Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

Maple Pecan Granola Ingredients

If you’re anything like me, you’ll already have a pantry full of nuts, seeds and oats, so you shouldn’t need to go and buy anything special to make this cinnamon pecan granola recipe.

What you’ll need:

• ½ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup pecan nuts
• ½ cup almonds
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup flaked coconut
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds

How to Make This Healthy Cinnamon Granola Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350F / 175C. Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet
2. Place melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a large bowl, and whisk well to combine.
3. Add in the rolled oats and stir until the oats are well coated.
4. Add in the nuts, coconut and pumpkin seeds. Stir to combine.
5. Scoop the granola mixture into your baking tray and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake the granola for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it starts to brown on top. You can stir it halfway if you want it evenly cooked, but I prefer to leave it so that it forms clusters.
7. Once cooked, leave it untouched for around 40 mins to cool. If you like it clustered, don’t touch it during this period. If you like it more free-flowing, you can give it a stir to break it up.
8. Store in an airtight jar once completely cooled.

Nutrition Maple Cinnamon Granola

• Serving: 1g
• Calories: 394kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 62mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 14g

Ways to Enjoy this Cinnamon Pecan Granola Recipe

Enjoy this homemade cinnamon granola with almond or coconut milk for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or a wholesome midday snack. It also serves as a delightful topping for coconut yogurt or baked apples, adding a pleasant crunch and a touch of natural sweetness.

This healthy vegan cinnamon granola is remarkably versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of recipes. It works excellently as an ingredient in protein-rich vegan pancakes, granola bars, cookies, or smoothie bowls, enhancing both texture and flavor. For this reason, it is highly practical to keep a batch stored in your pantry, ensuring that you always have a convenient and nourishing option available for quick meals or snacks.

Why Make Homemade Cinnamon Granola?

There are numerous advantages to preparing homemade granola, making it a worthwhile alternative to store-bought varieties.

Firstly, making maple syrup granola from scratch provides complete control over the ingredients used. This often results in a significantly healthier product, free from the excessive sugars, artificial flavorings, and preservatives commonly found in commercial granola. By selecting high-quality, natural ingredients, you can create a nutritious and wholesome breakfast or snack option tailored to your dietary preferences.

Secondly, homemade granola is far more cost-effective than most store-bought brands, which are often priced at a premium. Preparing granola at home allows you to enjoy the same satisfying flavor and texture without the added expense, making it an economical choice for regular consumption.

Another key advantage of making your own granola is its versatility. This recipe can be easily modified to incorporate a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or flavorings, allowing you to customize it according to your taste and nutritional needs. This flexibility is especially beneficial for individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences, as commercial granolas can be limited in variety or contain unwanted ingredients.

In essence, homemade granola offers superior control, cost savings, and creative freedom, making it a practical and enjoyable choice for anyone seeking a healthier and more personalized alternative.

How to Store your Vegan Granola

This homemade cinnamon granola has an extended shelf life and can remain fresh for several months when stored properly. To maintain its crisp texture and flavor, store the granola in an airtight jar or container at room temperature, away from humidity and direct sunlight. Under these conditions, the granola remains shelf-stable without the need for refrigeration.

Refrigeration is generally not recommended unless you live in a particularly humid climate. Storing granola in the refrigerator can cause it to absorb moisture, resulting in a soft or soggy texture and, in some cases, mold growth. Additionally, granola may absorb surrounding odors from the refrigerator, which can affect its taste.

For longer storage or if you are uncertain when you will next use your granola, freezing is an effective option. This method helps extend the shelf life while preventing issues related to humidity. Ensure the granola has completely cooled before transferring it into a reusable, airtight freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its storage time. When stored in the freezer, granola can last for up to six months.

When ready to use, allow the granola to return to room temperature, then refresh it in a preheated oven at low heat to restore its crispiness. Take care to monitor it closely during reheating to prevent burning.

Tips for Making Granola with Maple Syrup

This homemade cinnamon granola recipe is highly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. You may enhance the flavor and texture by incorporating your choice of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. For a more indulgent variation, consider adding vegan chocolate chips.

If you prefer a lower-carbohydrate version, opt for dried fruits such as cranberries or blueberries in your granola mix. To make the granola gluten-free, use certified gluten-free rolled oats, such as those from Bob’s Red Mill.

Although this maple cinnamon granola recipe is naturally vegan, you may substitute honey for maple syrup if desired. However, please note that this adjustment will make the granola non-vegan.