Looking for a tasty snack that’s easy to make? This Maple Pecan Granola recipe offers a crunchy bite full of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients like oats, pecans, and maple syrup, you’ll whip up a healthy treat in no time. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this recipe will please everyone. Let’s dive in and discover how to create your own batch of delicious granola!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet maple syrup and rich pecans creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
- Healthy Ingredients: This granola is packed with wholesome nuts, seeds, and oats, making it a nutritious option for breakfast or snacking.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add in your favorite dried fruits to personalize your granola to your liking.
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps and minimal prep time make this granola a breeze to whip up in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make tasty maple pecan granola:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
Using quality ingredients makes a big difference. Rolled oats form the base and give a chewy texture. Pecan nuts add crunch and flavor. Shredded coconut provides sweetness and a fun chew. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds add extra nutrients and crunch.
The spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth. Sea salt balances the flavors. Pure maple syrup is the star. It sweetens and binds everything together. Coconut oil adds richness and helps with crispiness. Vanilla extract enhances all the lovely tastes.
Optional dried cranberries or raisins add a sweet pop. You can skip them or swap for your favorite dried fruit. The choice is yours! With these ingredients, you’re ready to craft a delicious snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help with easy cleanup later.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl: In a big bowl, mix 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir until well mixed.
3. Mix wet ingredients in another bowl: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. This mixture will bring sweetness and moisture to your granola.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir carefully until every oat and nut is coated. This ensures a tasty granola.
Baking Steps
1. Spread mixture on baking sheet: Evenly spread the granola mix on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure it is in a single layer for even baking.
2. Bake and stir halfway through: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Stir the granola halfway through to help it brown evenly and smell amazing.
Final Steps
1. Cool and add optional ingredients: Once golden brown, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Let the granola cool completely. As it cools, it will become crisp. If you want, mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for extra flavor.
2. Proper storage methods: Store your crunchy granola in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature. This way, it stays fresh for up to two weeks.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
To get perfect crispiness in your granola, bake it at 350°F (175°C). Spread the mixture evenly on your baking sheet. Stir the granola halfway through baking. This helps it cook evenly. It allows all the bits to brown nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Maple pecan granola shines when served in a bowl. You can enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or even as a topping for smoothies. For a fruity twist, add fresh berries or banana slices. This makes your snack colorful and tasty.
Customization Tips
Feel free to mix flavors! Try adding dried fruits like apricots or figs. You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you like. For a sweeter taste, add a dash of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of chia seeds.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your nuts and seeds are fresh for the best flavor and crunch in your granola.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste; you can also substitute with honey or agave syrup.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like ginger or cardamom to give your granola a unique flavor twist.
- Store Properly: Keep your granola in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunchiness for a longer time.
Variations
Alternative Sweeteners
You can use other sweeteners for your granola. Honey adds a rich taste and works well. Agave syrup is a great choice too. For a sugar-free option, try stevia or monk fruit. These keep the sweetness but cut the calories. Each sweetener changes the taste a bit. Experiment to find what you like best.
Nut Substitutions
If you don't have pecans, other nuts are great too. Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts fit nicely in this recipe. You can also mix different nuts for added flavor. If you need a nut-free version, use seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. They give a nice crunch and flavor without nuts.
Additional Flavors
Adding more spices can really enhance your granola. Try a pinch of ginger or allspice for warmth. Vanilla extract adds a nice depth. You can even add a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Dried fruits like apricots or figs also bring sweetness. If you love chocolate, mix in dark chocolate chips after baking. This will make your granola even more delightful.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. This prevents air and moisture from making it stale. Glass jars or plastic containers work well for this. I prefer glass jars since they are easy to clean and look nice on the shelf.
Shelf Life
Granola stays good at room temperature for up to two weeks. After that, it may lose its crunch and flavor. Watch for signs that it has gone bad. If it smells off or tastes stale, it’s time to toss it out.
Freezing Granola
Freezing granola is simple. Start by letting it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you want some, just take out what you need.
To thaw used granola, leave it at room temperature for a few hours. You can also warm it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This will help bring back some crunch!
FAQs
How do I make Maple Pecan Granola vegan?
To make Maple Pecan Granola vegan, you can swap ingredients easily. Replace the coconut oil with a plant-based option like almond oil or vegetable oil. For honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. Both options will keep the sweet flavor and sticky texture you need.
Can I add protein powder to the granola?
Yes, you can add protein powder for an extra boost. Mix in one or two scoops of your favorite protein powder with the dry ingredients. This way, the granola will have added nutrition without changing its taste. Make sure to adjust the wet ingredients slightly, adding a bit more maple syrup or oil for moisture.
What are the health benefits of Maple Pecan Granola?
Maple Pecan Granola packs great nutrients. The oats provide fiber, helping digestion. Pecans offer healthy fats and protein. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds add vitamins and minerals.
Each serving contains about 200 calories, depending on portions. This granola can fit many diets, but watch for added sugars if you choose extra sweeteners. Enjoy it as a snack or breakfast for a tasty and healthy choice!
You now know how to make delicious Maple Pecan Granola at home. We covered the ingredients, steps, tips, and storage. This granola is easy to customize with your favorite nuts and flavors. It’s a healthy snack and perfect for breakfast. Remember to store it well for freshness. Enjoy making this tasty treat and impress your family and friends! You'll love how it brightens your mornings and snacks.
