Maple Pecan Granola
Highlighted under: Light & Nourishing
I absolutely love making my own granola, and this Maple Pecan Granola recipe is one of my favorites. It combines the warmth of maple syrup with the rich crunch of pecans, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to whip up and can be customized with my choice of oats and seeds. I find it a delightful way to start my day or enjoy as an afternoon snack, and I love that I can control the sweetness and ingredients.
When I first attempted making granola at home, I was pleasantly surprised how simple it turned out to be. The combination of maple syrup and pecans was inspired by my love for sweet yet nutty flavors. I found that toasting nuts brings out their natural oils, enhancing their flavor, which is a crucial step in this recipe.
This Maple Pecan Granola has since become a staple in my kitchen, and experimenting with different seeds and dried fruits has turned it into a versatile dish. I always make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve the crunchiness!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent maple sweetness combined with earthy pecans
- Healthy, wholesome ingredients for a nourishing breakfast
- Perfect for meal prep and easy snacking throughout the week
Ingredient Roles
One of the key ingredients in this Maple Pecan Granola is rolled oats. They not only serve as the base but also provide essential fiber and a satisfying chewiness. When choosing oats, opt for large flake rolled oats for a better texture; instant oats can become mushy, compromising your granola's crunch.
Pecans are indispensable for adding richness and healthy fats to the granola. They toast beautifully during the baking process, enhancing their flavor and providing a delightful crunch. If you're looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seeds can serve as a great substitute, ensuring the final product still delivers a satisfying texture.
Baking Tips
When it comes to baking granola, uniformity is key. Spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness for the best crunch. I recommend checking the granola at the 15-minute mark for even browning, and give it a stir to make sure everything bakes uniformly.
Once baked, remove the granola from the oven once it reaches a golden brown color along the edges. Keep in mind that it will continue to harden as it cools, so don’t be tempted to bake it further! If you've added coconut flakes, watch them closely, as they can brown quickly.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To maintain the granola’s freshness and crunch, store it in an airtight container once it has completely cooled. It can last for up to two weeks on your pantry shelf. If you want to prepare a larger batch, you can double or even triple the recipe, but make sure to use multiple baking sheets for even baking.
Maple Pecan Granola is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it with yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast, or snack on it straight out of the jar. You can also sprinkle it over oatmeal or smoothie bowls for added texture and flavor. For a fun twist, try mixing in dried fruits or chocolate chips after baking.
Ingredients
Gather all the following ingredients to make this delicious granola.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes (optional)
Once all the ingredients are ready, we can begin the preparation!
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Maple Pecan Granola.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil and maple syrup until well blended.
Combine & Bake
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well-coated. Spread the mixture evenly onto the lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden brown.
Cool & Store
Once baked, let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to an airtight container. Enjoy with yogurt, milk, or on its own!
Your tasty granola is now ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For a variation, try adding dried fruit or seeds like sunflower seeds or chia seeds for extra nutrition and flavor.
Customize Your Granola
The beauty of homemade granola lies in its customizability. Feel free to swap out the pecans for almonds or walnuts if you prefer a different nut flavor. Similarly, you can substitute the maple syrup with agave nectar or honey, keeping in mind that this may alter the final sweetness level, so adjust to taste.
If you're looking for an extra boost of nutrition, consider adding flax seeds or chia seeds to the mixture. These tiny seeds will not only enhance the granola's crunch but also pack it with omega-3 fatty acids and additional fiber. Mix in about 1/4 cup of seeds to the dry ingredients for an added health benefit.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your granola ends up clumping together instead of remaining loose, you may have added too much liquid. To fix this in future batches, make sure to measure the maple syrup and oil carefully. A light mix before combining could also help maintain more individualized pieces, rather than clumping together.
Another common issue is when granola becomes overly hard after cooling. If this happens, simply break it apart with your hands or a spoon, and try not to bake it as long next time. Remember, it should be crisp but not rock-hard; adjust the baking time based on how your oven behaves, as ovens can vary significantly in heat distribution.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice!
→ How long does the granola stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, it can last up to two weeks.
→ Is this granola gluten-free?
Ensure you use certified gluten-free oats to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
→ Can I make this granola vegan?
Absolutely! Just use a plant-based oil or substitute coconut oil, and ensure your maple syrup is 100% pure.
Maple Pecan Granola
I absolutely love making my own granola, and this Maple Pecan Granola recipe is one of my favorites. It combines the warmth of maple syrup with the rich crunch of pecans, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to whip up and can be customized with my choice of oats and seeds. I find it a delightful way to start my day or enjoy as an afternoon snack, and I love that I can control the sweetness and ingredients.
Created by: Brianna Tate
Recipe Type: Light & Nourishing
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil and maple syrup until well blended.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well-coated. Spread the mixture evenly onto the lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden brown.
Once baked, let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to an airtight container. Enjoy with yogurt, milk, or on its own!
Extra Tips
- For a variation, try adding dried fruit or seeds like sunflower seeds or chia seeds for extra nutrition and flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g