Maple Pecan Granola

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional) Gathering these ingredients is easy. You might find most in your pantry. Rolled oats provide a great base. They offer fiber and help with digestion. Pecans add crunch and healthy fats. Shredded coconut gives a tropical twist. Sunflower seeds pack in protein and vitamins. Maple syrup is the sweet star of this recipe. Coconut oil keeps everything together and adds richness. Vanilla extract enhances flavor, while cinnamon adds warmth. Sea salt balances the sweetness. If you like, toss in dried cranberries for a fruity touch. This blend makes a tasty and wholesome granola. - Calories per serving: About 200 - Protein: 4g - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 27g This granola is not just tasty; it’s good for you. Pecans are rich in antioxidants. They support heart health and brain function. Maple syrup offers a natural sweetness with minerals. Rolled oats help keep you full and satisfied. This mix is perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or on its own. For the full recipe, check the details above! 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for getting that perfect crunch. 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. 3. In a big bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and sunflower seeds. Stir well so everything combines evenly. 1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. 2. Make sure to whisk until the mixture is smooth. This helps the flavors blend well. 3. If your coconut oil is too solid, heat it slightly. This helps it mix better with the other wet ingredients. 1. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Use a spatula to stir everything together. Ensure all the dry ingredients get coated well. 2. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Keep it in a single layer for even baking. 3. Bake the granola for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir it every 10 minutes to promote even toasting. Watch it closely; you want it to turn golden brown and smell amazing! After baking, let the granola cool completely on the sheet. It will become crunchy as it cools. Enjoy this crunchy and wholesome Maple Pecan Granola with yogurt or fruit for a tasty breakfast! For the full recipe, refer to the main section. To avoid burning your granola, keep a close eye as it bakes. Stir it every ten minutes. This helps it toast evenly and prevents dark spots. If you notice it browning too fast, lower the oven temperature by 25°F. You can adjust sweetness and flavor by adding more maple syrup or spices. If you want it sweeter, try adding a bit more maple syrup. For a spicier flavor, add more cinnamon or even a dash of nutmeg. Pair granola with creamy yogurt for a tasty treat. Add fresh fruits like berries or banana slices for a crunchy breakfast. Granola also makes a great topping. Sprinkle it over your favorite desserts like ice cream or fruit salad. You can even add it to green salads for extra crunch. One common mistake is over-mixing or under-mixing the ingredients. Too much mixing can break the oats. Not enough mixing means the syrup won't coat everything well. Aim for a good mix without overdoing it. If you want your granola to clump, make sure to press it down on the baking sheet. This helps it stick together as it bakes. You can also let it cool completely before breaking it apart. For the full recipe, check out the main article above. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your maple pecan granola in fun ways. Try adding different nuts like almonds or walnuts. Seeds like chia or pumpkin seeds add crunch and nutrition. You can also play with spices. Nutmeg or cardamom can give your granola a warm, cozy taste. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats. They taste just as good. For a sweeter touch without added sugar, use pure maple syrup or honey. You can even try agave syrup. These swaps keep your granola tasty and healthy. Incorporating dried fruits is a great way to add variety. Dried apples or apricots can brighten your granola. During the holidays, you might enjoy adding spices like ginger or cinnamon. You can also blend in seasonal nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, to make your granola festive. These changes make your granola fun and exciting all year long. For the full recipe, check the main section. To keep your maple pecan granola fresh, use an airtight container. This helps seal in the crunch. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Your granola will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For the best taste and texture, eat it within this time frame. You can freeze granola for a longer shelf life. To do this, pack the granola into a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Your granola can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This will help maintain its crunch. If you want to enjoy warm granola, reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the granola on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep it crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the granola soggy. Homemade granola can last about two weeks at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Frozen granola can stay good for three months. Just thaw it on the counter before eating. Yes, you can make granola without coconut. Substitute with more oats or nuts. You can also add seeds like pumpkin or flaxseed. These keep the texture crunchy and add nutrition. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand. Maple pecan granola can be gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure safety. Most other ingredients, like nuts and seeds, are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels for hidden gluten. This way, you can enjoy your granola worry-free. To make granola clump, use more liquid sweeteners. Maple syrup, honey, or agave work well. Mix the wet ingredients well and coat the dry ones evenly. Press the mixture firmly on the baking sheet before baking. This helps clumps form as it bakes. Granola pairs great with yogurt, milk, or smoothies. For yogurt, add fresh fruit on top. You can sprinkle it over oatmeal or use it in parfaits. Mix granola into your smoothie for a crunchy twist. Enjoy it however you like! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious maple pecan granola. We listed the key ingredients and walked through easy preparation steps. You learned how to bake it perfectly and avoid common mistakes. We also shared tips for serving and storing your granola, along with fun variations to try. Remember, making granola is all about getting creative. Use what you love, and enjoy the process. With these steps, you can craft a tasty snack or breakfast that fits your needs. Happy baking!$

Start your day with this delicious Maple Pecan Granola! Packed with rolled oats, crunchy pecans, and a hint of coconut, this easy recipe is perfect for breakfast or a snack. Follow simple steps to bake your granola to golden perfection and enjoy it with yogurt or as a dessert topping. Ready to whip up this tasty treat? Click through to explore the full recipe and transform your mornings with a homemade crunch!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, roughly chopped pecans, unsweetened shredded coconut, and sunflower seeds, blending them well to ensure an even mix.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the dry ingredients are well-coated with the syrup and oil mixture.

Spread the combined mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it is in a single layer for consistent toasting.

Bake the granola in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir the mixture every 10 minutes to promote even toasting, watching closely until it turns golden brown and releases a delightful aroma.

Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crunchy.

After the granola has cooled, fold in the dried cranberries if you’re using them. Transfer the granola to an airtight container for proper storage, where it can maintain its freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: Approximately 8 cups

- Presentation Tips: Serve the granola in bowls alongside creamy yogurt and fresh fruit for a tasty breakfast or snack option. For a creative twist, sprinkle it over salads or use it as a topping for desserts to add a delightful crunch and flavor!