, chia seeds, and mint leaves if using. The contrast between the cold smoothie and crunchy granola creates a wonderful textural experience.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Serve immediately while the smoothie base is still cold and thick. The granola can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, making future smoothie bowls even quicker to prepare.</li></ol>