Looking for a tasty and healthy snack? My Maple Pecan Granola is the answer! This crunchy and wholesome recipe highlights all the best ingredients like rolled oats, pecans, and a touch of maple sweetness. Whether you want a quick breakfast or a satisfying treat, this granola will delight your taste buds. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that is packed with flavor and nutrition. You’ll love making it at home!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/3 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
The main ingredients in maple pecan granola create a hearty mix. Rolled oats form the base, providing fiber and texture. Pecans add a rich, nutty flavor, while coconut brings a hint of sweetness. Pumpkin seeds add crunch and nutrition. Maple syrup serves as the sweetener, giving a warm, earthy taste. Coconut oil helps bind the granola, making it crispy.
Optional Add-ins
– 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
You can customize your granola with optional add-ins. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins add sweetness and chewiness. Seeds and spices can also enhance flavor. Consider adding chia seeds for extra omega-3s or nutmeg for warmth.
Nutritional Information
Maple pecan granola packs a nutritious punch. With about 200 calories per serving, it offers fiber and healthy fats. Rolled oats provide energy, while pecans deliver protein. Coconut contributes healthy fats, and pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium. This granola is not just tasty; it fuels your day with wholesome goodness.
For the full recipe, check it out [here](#).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. A hot oven will help the granola become crispy and golden.
2. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and pumpkin seeds. Mix them well. This blend gives your granola a nice crunch and flavor.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
1. Whisking the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until it’s smooth. This syrupy blend helps bind the granola.
2. Coating the granola mix: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Make sure no dry bits remain. This step ensures that every bite is tasty.
Baking Process
1. Spreading the mixture on the baking sheet: Once coated, spread the granola mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. This helps it bake evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as it needs space to crisp up.
2. Stirring halfway through baking: Bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, take it out and stir. This keeps the granola from burning and helps it bake evenly. Look for a nice golden brown color.
For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy making this crunchy and wholesome granola!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Crunchiness
To make your granola crunchy, adjust the baking time. Bake it for 20–25 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even baking. If you want it crunchier, add a few more minutes. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
Storing your granola properly keeps it fresh. Use an airtight container to lock in crunch. Store it at room temperature. It stays good for up to two weeks.
Customizing Flavors
You can customize flavors easily. Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. Each spice brings a unique taste.
You can also swap nuts or seeds. Consider walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. Each nut or seed will change the flavor. Get creative with your mix!
Serving Suggestions
This granola is best with yogurt or milk. It adds creaminess to the crunchy bites.
Top it with fresh fruit like berries or banana slices. A drizzle of honey brings sweetness. You can also use it as a topping for oatmeal. The options are endless!
For the full recipe, check out the Maple Pecan Granola section above.
Variations
Gluten-Free Maple Pecan Granola
For a gluten-free version, you can swap out the rolled oats. Try using gluten-free cereals or puffed rice. These options give you the same crunch without the gluten.
Sweeteners also need a look. Use agave syrup or brown rice syrup instead of maple syrup. These sweeteners work well and keep the granola tasty.
Vegan Version
To make this granola vegan, skip the honey. Instead, use more maple syrup or agave. Both sweeteners are plant-based and work perfectly in this recipe.
Check all other ingredients too. Make sure your coconut oil is pure and that any add-ins, like chocolate chips, are dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan treat.
No-Bake Granola Clusters
If you want clusters without baking, it’s easy! Combine all the dry ingredients as in the recipe. Then, mix in melted coconut oil and maple syrup.
Next, press the mixture into a lined dish. Place it in the fridge to chill. After a couple of hours, cut it into squares. No baking needed, and you still get that crunchy goodness!
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your maple pecan granola fresh, use airtight containers. These containers prevent air and moisture from spoiling your tasty treat. I always choose glass jars or sturdy plastic bins. Store them in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid sunlight, as it can affect the flavor and texture.
Shelf Life
Homemade granola lasts about two weeks when stored correctly. After this time, it may lose its crunch and flavor. Signs of spoilage include a stale smell or soft texture. If you notice these changes, it’s best to toss it out.
Reusing Granola
If you have leftover granola, don’t waste it! You can add it to yogurt or smoothies for extra crunch. Sprinkle it on oatmeal for added flavor and texture. You can also use it in baking. Mix it into muffins or cookies for a tasty twist.
FAQs
What is maple pecan granola?
Maple pecan granola is a crunchy mix of oats, nuts, and sweet maple syrup. It has a warm, nutty flavor from toasted pecans and a hint of sweetness from maple. The main ingredients include:
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/3 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
This mix is great for breakfast or a snack. You can enjoy it with yogurt or milk for added creaminess.
How long does homemade granola last?
Homemade granola lasts up to two weeks if stored properly. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a stale smell or off taste, it’s best to toss it out.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can. To make this recipe nut-free, simply replace the pecans. Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead. You can also add extra coconut or even some chopped dried fruit for more flavor.
Where to buy maple pecan granola?
You can find maple pecan granola at many grocery stores. Look in the cereal aisle or the health food section. You can also buy it online through sites like Amazon or specialty food websites.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just use a larger baking sheet. Make sure to spread the granola out evenly. This helps it bake properly. You may need to adjust the baking time if you make a bigger batch.
How to add protein to my granola?
You can add protein in several ways. Consider mixing in protein powder, like whey or plant-based options. You can also add seeds like chia or hemp for extra protein. If you want, sprinkle in some nut butter after baking for a tasty twist.
This blog post covered how to make delicious maple pecan granola. You learned about the main and optional ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. We explored tasty variations, storage tips, and answered common questions.
Granola is fun to make and easy to customize. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy this healthy snack anytime. Try out your favorite mix-ins and enjoy the crunch.