Are you ready to whip up a tasty and healthy treat? This Maple Pecan Granola recipe is the perfect snack for all ages. It’s crunchy, sweet, and loaded with wholesome ingredients. You can enjoy it plain or topped with yogurt. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps and tips to make your granola come out just right. Let’s get started on this delicious adventure!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup pecan halves, chopped
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Wet Ingredients
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spices and Add-ins
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or your choice of dried fruit)
– 1/4 cup chia seeds (optional for added nutrition)
The main ingredients create the heart of your granola. Rolled oats give it a chewy base. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and flavor. Sliced almonds bring a different nutty taste. Shredded coconut adds sweetness and a tropical touch.
Next, for the wet ingredients, maple syrup is vital. It sweetens your granola and gives it that rich flavor. Melted coconut oil helps everything stick together. Vanilla extract adds a warm, inviting aroma.
Spices and add-ins make your granola special. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavors. Dried cranberries give a pop of color and chewiness. Chia seeds are optional but boost nutrition and provide omega-3s.
For the Full Recipe, refer back to the beginning. Enjoy making this nutritious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This prepares it for baking. Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps your granola not stick to the sheet.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup pecan halves, chopped
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Stir these ingredients together well. This mix gives your granola flavor and crunch.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pour this mixture over your dry ingredients. Mix until everything is coated. Then, spread the granola mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
Baking and Cooling
Bake the granola in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through baking for even browning. It should turn golden brown. Once done, remove it and let it cool on the baking sheet. It will become crunchier as it cools.
Once cooled, stir in 1/2 cup dried cranberries or your choice of dried fruit. Now, your maple pecan granola is ready! For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe].
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Crunch
To get that nice crunch, bake your granola evenly. Stir it halfway through baking. This helps it brown evenly. If you don’t stir, some parts might burn while others stay soft. After baking, let it cool completely. This cooling time is key. The granola will get crunchier as it cools.
Sweetness Adjustments
You can change how sweet your granola is by adjusting the maple syrup. If you like it sweeter, add more syrup. If you want it less sweet, use less syrup. Start with half a cup and taste it before baking. You can always add a bit more if you want. Remember, the flavor will deepen as it bakes.
Storing Your Granola
Store your granola in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are sealed tightly. Your granola can last up to two weeks when stored properly. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge. Enjoy it as a quick snack, breakfast, or topping on yogurt. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips.
Variations
Nut Alternatives
You can switch out pecans for other nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work great. Each nut adds a unique taste and crunch. If you want a milder flavor, use sliced almonds. For a richer taste, walnuts can be your go-to. Hazelnuts add a fun twist with their distinct taste. Feel free to mix and match for your perfect blend!
Flavor Enhancements
Adding spices can take your granola to the next level. Cinnamon and nutmeg are great, but you can also try cardamom or ginger. You might like to add vanilla or almond extract for a flavor boost. If you enjoy chocolate, mix in cocoa or cacao powder. This adds richness and a deep flavor.
Fruit Additions
Dried fruits can really brighten up your granola. Try adding raisins, apricots, or even figs. Each dried fruit adds sweetness and texture. For fresh toppings, consider berries, bananas, or apples. Fresh fruits make it more vibrant and tasty. You can mix dried and fresh fruits for a fun combo!
For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe].
Nutritional Information
Health Benefits of Ingredients
Oats and nuts are packed with nutrients. Oats provide fiber, which helps digestion. They also contain antioxidants that can lower cholesterol. Nuts, like pecans and almonds, have healthy fats. These fats support heart health and help keep you full.
Coconut adds a unique flavor and healthy fat, too. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may boost energy. Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. This helps keep you satisfied longer.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy this granola in many ways. Try it as a snack straight from the jar. You can also mix it with yogurt for a quick breakfast. Add fresh fruits for extra vitamins. Pour some milk over it for a crunchy cereal.
Caloric and Nutritional Breakdown
One serving of this granola has about 200 calories. It contains around 8g of protein and 10g of healthy fats. You will also get about 30g of carbs, including fiber. This balance makes it a great snack or breakfast option. For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
FAQs
How long does homemade granola last?
Homemade granola lasts about two weeks. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge. This helps keep it fresh and crunchy.
Can I make this granola gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free oats. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Check the labels to be sure. If you want to add other grains, try quinoa flakes or puffed rice.
Is it possible to customize flavors?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite spices. Try nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. You can also switch up the nuts. Walnuts or almonds work great. Dried fruits like raisins or apricots add a nice touch too.
Can I enlist kids to help in the kitchen?
Yes, kids can help! They can mix dry ingredients. Measuring and pouring are fun tasks. Older kids can help with stirring and spreading the granola on the baking sheet. It’s a great way to bond and teach them cooking skills.
What other toppings can I add to my granola?
There are many options! You can add yogurt, fresh fruits, or nut butter. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet kick. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds also make a great addition.
Full Recipe for Reference
For the complete cooking instructions, check out the [Full Recipe].
