Maple Pecan Granola

$- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) Using quality ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Old-fashioned rolled oats give the granola a chewy texture. Pecans add a rich flavor and crunch. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds boost nutrition and add variety. Salt enhances all the flavors, while cinnamon brings warmth and sweetness. Coconut oil helps bind the granola and gives it a light taste. Pure maple syrup is a natural sweetener, making the granola sticky and delicious. Lastly, dried cranberries or raisins can add a fruity note if you choose to include them. One serving of maple pecan granola has about 250 calories. This is a good snack to keep you full. Each ingredient offers health benefits. Oats provide fiber, which aids digestion. Pecans are packed with healthy fats and protein. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds offer vitamins and minerals. Coconut oil has medium-chain fatty acids that can support heart health. Maple syrup contains antioxidants, making it a better choice than refined sugar. Pecans and oats are both very good for your health. Pecans help lower bad cholesterol levels. They also contain antioxidants that fight inflammation. Oats are great for heart health and can help control blood sugar. The fiber in oats keeps you feeling full longer. Together, they make a tasty snack that also supports your health. Enjoying maple pecan granola can be a smart choice for a nutritious diet. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step is key to getting a nice, crunchy granola. Use a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This paper stops the granola from sticking and makes cleanup easy. You want even heat, so your granola bakes perfectly. In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chopped pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that every bite has a balance of flavors. Use a big spoon to stir them well. You want to see a nice, even blend. No clumps! This helps with even cooking later. In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat. Once it’s melted, add the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is smooth and warm. This warming helps the flavors mix well together. When you pour this mixture over the dry ingredients, it will coat everything nicely. Make sure to mix thoroughly, so every oat and nut gets some love. This step is vital for the best taste and crunch! Now, you're ready to spread the granola on your baking sheet and start the fun of baking! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get that perfect crunch in your Maple Pecan Granola, use rolled oats. They provide a chewy base that crisps well. Next, stir the mixture halfway through baking. This helps it brown evenly. Bake until golden brown but not burnt. If you like it crunchier, bake a bit longer, but watch closely. If you want more or less sweetness, adjust the maple syrup. Try adding more for a sweeter taste or cutting back for less sugar. You can also mix in other sweeteners like honey or agave. Just remember, these changes can affect the final texture, so adjust carefully. Be careful not to overcrowd the baking sheet. Spread the granola evenly for even baking. If it clumps together, it won't bake well. Also, keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. Granola can go from perfect to burnt quickly, so stay alert. Follow the Full Recipe to ensure best results! {{image_2}} You can change the nuts and seeds for fun flavors. Try almonds for a crunchy bite. Walnuts add a rich taste. Cashews bring a creamy feel. For seeds, use chia or flax for more fiber. These swaps keep your granola fresh and exciting. Adding fruits or spices can make your granola special. Dried cherries or apricots bring sweetness. For a spicy kick, add nutmeg or ginger. You can mix in coconut flakes for a tropical taste. Each choice adds a new twist to your granola. You can easily make this recipe gluten-free and vegan. Use gluten-free oats to keep it safe. Swap coconut oil for a plant-based butter if you like. Maple syrup is already vegan, so you’re good there. These tweaks let everyone enjoy your tasty snack. For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. To keep your maple pecan granola fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars work well. You can also use plastic containers that seal tightly. Store the granola at room temperature, away from heat and light. A dark pantry or cupboard is perfect. Maple pecan granola stays fresh for about two weeks when stored properly. After that, it may lose its crunch and flavor. If you notice any strange smells or tastes, it’s best to toss it. If you want to keep granola for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out any air before sealing. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it at room temperature. It will taste fresh and crunchy again! To make this tasty granola, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a big bowl, mix 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir well. 3. In a small pot, melt 1/3 cup of coconut oil. Add 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until warm. 4. Pour the wet mix over the dry mix. Stir until all oats and nuts are coated. 5. Spread the mix on the baking sheet evenly. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway. Watch it closely at the end. The granola should be golden brown. 7. Remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. It will crisp as it cools. 8. If you want, mix in 1 cup of dried cranberries or raisins. 9. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Yes, you can use other sweeteners. Honey is a great choice. It adds a nice flavor. Brown sugar is another option but may change the texture. Agave syrup works too. It is a light sweetener. Each choice will affect the taste and texture. Maple syrup gives a unique flavor, so keep that in mind. You can serve this granola in many ways. Here are some ideas: - Enjoy it with milk or a milk alternative for breakfast. - Top your yogurt with granola for added crunch. - Sprinkle it on smoothies for a tasty twist. - Use it as a topping for baked fruits or desserts. - Store it in a clear jar to show off those pretty layers. For more details, check the full recipe. Making Maple Pecan Granola is simple and fun. We covered ingredients, health benefits, and storage. Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and nutrition. Preheating your oven and using parchment paper ensures great texture. You can customize sweetness and avoid common mistakes with simple tips. Variations allow you to explore different nuts and add-ins. Store your granola well to keep it fresh. Enjoy this tasty snack at breakfast or anytime. Now, you can make a delicious batch to share or savor on your own!$

Discover the delightful flavors of homemade Maple Pecan Granola! This easy recipe features wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned oats, crunchy pecans, and sweet maple syrup, perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack. Learn how to create your own delicious granola that’s not only simple to make but also customizable with your favorite add-ins.

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Ingredients

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until well mixed.

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended and warm.

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly, ensuring every oat and nut is coated.

Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to allow for even cooking. Keep a close eye towards the end to prevent burning. The granola should be golden brown and fragrant.

Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet; it will continue to crisp up as it cools.

Once cooled, mix in the dried cranberries or raisins if using.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 8-10

- Presentation Tips: Serve your granola in a clear glass jar or bowl to showcase its beautiful layers, or enjoy it as a topping over yogurt or smoothies for added texture and flavor.