Are you ready for a crunchy and flavorful treat? Maple Pecan Granola is here to satisfy your cravings! Packed with wholesome oats, sweet maple syrup, and crunchy pecans, this delightful snack is perfect for breakfast or a midday bite. I’ll guide you through easy steps to whip up this delicious granola. Get ready for a sweet adventure that your taste buds will love! Let’s dive into the ingredients you need.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Gathering the right ingredients is key for great maple pecan granola. I love using rolled oats for a chewy texture. Pecans add a nice crunch and flavor. The unsweetened shredded coconut gives a hint of sweetness. Sunflower seeds boost the nutty notes and add healthy fats.
Maple syrup is our sweetener. It gives that lovely flavor we crave. Coconut oil helps everything crisp up nicely. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Cinnamon brings in a cozy spice note, while salt enhances all the flavors.
You can add dried cranberries for a fruity touch. They give a burst of tartness that pairs perfectly with the sweet maple. I recommend using these ingredients to create a delicious granola mix. For the full recipe and detailed steps, check out the Full Recipe section.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First, you need to preheat your oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the granola bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, and 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds. Stir these dry ingredients well. This mix gives your granola a great crunch and flavor.
Preparing the Wet Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Whisk together 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything blends nicely. This mixture adds sweetness and richness to your granola.
Combining and Baking
Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until all the dry ingredients get coated. Spread the mixture evenly on your baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir the granola every 10 minutes. This ensures it browns evenly. Once golden and fragrant, remove it from the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crunchy as it cools. If you like, stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries after it cools. Store your granola in an airtight container. For the full recipe, check the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Crunchiness
To make sure your granola is crunchy, follow a few key steps. First, use rolled oats, as they bake better than quick oats. Second, spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. This allows for even toasting. Stir every ten minutes while baking. This helps the granola brown evenly. After baking, let it cool completely on the sheet. It will harden as it cools, giving you that perfect crunch.
Flavor Enhancements
You can boost the flavor of your granola in many ways. Add spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A pinch of sea salt can enhance the sweetness of the maple syrup. For a fruity twist, toss in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. If you like a hint of chocolate, mix in some dark chocolate chips after baking. These small changes can create a granola that suits your taste perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Maple pecan granola is versatile and fun to serve. You can enjoy it with yogurt and fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast. Sprinkle it over salads for a crunchy texture. It also makes a great topping for desserts like ice cream. For a quick snack, grab a handful straight from the jar. The options are endless! Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas on how to enjoy this tasty treat.
Variations
Nut Alternatives
You can switch out pecans for other nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well. Each nut brings a unique taste and texture. Try using a mix for more flavor. Just keep the total nut amount the same. This way, your granola will still crunch.
Sweetness Adjustments
If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. Honey or agave syrup can also work great. For less sweetness, use less syrup or try unsweetened applesauce. Balance the flavors until it fits your taste. The aim is a granola that you love!
Additional Ingredients
You can add seeds or dried fruits for extra flavor. Chia seeds or pumpkin seeds add nutrition. Dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or blueberries give a nice chew. Try spices like nutmeg or ginger for a twist. Get creative and make it your own!
Check out the Full Recipe for more tips on making this tasty Maple Pecan Granola!
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your Maple Pecan Granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars work well, but plastic containers are fine too. Make sure the container is completely sealed to keep out air and moisture. You can store it at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight. This helps maintain its crunch and flavor.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, your granola can last up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Granola can stay fresh for three months in the freezer. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you want to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature.
How to Revive Stale Granola
If your granola loses its crunch, don’t worry! You can easily bring it back to life. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the stale granola on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake it for about 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Let it cool, and it should be crunchy again. Enjoy this tasty treat in various ways, like on yogurt or as a snack. For the full recipe, check out the complete details.
FAQs
How do I customize my Maple Pecan Granola?
You can customize your granola easily. Try adding different nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. You might like almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds. You can swap maple syrup for honey or agave. Adjust the cinnamon for more or less spice. Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
Can I make this granola gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this granola gluten-free. Choose certified gluten-free oats when you shop. Most nuts and seeds are naturally gluten-free too. Just make sure all your ingredients are safe. This way, everyone can enjoy your tasty granola.
Is Maple Pecan Granola healthy?
Maple Pecan Granola can be a healthy choice. It has whole grains from oats and healthy fats from nuts. The maple syrup adds natural sweetness, but it’s still sugar. Add dried fruit for extra vitamins. Enjoy in moderation for a balanced snack.
How do I know when the granola is done baking?
Watch for the color and smell. Your granola will turn golden brown and smell great. Stir it every ten minutes for even toasting. It usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Let it cool completely; it will get crunchier as it cools.
Can I use other nuts or seeds in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any nuts or seeds you like. Almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts all work well. You can also try chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrition. Feel free to mix and match for your perfect granola. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
Full Recipe
Complete Recipe Details
Maple pecan granola is a tasty snack or breakfast. It has a crunchy texture and sweet flavor. You can make it with simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
These ingredients create a perfect balance of flavors. The oats give it body, while pecans add crunch. Coconut adds a tropical twist, and sunflower seeds boost nutrition. Maple syrup is the sweetener that ties it all together.
To make this granola, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. This includes the oats, pecans, coconut, and sunflower seeds. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together. This step ensures even flavor in every bite.
Once combined, spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes to help it toast evenly. The granola is done when it turns golden brown and smells amazing.
Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crunchy. You can add dried cranberries at this stage for a fruity flavor. Transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage.
This recipe makes about 8 cups. You can serve it with yogurt and fresh fruit. It is also great on salads or desserts. Enjoy the delicious crunch of maple pecan granola!
You now have a simple way to make Maple Pecan Granola. We covered the key ingredients, from oats to cranberries. You learned how to mix, bake, and store your granola. I shared tips to make it crunchy and tasty. Plus, you can customize it to fit your taste. This recipe is healthy and easy to make. Enjoy it alone or with yogurt. Get creative with flavors and ingredients. Making your own granola is fun, so dive in and start baking!
