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 ground cinnamon - 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) When making Maple Pecan Granola, it's important to measure correctly. Each ingredient plays a key role in taste and texture. The oats form the base, while the nuts and seeds add crunch. Use a measuring cup for dry ingredients and a liquid measuring cup for oils and syrups. This ensures your granola has the right balance. - Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: I recommend Bob's Red Mill for quality and taste. - Pecans: Look for Fisher or Planters for fresh and tasty nuts. - Sunflower Seeds: David's brand offers great flavor and crunch. - Pumpkin Seeds: Try the Shelled Pepitas from Trader Joe's for quality. - Coconut Oil: I like Nutiva for its pure, organic coconut oil. - Pure Maple Syrup: Use Grade A from Maple Grove Farms for rich flavor. - Vanilla Extract: Nielsen-Massey offers high-quality pure vanilla extract. - Dried Cranberries or Raisins: Ocean Spray has sweet, plump cranberries. Using these brands can make your homemade granola even more delicious! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step is key for getting your granola nice and crispy. While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup so much easier later on. In a big bowl, mix the following dry 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 ground cinnamon Stir these ingredients until they are well combined. This helps each bite to be full of flavor. Now, take a small saucepan and heat the melted coconut oil over low heat. Add these wet ingredients: - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Stir the mixture gently until it is warm and mixed well. This step brings out the sweetness of the maple. Carefully pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients in your bowl. Mix everything together well. Make sure every oat and nut is coated in that yummy, sweet mix. Spread the granola mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to stir it halfway through to avoid burning. You want it to be golden brown and smell fantastic. Once baked, take the granola out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling time is important; it helps the granola get crunchy. If you like, add dried cranberries or raisins for extra flavor. When it’s cool, store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Enjoy your delicious snack! For the complete recipe, refer to the full recipe. To get that perfect crunch in your granola, remember these key points: - Bake Slowly: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for even cooking. - Stir Halfway: Stir the granola halfway through cooking. This helps it brown evenly. - Cool Completely: Let it cool on the baking sheet. It will harden as it cools. These steps ensure you get a granola that is both crunchy and tasty. Enhancing flavor is easy with a few small tweaks: - Add Spices: Try nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth. - Mix in Sweetness: Use honey or brown sugar alongside maple syrup for depth. - Incorporate Mix-ins: Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins add sweetness and texture. These flavor boosts can make your granola stand out. Avoid these common errors to ensure success: - Skipping the Salt: A little salt balances sweetness and brings out flavors. - Overbaking: Keep an eye on your granola. Burnt granola won’t taste good. - Not Cooling Properly: If you don’t let it cool, it may stay soft. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll create a delightful Maple Pecan Granola. For the full recipe, check out the Maple Pecan Granola Delight. {{image_4}} You can easily make this granola nut-free. Simply skip the pecans and use more seeds instead. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds work well. You can also add in some shredded coconut for added texture. This makes it safe for those with nut allergies while keeping it tasty and crunchy. To keep your granola gluten-free, always check your oats. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This ensures that they are safe from cross-contamination. You can also add other gluten-free grains like quinoa flakes or puffed rice. Both options give a delightful crunch, making your granola enjoyable for everyone. If you want to swap the sweetener, try honey or agave syrup. Both add a unique flavor while keeping the sweetness. You can also use brown rice syrup for a thicker texture. Just remember, each sweetener alters the taste a bit, so feel free to experiment. For a sugar-free option, consider using mashed bananas or applesauce. These add natural sweetness and moisture to your granola. Make sure to check the full recipe for all the details in creating your perfect Maple Pecan Granola! To keep your Maple Pecan Granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars work great, as they seal tightly and show off your beautiful granola. Place the granola in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. This helps maintain its crunchy texture. Avoid storing it near the stove or oven to prevent heat exposure. Homemade granola can last up to two weeks when stored correctly. After this time, it may lose its crunch and flavor. If you notice any changes in smell or taste, it's best to toss it. Keeping track of the date you made it can help you enjoy it at its best. For longer storage, you can freeze your granola. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen granola can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, simply take out what you need and let it thaw at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious treat without worry! For the full recipe, check out the Maple Pecan Granola Delight. To make Maple Pecan Granola, follow these easy steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). 2. In a large bowl, mix: - 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 ground cinnamon 3. In a saucepan, melt: - 1/3 cup coconut oil - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4. Pour the wet mix into the dry mix and stir well. 5. Spread it on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. 6. Let it cool, then mix in dried cranberries or raisins if you like. 7. Store it in an airtight container. For the full recipe, check the details above. Yes, you can customize your granola! Try different nuts like almonds or walnuts. You can swap seeds too. Use chia or flaxseeds for added nutrition. If you want a sweeter taste, add more maple syrup or try honey. Dried fruits can also change. Use apricots or figs instead of cranberries. The options are endless! Granola is a great snack packed with health benefits. Here are some advantages: - High in Fiber: Helps digestion and keeps you full. - Rich in Nutrients: Nuts and seeds provide protein and healthy fats. - Good for Heart Health: Ingredients like oats can lower cholesterol. - Energy Boosting: Great for breakfast or a pre-workout snack. Granola can help you maintain a balanced diet. Yes, homemade granola is usually cheaper. You buy ingredients in bulk, saving money over time. Store-bought granola can be pricey. Plus, you control the ingredients. This way, you avoid added sugars and preservatives. Making it at home allows for better quality. Serving Maple Pecan Granola is fun and versatile! Here are some ideas: - With Yogurt: Layer granola with yogurt for a parfait. - In Smoothies: Blend it into your smoothie for crunch. - On Oatmeal: Sprinkle it on oatmeal for added flavor. - As a Snack: Enjoy it straight from the jar for a quick bite. Granola can fit into many meals! In this post, we explored the key ingredients for your granola, showed step-by-step instructions, and shared helpful tips. You now know how to create delicious granola, including variations and storage tips. Remember, the right ingredients and methods lead to tasty results. Have fun experimenting with flavors and textures. With these tips, you'll make granola that suits your taste. Enjoy your crunchy treat!$

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Maple Pecan Granola Delight! This delicious homemade granola is packed with wholesome oats, crunchy pecans, and a hint of cinnamon, all sweetened with pure maple syrup. Perfect for a tasty breakfast or snack, it’s easy to make and customizable with your favorite dried fruits. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your mornings with this delightful treat!

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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 ground cinnamon

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, roughly chopped pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, gently heat the melted coconut oil over low flame. Add in the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract, stirring continuously until the mixture is well blended and warm.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Carefully pour the warm mixture of wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure that each oat flake and nut is completely coated in the sweet, aromatic mixture.

Spread onto Baking Sheet: Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.

Bake the Granola: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Stir the granola halfway through cooking to promote uniform browning. Keep a watchful eye towards the end of the baking time; you want the granola to be golden brown and aromatic but not burnt.

Cool Down: Once baked to perfection, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This will help it become wonderfully crunchy.

Add Dried Fruits: When the granola is fully cooled, if you're using dried cranberries or raisins, gently mix them into the granola for an added touch of sweetness and texture.

Storage: Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

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

- Presentation Tips: Elevate your serving game by displaying the granola in a clear glass jar or bowl, showcasing the delightful layers of ingredients. For a delicious breakfast or snack, serve the granola atop yogurt or blend it into smoothies for an extra crunch and flavor burst!