Forget the store-bought bags. This homemade Maple Pecan Granola Recipe is about to transform your mornings with its irresistible crunch and warm, cozy flavors. It’s incredibly simple to make, fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma, and is packed with wholesome goodness. Get ready to create the best, most addictive granola you’ve ever tasted.
We’re talking perfectly toasted oats, crunchy pecans, and a sweet maple glaze that creates those crave-worthy clusters. This recipe is your new go-to for a healthy breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delicious topping for yogurt and smoothie bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Granola Recipe
If you’re looking for a reason to ditch store-bought granola for good, this is it. This recipe isn’t just about making breakfast; it’s about upgrading your entire morning routine.
- Unbelievably Easy: With just a few simple steps—mix, spread, and bake—you can have a fresh batch of delicious granola ready in under 40 minutes. It’s a perfect recipe for even the most novice cook.
- Perfectly Crunchy Clusters: We’ve cracked the code for achieving those big, satisfying granola clusters. The key is in the ingredients and the “don’t touch” baking method.
- Healthier Than Store-Bought: You control the ingredients! This recipe uses natural sweeteners and wholesome oats, without the hidden sugars and preservatives found in many commercial granolas.
- Endlessly Versatile: Enjoy it with milk, layered in a yogurt parfait, or by the handful. It’s a fantastic snack for hiking, a great topping for a warm apple crisp, or even a crunchy addition to a salad.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Maple Pecan Granola Recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create something truly special.
For the Granola Base:
- Rolled Oats: For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick-cooking or steel-cut.
- Raw Pecans: Coarsely chopped pecans add a buttery crunch and nutty flavor that is simply divine.
- Pure Maple Syrup: This is the star of the show, providing a natural, caramel-like sweetness.
- Melted Coconut Oil: This helps the granola get crispy and golden. You can also use another neutral oil if you prefer.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a touch of warmth and spice that complements the maple and pecan perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.
How to Make Maple Pecan Granola (Step-by-Step)
Ready to make the crunchiest granola of your life? Follow these simple steps.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until they are well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and sea salt to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir everything together until the oats and pecans are thoroughly coated.
- Spread it Out: Pour the granola mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer. Gently press down on the mixture to help form those coveted clusters.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes. About halfway through, rotate the pan but do not stir the granola. This is crucial for getting big chunks! The granola is done when it’s golden brown and fragrant.
- Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the pan without touching it. It will crisp up significantly as it cools. Once cool, you can break it into large or small clusters.
Pro Tips for the Best Crunchy Granola
Want to guarantee perfectly crispy, clumpy granola every single time? These tips are your secret weapon.
- Don’t Stir: Resisting the urge to stir the granola while it bakes allows the clusters to form and set. Just rotate the pan once.
- Press It Down: Before baking, gently pressing the granola mixture into an even layer on the baking sheet encourages it to stick together.
- Low and Slow Baking: Baking at a lower temperature of 325°F prevents the maple syrup from burning and allows the oats to toast evenly.
- Cool Completely: This is the most important step! The granola becomes crunchy as it cools. Let it sit on the baking sheet for at least an hour before breaking it apart.
Fun Variations to Try
While this Maple Pecan Granola Recipe is perfect as is, it’s also a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Seeds: Mix in 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or flax seeds with the dry ingredients.
- Dried Fruit: After the granola has cooled completely, toss in some dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped apricots.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips once the granola is completely cool to prevent them from melting. For another chocolatey treat, check out our chewy homemade brownies recipe (coming soon).
- Different Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice along with the cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Homemade Granola
Proper storage is key to keeping your granola fresh and crunchy. Let the granola cool completely to room temperature before storing it. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark place like a pantry. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
For a quick and satisfying breakfast, why not pair this granola with our fluffy homemade pancakes for an extra special treat?
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can easily substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. You can also use a mix of your favorite nuts and seeds.
Yes. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply ensure you are using certified gluten-free rolled oats. All other ingredients in the base recipe are naturally gluten-free.
The secret to big clusters is twofold: first, gently press the granola into an even layer on the baking sheet before baking. Second, do not stir it while it bakes and let it cool completely on the pan without touching it. It will firm up into a large sheet that you can then break into chunks.
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your homemade maple pecan granola will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.
Yes, it can be a very healthy choice! This recipe uses whole-food ingredients like rolled oats and pecans, and it’s sweetened with pure maple syrup. It’s a great source of fiber and healthy fats. As with any food, moderation is key.
The Best Maple Pecan Granola Recipe
Maple Pecan Granola Recipe (The Best, Easiest & Crunchiest!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Add the rolled oats, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and sea salt to the bowl. Stir until everything is thoroughly coated.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a thin, even layer. Gently press down with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Do not stir the granola. It is done when golden brown and fragrant.
- Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet without touching it. Once cooled, break it into clusters.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks for maximum freshness.
Share Your Creations!
We know you’ll fall in love with this easy and delicious Maple Pecan Granola Recipe. There’s nothing better than a homemade breakfast that’s both healthy and satisfying. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share a photo and tag us, or save it to your favorite board on Pinterest.
