Maple Pecan Granola

$To make Maple Pecan Granola, you will need these key ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt These ingredients work together to create a tasty and crunchy snack. The oats form the base while the nuts add a nice crunch. Maple syrup brings sweetness, and the spices add warmth. You can change the recipe to fit your taste. Here are some optional ingredients you might try: - Other nuts, like almonds or walnuts - Different seeds, such as chia or flaxseeds - Sweeteners like honey or agave syrup - Dried fruits like apricots or figs Feel free to mix and match these options. This way, your granola will be unique and fun! Understanding the nutrition in this granola helps you make good choices. Here’s a basic breakdown for one serving, which is about 1/2 cup: - Calories: Approximately 200 - Protein: 5 grams - Fat: 10 grams - Carbohydrates: 28 grams - Fiber: 4 grams - Sugar: 6 grams This granola is packed with healthy fats from the nuts and seeds. It also offers fiber from the oats and dried fruits. Enjoy this snack without the guilt! First, gather your ingredients. You need rolled oats, chopped pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries or raisins, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for crispiness. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup later. 3. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until it’s well combined. Now it’s time to bake. 1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until it is smooth. 2. Pour this wet mixture over your dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated well. 3. Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. 4. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure it browns evenly. Watch it closely at the end to avoid burning. For crunchy clusters, follow these tips: - Do not stir too much while baking. Let it sit undisturbed for the best clusters. - Cool the granola completely on the baking sheet. This helps it harden. - Once cooled, mix in the dried cranberries or raisins and break it into clusters. With these steps, you’ll create a tasty Maple Pecan Granola that’s perfect for snacking or breakfast! To keep your Maple Pecan Granola fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars work well for this. Store it in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its crunch. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature. Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference. Always pick rolled oats that are whole and natural. Look for pecans that are fresh and not stale. Check the labels on seeds too. They should have no added salt or sugar. For the maple syrup, go for pure syrup, not the imitation kind. It has a richer flavor. If possible, buy organic ingredients to boost nutrition. Maple Pecan Granola is great in many ways. Serve it with yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast. It also makes a tasty topping for smoothie bowls. You can add a handful to your oatmeal for extra crunch. If you have kids, mix it into their cereal. It’s also a great snack on its own. Just grab a handful when you feel hungry. {{image_2}} You can mix it up with different nuts and seeds. I love using almonds or walnuts instead of pecans. Both add a nice crunch. Try cashews for a creamy twist. You can also switch sunflower seeds with chia or flax seeds. These seeds pack a nutrient punch, making your snack even better. Maple syrup is sweet, but you can try other sweeteners too. Honey or agave syrup works well if you want a change. For a lower-glycemic option, use coconut sugar. It has a rich flavor and is a great choice. Just keep the sweetener amount the same to keep it balanced. Spices can transform your granola. Besides cinnamon, try nutmeg or ginger for warmth. You can also add a hint of cocoa powder for a chocolatey taste. If you like it sweet, vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor combo. The options are endless! To keep your maple pecan granola fresh, choose the right container. I recommend using an airtight glass jar. Glass jars help keep out air and moisture. You can also use plastic containers with tight lids. Avoid using paper or cardboard, as they can let air in. Your granola lasts about two weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze it. Place cooled granola in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. It can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, just thaw it at room temperature. Check your granola for changes. If you see mold, throw it away. If it smells off or tastes stale, it's time to discard it. Fresh granola should smell sweet and nutty. Always trust your senses to ensure safety. Yes, you can. Use other oils like canola or olive oil. Butter also works! The oil helps the granola crisp up. Without it, your granola may be less crunchy. Just keep this in mind when you mix. To make clumps, use more sweetener. Extra maple syrup makes everything stick better. You can also bake it longer, but watch closely. Stir only a bit during baking. This keeps the granola together. Let it cool completely before breaking it apart. You can find it at grocery stores or health food shops. Look for brands that focus on natural ingredients. Online stores also sell it. Check the labels to find the best options for your needs. You learned about making delicious Maple Pecan Granola today. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect clusters. Customizations let you choose different nuts and add natural sweeteners. Storing your granola will keep it fresh longer. Now, it’s time to enjoy your tasty creations. Experiment with flavors and share your granola with others. Happy cooking!$

Start your day with a delicious and healthy homemade Maple Pecan Granola! Packed with oats, crunchy pecans, and a touch of maple syrup, this recipe is perfect for breakfast or a snack. Discover how easy it is to mix and bake your own granola with simple ingredients and a few easy steps. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a wholesome treat that will keep you energized all day long!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to combine the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.

Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.

Once golden and fragrant, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.

Once cooled, stir in the dried cranberries or raisins.

Once fully cooled, break the granola into clusters and transfer it to an airtight container for storage.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 35 min | 8 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the granola in a clear glass jar for a rustic look. Pair it with yogurt and fresh fruits for a wholesome breakfast or snack option. Enjoy!