Homemade Maple-Pecan Granola
sandravalvassori.com
Naturally sweetened and full of heart-healthy nuts and seeds, this Maple Pecan Granola is easy to prepare, crunchy, delicious, and oh-so-addictive. Guaranteed, you will be eating it straight off of the sheet pan. Make it nut-free by using all seeds.
Servings: 8 cups
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats use certified gluten-free oats, if needed
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut optional
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, almond, pistachios, or a combo
- 1/2 cup rice crispies, puffed quinoa, or puffed rice optional, *see notes
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or more to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries, or sour cherries or other dried fruit such as chopped apricots or dates
Other optional add-ins
- cacao nibs added in the last few minutes of baking
- chia seeds
- hemp seeds
- chocolate chips added only once granola has cooled
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl stir together the oats, coconut flakes, pecans, rice crispies (if using), pumpkin seeds, cinnamon and salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix really well then add the oil and syrup mixture to the oat bowl and toss until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 25-35 minutes (ovens vary so you need to keep a close eye) stirring once half way through until granola is golden brown.
- Once baked, allow the granola to cool completely before stirring then add the dried fruit and any other optional add-ins.
- Transfer granola to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
*This is an optional addition that adds a little extra crunch and interest to the granola that I really love. I use these rice crispies, but quinoa puffs or flakes, or other puffed rice brands, are available at almost all major grocery stores. If you can find puffed millet, it is fabulous in granola.