Crunchy Maple Pecan Vanilla Granola
Indulge in this deliciously crunchy granola packed with wholesome oats and rich pecans. It’s lightly sweetened with brown sugar and maple syrup, making it perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack. This versatile recipe allows you to customize your granola by adding in your favorite ingredients like dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries) or even a handful of chocolate chips after baking. Enjoy it on its own, or serve it with yogurt or milk for a delightful start to your day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oats
4 cups (Regular rolled oats)
Pecans
1 cup (Chopped)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (Packed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (Ground)
Butter
3 tablespoons (Unsalted, melted)
Unsweetened Applesauce
2 tablespoons (None)
Maple Syrup
2 tablespoons (None)
Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and set the rack to the middle position.
2
Lightly spray a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped pecans, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
4
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the applesauce and maple syrup, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.
6
Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Using your hands, toss everything together until the oats and pecans are evenly coated.
7
Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it is level.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even cooking.
9
After 25 minutes, remove the granola from the oven and transfer the baking sheet to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before breaking it into clusters.
10
Once cooled, store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crunchy Maple Pecan Vanilla Granola?
Crunchy Maple Pecan Vanilla Granola is a delicious breakfast or snack made with wholesome oats, rich pecans, and sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar.
What type of oats are best for this granola recipe?
Regular rolled oats are used in this recipe to provide the best texture and crunch for the granola.
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Yes, you can customize the granola by using walnuts, almonds, or any other favorite nuts instead of pecans.
How long does it take to bake the granola?
The granola should be baked in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 25 minutes.
What makes this granola crunchy?
The combination of rolled oats, pecans, and the baking process at a low temperature helps create a satisfyingly crunchy texture.
Is this granola recipe easy to make?
Yes, this is an easy recipe that involves simple mixing and baking, making it perfect for beginners.
Can I add dried fruit to the granola?
Absolutely! You can stir in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries after the granola has finished baking and cooling.
How should I store the finished granola?
Once cooled completely, store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its freshness.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, a handful of chocolate chips can be added to the granola after it has cooled completely.
What serves as the sweetener in this granola?
This recipe uses a combination of brown sugar and maple syrup for a rich, layered sweetness.
Why is applesauce used in this granola recipe?
Unsweetened applesauce helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture without requiring excessive amounts of oil or butter.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should lightly spray a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the granola from sticking.
What is the purpose of rotating the pan during baking?
Rotating the pan halfway through the 25-minute baking time ensures that the granola cooks evenly.
Can I use vanilla extract in this recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of vanilla extract is added to the wet mixture to provide a lovely aromatic flavor.
How do I get large granola clusters?
To get clusters, let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it up.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for a small amount of ground cinnamon and salt to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Is the butter melted before mixing?
Yes, three tablespoons of unsalted butter are melted and combined with the applesauce and syrup.
What can I serve with this granola?
It is delicious served with yogurt, milk, or simply enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the additional salt called for in the recipe to balance the flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total: oats, pecans, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, butter, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used, but the texture will be much finer and less crunchy than with regular rolled oats.
Is this granola vegan?
This specific recipe uses butter; however, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative to make it vegan.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey can be used as a 1:1 substitute for maple syrup, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
How do I ensure the granola is evenly coated?
The instructions recommend using your hands to toss the dry ingredients with the warm wet mixture until everything is evenly coated.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe because it contains wholesome oats, nuts, and uses applesauce to reduce fat.
What position should the oven rack be in?
The oven rack should be set to the middle position for optimal heat distribution.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Does this recipe contain any artificial flavors?
No, this homemade recipe uses natural ingredients like vanilla extract and maple syrup for flavoring.
Can I double the batch?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but you may need to use two baking sheets to ensure the granola is spread in a single layer for even baking.