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Golden Maple Pecan Granola: 15-Min Amazing Crunch

Golden Maple Pecan Granola

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Discover the joy of homemade Golden Maple Pecan Granola with this simple and nutritious recipe! Perfect for breakfast, a topping for yogurt, or a tasty snack, this granola combines old-fashioned oats, crunchy pecans, and sweet maple syrup for a delightful crunch. With health benefits and customizable ingredients, it’s an easy way to enhance your diet. Enjoy it alone or with fruits for a satisfying treat. Get ready to elevate your snacking game!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or golden raisins (optional)
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. If using, add the zest of the orange for a burst of flavor.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly, ensuring all the oats and nuts are nicely coated.
  5. Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down slightly to form an even layer.
  6. Bake the Granola: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Bake until golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  7. Add Dried Fruit: If you’re including dried cranberries or golden raisins, sprinkle them on top right after the granola comes out of the oven. Allow the granola to cool completely; it will crisp up further as it cools.
  8. Store: Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Old-fashioned rolled oats are rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and lowering cholesterol.
  • Pecans are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Unsweetened coconut flakes add natural sweetness, chewiness, healthy fats, and fiber.
  • Sunflower seeds offer protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E.
  • Pure maple syrup provides minerals like manganese and zinc, and a rich caramel-like flavor.
  • Cinnamon offers potential health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar control.
  • Sea salt balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
  • Vanilla extract adds an aromatic quality.
  • Dried fruits and orange zest are optional add-ins for extra sweetness, chewiness, and flavor.
  • Preheating the oven ensures even baking and toasting.
  • Thoroughly mixing dry and wet ingredients separately, then combining them, ensures even coating and flavor.
  • Pressing the granola down on the baking sheet promotes clumping.
  • Stirring halfway through baking prevents burning and promotes even browning of the golden maple pecan granola.
  • Add dried fruits after baking to maintain their texture.
  • Cooling completely on the baking sheet is essential for crispness.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
  • This healthy maple pecan granola can be customized for gluten-free or nut-free diets.
  • Enjoy this delicious maple pecan breakfast cereal with yogurt, milk, in smoothies, or as a topping for desserts.

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