Easy Maple Pecan Granola

This deliciously easy maple pecan granola is slightly sweetened with pure maple syrup and light brown sugar, which is perfectly offset by hints of toasted pecan and coarse kosher salt.

easy maple pecan granola

why you should make this easy maple pecan granola

We love granola at our house, but store bought granola is often packed full of sugar and other unhealthy oils and additives. But this easy maple pecan granola is SO delicious, healthy, and takes mere minutes to throw together. We also like to change up the ingredients for some fun variety, adding pumpkin seeds and pumpkin pie spice in the autumn, or coconut and dark chocolate chips for a fun summer twist.

Homemade granola also has a different texture than store bought granola. It has more of a chewiness to it and because you can eat it fresh, it isn’t overly dry. We love to eat it as a topping on whole milk or Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey, by itself, or in a bowl with a warm milk.

easy maple pecan granola

ingedients for easy maple pecan granola

  • 4 Cups Old fashioned Oats
  • 1 1/2 Cups Chopped Pecans
  • 2/3 Cup Dry Roasted Sunflower Kernels
  • 1/2 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
  • 1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil OR Unrefined Coconut Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 Cup Raisins
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp Nutmeg or Cardamom

Preparing easy maple pecan granola

A few NOTES before we begin:

It is very important to use PURE maple syrup. A lot of artificial maple is labeled “Maple syrup” but actually contains yucky fillers and flavor additives. Pure maple has a wonderful distinct flavor and stand out against the imposters.

It is also important to note that you can use olive oil OR coconut oil in this recipe. But be aware, unrefined coconut oil does have a coconut flavor. I really like using coconut oil for that reason, but if that is something that you do not like, I would suggest using the olive oil instead.

Okay, Let’s go.

To prepare this granola, first combine the oats, pecans, sunflower seeds, salt, cinnamon and spices, raisins and brown sugar in a large bowl, baking sheet, or even a on clean countertop.

chopped pecans for granola
dry roasted sunflowers
raisins for granola
unbaked granola
adding salt in granola
cinnamon in granola

Next, add in the oil and pure maple syrup and give the granola a good stir with a large spoon so that all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Adding olive oil to granola
pure maple syrup in granola
easy maple pecan granola

Baking the granola

Spread the granola evenly onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 325 for 15 minutes. Take the granola out and stir it gently. Then return to the oven for 15 – 20 minutes, or until golden brown. If you like your granola clumpy, let it “rest” for at least 20 minutes (or until cool) on the countertop. Then, store in a dry airtight container for up to two weeks.

yogurt with easy maple pecan granola

faq and substitutions for easy maple pecan granola

Is this granola gluten free? Yes, but you do need to purchase oats that are specified as “gluten free” because some oats are subject to cross contamination due to being processed in the same place as other glutenous products.

Why is my granola not crunchy? Granola needs to be baked low and slow so that the nuts don’t burn and cause the granola to taste bitter. If the granola doesn’t bake long enough, the oats will retain oil and remain soft and soggy. The oats will be somewhat soft when they first come out of the oven, but if baked for the proper length of time, they should crisp up perfectly as they cool.

Why is my granola bitter? Most likely, bitter granola is due to burnt pecans or other nuts. Be sure to put your baking sheet in the middle of your oven and check the granola periodically throughout the baking time to make sure the nuts are not burning.

Can I substitute the pecans, seeds, or raisins? Absolutely. Homemade granola is fun because you can so easily customize it to your preferences. You can substitute any nuts, seeds, shredded coconut, or dried fruit in one to one ratios. You can also add chocolate chips or other fun sweets- just make sure to allow the granola to cool completely before mixing them in or they will melt.

DID YOU MAKE IT? LET ME KNOW BY LEAVING A REVIEW BELOW OR TAGGING ME WITH A PIC ON INSTAGRAM @GOOD.TO.GATHER
easy maple pecan granola

Easy Maple Pecan Granola

Callie Morgan
This deliciously easy maple pecan granola is slightly sweetened with pure maple syrup and light brown sugar, which is perfectly offset by hints of toasted pecan and coarse kosher salt.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Cups Old Fashioned Oats
  • 1 1/2 Cups Chopped Pecans
  • 2/3 Cup Dry Roasted Sunflower Kernels
  • 1/2 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
  • 1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Unrefined Coconut Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 Cup Sun Dried Raisins
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg or Cardamom Optional

Instructions
 

  • To prepare this granola, first combine the oats, pecans, sunflower seeds, salt, cinnamon and spices, raisins and brown sugar in a large bowl, baking sheet, or even a clean countertop.
  • Next, add in the olive oil and pure maple syrup and give the granola a good stir with a large spoon. Make sure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the oil and maple.
  • Spread the granola evenly onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 325 for 15 minutes. Take the granola out and stir it gently. Then return to the oven for 15 – 20 minutes, or until golden brown. If you like your granola clumpy, let it "rest" for at least 20 minutes (or until cool) on the countertop. Then, store in a dry airtight container for up to two weeks. Enjoy!
Keyword easy breakfast, granola, maple, pecans

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