Cinnamon Maple Walnut Crunch
Satisfy your snack cravings with this irresistible Cinnamon Maple Walnut Crunch! A delightful blend of old-fashioned oats, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices, this homemade granola is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even as a topping for your favorite yogurt. Sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup and a touch of vanilla, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. This simple yet wholesome recipe not only provides a deliciously satisfying crunch but is also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence for kids and adults alike. Enjoy it straight from the jar or sprinkle it over fresh fruit for a delicious, nutritious boost any time of day.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
old fashioned oats
3 cups (uncooked)
chopped walnuts
1 cup (roughly chopped)
ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (dusting)
freshly grated nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon (freshly grated)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
pure maple syrup
1/2-3/4 cup (pure)
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (pure)
canola oil
3 tablespoons (liquid)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and kosher salt, mixing well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and canola oil until fully combined.
4
Pour the wet mixture over the oat and walnut mixture, and stir thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are coated and well incorporated.
5
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the granola mixture evenly across the sheet.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove and stir the granola to promote even toasting.
7
Return the granola to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until it appears golden brown and fragrant.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will crisp up as it cools.
9
Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy as a snack, topping, or breakfast!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cinnamon Maple Walnut Crunch?
It is a homemade granola recipe featuring old-fashioned oats, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this granola?
The main ingredients are old fashioned oats, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, kosher salt, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and canola oil.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) to bake the granola.
How long does the Cinnamon Maple Walnut Crunch need to bake?
The granola bakes for a total of 25 minutes: first for 15 minutes, then stir, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Is this granola recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses maple syrup as a sweetener and canola oil as the fat source.
How should I store the finished granola?
Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long will the granola stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it will remain fresh for up to 2 weeks.
What type of oats should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 cups of uncooked old fashioned oats for the best texture.
Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, while the recipe uses 1 cup of chopped walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans, almonds, or seeds if preferred.
Why do I need to stir the granola halfway through baking?
Stirring after 15 minutes ensures that the granola toasts evenly and prevents the edges from burning.
What is the best way to cool the granola?
Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet; it will continue to crisp up as it reaches room temperature.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey can be used as a substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly and the recipe will no longer be vegan.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of canola oil, but you could use other liquid oils like coconut or avocado oil.
Is this recipe considered a healthy snack?
Yes, it is packed with nutrients from oats and walnuts and uses natural sweeteners, making it a wholesome indulgence.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
What are some ways to serve this granola?
It can be enjoyed as a snack, a breakfast cereal with milk, a topping for yogurt, or sprinkled over fresh fruit.
Do I need to line the baking sheet?
Yes, it is recommended to line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
How much maple syrup should I use?
The recipe suggests using between 1/2 and 3/4 cup of pure maple syrup, depending on your preferred level of sweetness.
Is the nutmeg necessary?
While 3/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg is recommended for depth of flavor, it can be omitted if you don't have it.
Can kids eat this granola?
Yes, it is specifically described as a kid-friendly snack that provides a nutritious boost.
What size should the walnuts be?
The walnuts should be roughly chopped to provide a chunky, crunchy texture.
Does the recipe contain salt?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
How much vanilla extract is added?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.
Is the granola supposed to be golden brown?
Yes, you should bake it until it appears golden brown and smells fragrant.
Can I add dried fruit to this mix?
Yes, you can stir in dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots after the granola has finished baking and cooling.
Is there any refined sugar in this recipe?
No, the recipe relies on pure maple syrup for natural sweetness.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe consists of 8 simple, wholesome ingredients.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure that the old fashioned oats you use are certified gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of salt?
While kosher salt is specified, you can use sea salt or table salt, though you may want to adjust the amount slightly.
Is it easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a 'quick and easy' recipe that involves simple mixing and baking steps.