Looking for a tasty and healthy snack? You’ll love my Maple Pecan Granola recipe! Packed with wholesome oats and crunchy pecans, this granola is simple to make and oh-so-delicious. Whether you enjoy it with yogurt or on its own, this snack fuels your day perfectly. Join me as I guide you through the easy steps to create your own batch. Let’s dive into the tasty world of granola!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet: The natural sweetness from maple syrup perfectly complements the nuttiness of pecans, creating a delightful flavor profile.
- Customizable: This granola can easily be tailored to your taste preferences with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of homemade granola that’s much healthier than store-bought options.
- Great for Meal Prep: This granola stays fresh in an airtight container, making it perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
– 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Optional add-ins: pumpkin seeds, almond slices, dried cranberries, or raisins
To craft the perfect Maple Pecan Granola, gather your ingredients first. Old-fashioned rolled oats form the base. They provide great texture and a hearty bite. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and rich flavor. Maple syrup brings in natural sweetness. I love using it because it pairs so well with nuts. Melted coconut oil helps bind everything together while adding a hint of coconut flavor.
Cinnamon and salt balance the sweetness. You can add optional ingredients too. Pumpkin seeds give extra crunch and nutrients. Almond slices add a lovely nutty flavor. Dried cranberries or raisins offer a sweet and chewy contrast. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand. Each choice makes your granola unique.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps to prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a mixing bowl
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. If you want, add in 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds and 1/4 cup of almond slices for extra crunch. Stir everything well to mix.
3. Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl
In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of maple syrup and 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. Mix until they blend smoothly together. This mixture will add a sweet and rich flavor to your granola.
Baking Instructions
1. Pour and mix wet ingredients with dry
Pour the maple syrup mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until all the oats and nuts get coated. This step is key for even flavor.
2. Spread mixture on baking sheet
Spread the granola mixture evenly onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to press it down gently. This helps create a nice, even layer for baking.
3. Baking time and tips for even cooking
Bake the granola in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir the granola halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on it towards the end. You want it golden brown and fragrant but not burnt. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
Now you have a tasty Maple Pecan Granola that is perfect for snacking or adding to yogurt!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Granola
To avoid burning your granola, watch it closely. Bake it for 20-25 minutes at 350°F. Stir it halfway through. This helps it cook evenly. If it starts to smell too strong, it’s time to check.
For the right texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats. They give granola a chewy feel. Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients well. This way, every piece gets coated. Press the mixture down on the baking sheet. A uniform layer helps it bake nicely and clump together.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy your granola in many ways. It’s great with yogurt or milk. Try layering it in a bowl with fresh fruit. This adds color and flavor.
For a beautiful breakfast parfait, use a clear jar. Layer yogurt and granola, then top with fruits. Sprinkle extra pecans on top for a satisfying crunch. Presentation makes it fun and tasty!
Pro Tips
- Storage Tip: Keep your granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch for up to two weeks.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.
- Even Cooking: Stirring the granola halfway through baking ensures even browning and prevents any burning on the edges.
- Serving Suggestions: Try serving the granola over yogurt with fresh fruits for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack option.
Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can change your granola by using different nuts and seeds. If you want more crunch, try almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. Each nut adds a unique taste. Almonds offer a sweet flavor, while walnuts give a rich, earthy touch.
You can also switch up the sweeteners. Maple syrup is great, but honey or agave syrup works too. Each sweetener changes the flavor and texture. If you want a deeper taste, use brown sugar. It adds a nice caramel note to your granola.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free oats. They provide the same great taste without the gluten. Make sure all other ingredients, like nuts and seeds, are also gluten-free.
For vegan alternatives, replace honey or other animal products with maple syrup. This keeps the granola plant-based and delicious. You can also try adding nut butter for a creamy texture without using dairy.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your Maple Pecan Granola fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. Make sure the container seals tightly. Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This helps to maintain the crunch and flavor.
Shelf Life
You can keep homemade granola for about two weeks. After this, it may lose its freshness. Check for any off smells or a soft texture. These are signs that your granola has gone stale. If it loses its crunch, it’s time to toss it out. Enjoy your granola while it’s at its best!
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. Use any nuts you like instead of pecans. Almonds or walnuts work well. You can swap maple syrup with honey or agave syrup if you prefer. For a nut-free version, skip the nuts and add more seeds.
Is Maple Pecan Granola healthy?
Maple Pecan Granola is quite healthy! It has oats, which provide fiber. Pecans add healthy fats. The maple syrup gives a natural sweetness. You can also add seeds or dried fruits for extra nutrients. Just watch your portion size.
Where can I purchase pre-made Maple Pecan Granola?
You can find pre-made Maple Pecan Granola at many grocery stores. Check health food stores or online retailers too. Look for brands that emphasize natural and organic ingredients for the best choice.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the recipe?
To adjust sweetness, change the maple syrup amount. Add less for a less sweet granola. You can also add more dried fruit for natural sweetness. Taste the mixture before baking to find the right balance for you.
This blog post covers how to make delicious Maple Pecan Granola. We explored essential ingredients, simple steps, and tips to perfect your batch. You learned about variations to fit diets and explained storage practices for keeping granola fresh. Now, it’s time for you to try this recipe. Enjoy it with yogurt or milk, or get creative with your flavors. You will love how easy and tasty homemade granola can be. Give it a shot and share it with friend