You learned how to make a tasty granola from scratch. We covered ingredients and key steps. We discussed tips for the perfect crunch and how to store your granola. You can customize flavors and even involve kids in the process. Enjoy breakfast or snacks with this healthy treat. Keep it fun and creative as you make each batch your own. Dive in, explore, and enjoy your homemade granola journey!
![- 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecan halves, chopped - 1/2 cup sliced almonds - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or your choice of dried fruit) - 1/4 cup chia seeds (optional for added nutrition) The main ingredients create the heart of your granola. Rolled oats give it a chewy base. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and flavor. Sliced almonds bring a different nutty taste. Shredded coconut adds sweetness and a tropical touch. Next, for the wet ingredients, maple syrup is vital. It sweetens your granola and gives it that rich flavor. Melted coconut oil helps everything stick together. Vanilla extract adds a warm, inviting aroma. Spices and add-ins make your granola special. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavors. Dried cranberries give a pop of color and chewiness. Chia seeds are optional but boost nutrition and provide omega-3s. For the Full Recipe, refer back to the beginning. Enjoy making this nutritious snack! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This prepares it for baking. Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps your granola not stick to the sheet. In a large bowl, combine: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecan halves, chopped - 1/2 cup sliced almonds - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt Stir these ingredients together well. This mix gives your granola flavor and crunch. In another bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pour this mixture over your dry ingredients. Mix until everything is coated. Then, spread the granola mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake the granola in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through baking for even browning. It should turn golden brown. Once done, remove it and let it cool on the baking sheet. It will become crunchier as it cools. Once cooled, stir in 1/2 cup dried cranberries or your choice of dried fruit. Now, your maple pecan granola is ready! For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. To get that nice crunch, bake your granola evenly. Stir it halfway through baking. This helps it brown evenly. If you don’t stir, some parts might burn while others stay soft. After baking, let it cool completely. This cooling time is key. The granola will get crunchier as it cools. You can change how sweet your granola is by adjusting the maple syrup. If you like it sweeter, add more syrup. If you want it less sweet, use less syrup. Start with half a cup and taste it before baking. You can always add a bit more if you want. Remember, the flavor will deepen as it bakes. Store your granola in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are sealed tightly. Your granola can last up to two weeks when stored properly. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge. Enjoy it as a quick snack, breakfast, or topping on yogurt. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips. {{image_2}} You can switch out pecans for other nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work great. Each nut adds a unique taste and crunch. If you want a milder flavor, use sliced almonds. For a richer taste, walnuts can be your go-to. Hazelnuts add a fun twist with their distinct taste. Feel free to mix and match for your perfect blend! Adding spices can take your granola to the next level. Cinnamon and nutmeg are great, but you can also try cardamom or ginger. You might like to add vanilla or almond extract for a flavor boost. If you enjoy chocolate, mix in cocoa or cacao powder. This adds richness and a deep flavor. Dried fruits can really brighten up your granola. Try adding raisins, apricots, or even figs. Each dried fruit adds sweetness and texture. For fresh toppings, consider berries, bananas, or apples. Fresh fruits make it more vibrant and tasty. You can mix dried and fresh fruits for a fun combo! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. Oats and nuts are packed with nutrients. Oats provide fiber, which helps digestion. They also contain antioxidants that can lower cholesterol. Nuts, like pecans and almonds, have healthy fats. These fats support heart health and help keep you full. Coconut adds a unique flavor and healthy fat, too. It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may boost energy. Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber. This helps keep you satisfied longer. You can enjoy this granola in many ways. Try it as a snack straight from the jar. You can also mix it with yogurt for a quick breakfast. Add fresh fruits for extra vitamins. Pour some milk over it for a crunchy cereal. One serving of this granola has about 200 calories. It contains around 8g of protein and 10g of healthy fats. You will also get about 30g of carbs, including fiber. This balance makes it a great snack or breakfast option. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Homemade granola lasts about two weeks. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge. This helps keep it fresh and crunchy. Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free oats. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Check the labels to be sure. If you want to add other grains, try quinoa flakes or puffed rice. Absolutely! You can add your favorite spices. Try nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. You can also switch up the nuts. Walnuts or almonds work great. Dried fruits like raisins or apricots add a nice touch too. Yes, kids can help! They can mix dry ingredients. Measuring and pouring are fun tasks. Older kids can help with stirring and spreading the granola on the baking sheet. It’s a great way to bond and teach them cooking skills. There are many options! You can add yogurt, fresh fruits, or nut butter. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet kick. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds also make a great addition. For the complete cooking instructions, check out the [Full Recipe]. You learned how to make a tasty granola from scratch. We covered ingredients and key steps. We discussed tips for the perfect crunch and how to store your granola. You can customize flavors and even involve kids in the process. Enjoy breakfast or snacks with this healthy treat. Keep it fun and creative as you make each batch your own. Dive in, explore, and enjoy your homemade granola journey!](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/77552aed-524b-4bd5-94d3-45df38f0cdbd-250x250.webp)