Maple Cinnamon Granola

$When making Maple Cinnamon Granola, choosing the right ingredients is key. Here’s what you need: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup raw almonds, chopped - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) Each ingredient plays a special role. The rolled oats form the base. They give the granola its chewy texture. Nuts like almonds and pecans add crunch and healthy fats. Seeds such as sunflower and pumpkin boost nutrition. You'll notice that sweeteners like honey or maple syrup make the granola sticky and sweet. Coconut oil helps with browning and adds richness. Ground cinnamon gives it a warm flavor. The vanilla adds depth, while the salt balances the sweetness. Feel free to add dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness. These optional additions can make each bite more delightful. Remember, using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a tasty, crunchy snack! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat makes the granola crispy. While the oven warms, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a big mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup raw almonds, chopped - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds Stir these ingredients well. Mixing them helps spread the flavors evenly. The oats give a hearty base, while the nuts add crunch. In another bowl, mix your wet ingredients. You’ll need: - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt Whisk these together until smooth. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated. The wet mix binds the oats and nuts, giving them flavor. Spread the granola mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Make sure to stir halfway through. This keeps the granola from burning and helps it brown evenly. The smell will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait! Once the granola is golden brown, take it out of the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it becomes crunchier. If you like, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the cooled granola. Mix well to combine. Now, your tasty treat is ready to enjoy! To get that perfect crunch, bake it just right. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on it, as oven times vary. When golden brown, it’s ready. Let it cool on the baking sheet. It will harden as it cools, giving you that ideal crunch. Want to amp up the flavor? Try adding different spices like nutmeg or ginger. You can swap out nuts too. Use walnuts or hazelnuts for a twist. If you prefer sweetness, add chocolate chips or dried fruits. Using maple syrup gives a rich flavor. Honey can be a great substitute for a different taste. Store your granola in an airtight container. It keeps fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, try freezing it. Just thaw before eating. This way, your granola stays crunchy and tasty. Always check for freshness before enjoying. Pro Tips Tip for Crunchiness: To achieve the perfect crunch, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before storing. It will harden as it cools. Tip for Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like agave or brown sugar. Tip for Flavor Variations: Feel free to customize your granola by adding spices such as nutmeg or ginger, or incorporating other nuts and seeds of your choice. Tip for Storage: Store your granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also freeze it for longer storage, just make sure to thaw before enjoying! {{image_2}} If you want nut-free granola, I have a great option. You can swap out the nuts for more seeds. Use an extra cup of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. This keeps the crunch while being safe for those with nut allergies. The flavor remains rich with the maple and cinnamon. You still get a tasty treat without the worry. You can mix in different fruits and seeds for more flavor. Try adding dried apples, coconut flakes, or banana chips. Each fruit adds a unique twist to the granola. You can also add chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrition. Just remember to adjust the honey or maple syrup if you want it sweeter. This way, you can create a granola that fits your taste. If you want to make granola bars, it's simple. After baking, let the granola cool slightly. Then, press it firmly into a baking dish. You can cut it into bars once it’s cooled completely. The bars are perfect for on-the-go snacks. They pack well for lunchboxes or hikes. This way, you can enjoy your favorite granola in a new form. Maple cinnamon granola packs a healthy punch. Here are some key benefits: - Rolled oats: These provide fiber and help with digestion. They keep you full longer. - Almonds and pecans: These nuts are rich in healthy fats. They support heart health and help lower bad cholesterol. - Sunflower and pumpkin seeds: Packed with vitamins and minerals, these seeds boost your immune system. - Coconut oil: This adds healthy fats and may help improve brain health. - Maple syrup: A natural sweetener, it has antioxidants that can fight inflammation. Each ingredient adds a unique benefit, making this granola a smart choice for snacks or breakfast. In one serving of maple cinnamon granola, you get: - Calories: About 250-300 per serving - Fat: Around 15-20 grams - Carbohydrates: Roughly 30-35 grams - Protein: About 6-8 grams These numbers may vary based on the specific nuts and seeds you use. Keep in mind that portion size matters. Enjoy your granola, but be mindful of how much you eat. This recipe can easily fit into gluten-free and vegan diets. Here’s how: - Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure no cross-contamination occurs. - Vegan: Swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the recipe plant-based without losing flavor. With these easy swaps, anyone can enjoy this tasty granola! Yes, you can make Maple Cinnamon Granola without nuts. Just skip the almonds and pecans. You can add more seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for crunch. You can also use oats and sweeteners. This keeps the granola tasty and still provides a great texture. Store your homemade granola in an airtight container. A glass jar works well, too. Keep it at room temperature to maintain freshness. If stored this way, it stays good for about two weeks. Avoid moisture to keep it crunchy. Maple Cinnamon Granola is very versatile. You can sprinkle it on yogurt for a tasty breakfast. It also works great with milk or plant-based milk. Add it to smoothie bowls for extra crunch. You can even enjoy it as a snack on its own. Homemade granola lasts up to two weeks when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure it cools completely before you store it in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy it later! You learned how to make tasty Maple Cinnamon Granola from scratch. We covered ingredients, steps, and tips for the perfect crunch. You also discovered fun ways to change the recipe to suit your tastes. This granola is not only delicious but also healthy, giving your body what it needs. Enjoy it with yogurt, fruit, or as a snack. Now, you’re ready to start making your own granola. Happy baking!$

A delicious and crunchy granola made with oats, nuts, and a hint of maple and cinnamon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup raw almonds, chopped
1 cup pecans, chopped
0.5 cup sunflower seeds
0.5 cup pumpkin seeds
0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Stir well to mix the dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.
Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crunchier as it cools.
Once cooled, add the dried cranberries or raisins if desired, and mix well.
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Keyword breakfast, granola, healthy, snack