Maple Pecan Granola Delight

$- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled These main ingredients come together to create a tasty and healthy snack. The oats provide fiber, while pecans add crunch and healthy fats. The maple syrup gives natural sweetness, and coconut oil helps bind everything. - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (or a mix of both) - 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (optional) - 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional) You can personalize your granola with these optional ingredients. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor. Sea salt enhances the sweetness. Dried fruit brings a chewy texture. Pumpkin seeds and sliced almonds add even more crunch. You can mix and match to create your perfect blend! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep the granola from sticking. - Mix dry ingredients in a bowl: In a big mixing bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. If you like, add 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds and 1/4 cup of sliced almonds. Stir everything well. - Whisk wet ingredients until smooth: In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of maple syrup and 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. Whisk until it looks smooth and well-blended. - Combine mixtures and spread on the baking sheet: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently until every piece is coated and shiny. - Bake and stir halfway through for even cooking: Spread the mixture on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through baking, pull it out and stir to cook evenly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. You want a nice golden-brown color. - Cool and add dried fruits: After baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps it form crunchy clusters. Once cool, mix in 1 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness. - Store granola in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. - Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly. - Keep granola in a cool, dry place. Avoid heat and moisture to prevent sogginess. - Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) for perfect baking. - Stir the granola halfway to cook it evenly. This helps avoid burning. - To make clusters, press down the mixture on the baking sheet. The tighter the layer, the better the clusters. - Enjoy granola with yogurt or milk for a tasty breakfast. - Mix it into smoothies for added crunch and flavor. - Sprinkle granola on salads for a fun texture and taste. - Use it as a topping for desserts like ice cream or fruit salad. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest nuts and dried fruits for the best flavor and nutrition. Stale ingredients can significantly affect the taste of your granola. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with your favorite nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. Each nut brings a unique flavor and texture to the granola. Experiment with Spices: Besides cinnamon, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. Spices can elevate the taste and aroma of your granola. Make It Clumpier: If you prefer clumpy granola, press the mixture down firmly on the baking sheet before baking. This helps create larger clusters as it bakes. {{image_4}} You can easily change up the nuts or seeds in this granola. If you want a nut-free option, try using sunflower seeds or hemp seeds. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. Each nut brings a unique taste. For dried fruits, cranberries and raisins are classic choices. But you can use apricots, cherries, or figs for a twist. Just chop larger pieces into smaller bits. This helps them mix well with the granola. You can even add some dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch. Adding spices can take your granola to the next level. Try mixing in some nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A pinch of cardamom can add a lovely fragrant note as well. You might also consider adding a splash of vanilla extract. This gives a warm and inviting flavor that everyone loves. If you’re feeling adventurous, try infusing the granola with cocoa powder. This adds a rich chocolate flavor. You can mix in cocoa powder with the dry ingredients. This way, you create a chocolate maple pecan granola that’s hard to resist. Each serving of Maple Pecan Granola packs in great nutrition. You get about 200 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber. The oats are a wonderful source of whole grains. They help keep your heart healthy and your digestion smooth. Pecans are also a star ingredient. They are rich in healthy fats, which are good for your brain. They also provide zinc and magnesium. These nutrients support your immune system. The mix of cranberries adds antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body. If you need gluten-free snacks, this granola works well! Just choose certified gluten-free oats. This simple change keeps the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive folks. For those following a vegan diet, this recipe is easy to adapt. Maple syrup is already plant-based. Use coconut oil to avoid dairy. You can enjoy this tasty treat without any animal products. How long does homemade granola last? Homemade granola lasts about two weeks if stored correctly. Keep it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just let it thaw at room temperature when you want to enjoy it. Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup? Yes, you can use honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar. Each option adds a different taste. Maple syrup gives a unique flavor that pairs well with pecans, but feel free to experiment with your favorite sweeteners. What are the best ways to enjoy Maple Pecan Granola? You can eat it as a snack right out of the jar. It’s also great on yogurt or oatmeal. Sprinkle it on smoothie bowls for extra crunch. You can even mix it into baked goods like muffins or cookies. Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free? Absolutely! Simply leave out the pecans and add more seeds. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds work well. You can also add extra dried fruit for texture and taste. Enjoy your nut-free granola just as much! Maple Pecan Granola is a tasty and healthy choice. You learned about its main and optional ingredients. I shared easy steps for preparation and baking. Tips helped with storage and serving ideas. You can try fun variations and enjoy the health benefits. Making granola at home is simple and rewarding. You gain control over flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your crunchy creation anytime!$

A delicious and crunchy granola made with oats, pecans, and sweetened with pure maple syrup.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
0.5 cup pure maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (or a mix of both)
0.25 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
0.25 cup sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, coarsely chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, sea salt, pumpkin seeds, and sliced almonds. Stir well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup and melted coconut oil until smooth.
Pour the maple syrup and coconut oil mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring gently until well coated.
Transfer the mixture onto the lined baking sheet, spreading it out evenly and pressing it down gently.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking. Watch closely towards the end.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Once cooled, gently stir in the dried cranberries or raisins.
Transfer the granola into an airtight container for storage.

Notes

For a stunning breakfast parfait, layer the granola in a clear jar or glass with creamy yogurt and colorful fresh fruits like berries or banana slices. Top with a sprinkle of additional pecans for that extra crunch and visual appeal!

Keyword breakfast, granola, healthy, snack