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To make a delicious Maple Pecan Granola, you need these simple ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - Optional add-ins: dried cranberries, coconut flakes Each of these ingredients plays a key part in creating a tasty treat. The rolled oats form the base, giving the granola its hearty texture. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and rich flavor. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds provide healthy fats and protein. The star of the show, pure maple syrup, sweetens the granola and gives it a lovely glaze. Melted coconut oil helps bind everything together while adding a subtle sweetness. The vanilla extract and ground cinnamon create warmth and depth in flavor. Lastly, sea salt balances the sweetness. You can also mix in optional items like dried cranberries or coconut flakes for a fun twist. This granola is not just a snack; it’s great on yogurt or with milk. Each bite is fresh and crunchy! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds, and 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds. Make sure the dry ingredients are well mixed. - In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt until smooth. - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well to coat all the oats and nuts. - Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet using a spatula. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the granola halfway through to ensure even toasting. Look for a golden brown color and a lovely smell. - Once baked, take the granola out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. - If you want, add in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or coconut flakes while the granola is still warm. Gently mix them in. - After cooling, break the granola into clusters. Store it in an airtight container. Enjoy it as a snack, atop yogurt, or with milk! To get that perfect crunch in your granola, pay attention to your baking. Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps toast the oats without burning them. Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to stop sticking and make cleanup easy. Stir the granola halfway through baking. This helps it brown evenly and prevents burning. Look for a golden brown color and a sweet smell. Once done, let the granola cool completely on the sheet. This cooling step is key for a crunchy texture. Boost the flavor of your granola with spices. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add warmth. You can also try different sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. For fun mix-ins, consider dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. They add sweetness and chewiness. If you want to swap out ingredients, feel free. You can use any nuts or seeds you like. Just keep the total amounts the same to maintain texture. Serving your granola can be fun! Try it in a bowl with yogurt or milk. Top it with fresh fruits like berries or banana slices. For a special touch, add extra coconut flakes on top. Think about how you store your granola, too. Use clear jars to show off the colorful layers. This makes it easy to grab a snack when you need one. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh nuts and seeds to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your granola. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup according to your taste. You can also experiment with honey or agave syrup. Store Properly: Keep your granola in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness and prevent it from becoming stale. Try Different Add-ins: Feel free to add other dried fruits, nuts, or spices to make your granola unique and tailored to your preferences. {{image_4}} If you want a nut-free granola, you can skip the pecans. Use more seeds instead. Try using these options instead of nuts: - Sunflower seeds - Pumpkin seeds - Chia seeds You can also add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. These will add a sweet touch. This way, you keep the crunch without nuts. Adding new flavors can make your granola special. You can mix in spices like: - Nutmeg - Ginger These spices can add warmth and depth to your granola. You can also try different syrups. Instead of maple syrup, use: - Honey - Agave syrup These can change the taste and sweetness of your granola. You can turn your granola into bars. Just adjust the recipe a bit. Use less oil and syrup for a firmer mix. Here’s how: - Reduce coconut oil to 2 tablespoons. - Cut maple syrup to 1/3 cup. Press the mixture firmly into a pan. After baking, let it cool before cutting. These bars make a great snack on the go. To keep your granola fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars work well. They prevent air and moisture from getting in. You can also use plastic containers with tight lids. Store your granola in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, as heat can make it stale. For long-lasting granola, do not leave it open. Each time you open the container, air gets in. This can make your granola lose its crunch. If you want to keep it extra fresh, consider vacuum-sealing it. This removes air and extends its life. Maple pecan granola stays fresh for about two weeks at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it can last even longer. You might get about a month of freshness. Watch for signs of spoilage. If the granola smells off or has a stale taste, it may be bad. Also, check for any signs of mold. If you see any, throw it away right away. You can freeze granola for long-term storage. First, let the granola cool completely. Then, pack it in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. When you want to use frozen granola, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours. You can also use it straight from the freezer. Just add it to yogurt or milk for a tasty treat! One serving of maple pecan granola has about 200 calories. It includes: - Carbohydrates: 30g - Protein: 5g - Fat: 8g - Fiber: 3g This granola gives you energy and keeps you full. The nuts and seeds add healthy fats and protein. Yes, you can make this granola fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats. If you want a vegan version, substitute the honey with more maple syrup. You can also skip the nuts if you have allergies. You can find good premade granola in many stores. Look for brands like Nature Valley or Kind. When choosing a product, check for: - Whole ingredients: Avoid added sugars and preservatives. - Nut content: Ensure it matches your taste or dietary needs. - Texture: Select one with crunchy clusters for the best experience. This guide covered everything about making tasty maple pecan granola. We explored the key ingredients and provided easy steps to create the perfect batch. I shared tips for achieving the best crunch and ways to customize the flavors. You can keep granola fresh with proper storage and even freeze it for later. With these insights, you can make delicious granola at home, tailored to your tastes. Enjoy your healthier snacking choice!

Maple Pecan Granola

A delicious and healthy granola made with oats, pecans, and sweetened with pure maple syrup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup sunflower seeds
  • 0.25 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 0.5 cup pure maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, ensuring an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt until you achieve a smooth and homogenous mixture.
  • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure that everything is well-coated with the sticky blend, allowing for better flavor and texture in your granola.
  • Evenly spread the granola mixture across the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to create an even layer.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remember to stir the mixture halfway through the baking time to promote even toasting and prevent any burning—look for a golden brown color and delightful aroma.
  • Once your granola is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the sheet. If you are adding dried cranberries or coconut flakes, gently fold them into the warm granola for optimal mixture.
  • After the granola has cooled, break it into clusters of your desired size and transfer it to an airtight container for storage. This granola is perfect as a healthy snack, a topping for yogurt, or enjoyed with milk!

Notes

Serve with fresh fruit and additional coconut flakes for a delightful presentation.
Keyword breakfast, granola, healthy snack