Maple Walnut Delight Granola with Sweet Dates
Experience the perfect blend of crunch and sweetness with this Maple Walnut Delight Granola, inspired by a beloved recipe from Fine Cooking Magazine. This granola is ideal for those who cherish hearty clusters of oats and nuts that hold up beautifully in milk or can be enjoyed straight from the jar. Sweetened naturally with rich maple syrup and loaded with the caramel-like flavor of dates, this nutritious breakfast option offers a delightful way to start your day. The addition of walnuts adds a satisfying crunch and healthy fats, while the whole wheat flour and nonfat milk powder contribute to a well-rounded texture. Perfect for meal prepping, this granola can be stored in an airtight container for a week, making it a convenient and wholesome choice for busy mornings. For a twist, feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personalized flavor. With each serving boasting substantial clusters, this granola makes for a delicious, filling breakfast or a snack on the go!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil spray
to taste (for greasing baking sheets)
Old fashioned oats
4 cups (not quick-cooking)
Walnut pieces
8 ounces (about 2 cups)
Whole wheat flour
1/2 cup
Nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup
Table salt
1/2 teaspoon
Pure maple syrup
1 1/2 cups (Grade B recommended)
Canola oil
1/4 cup
Pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon
Pitted dates
8-9 ounces (halved or quartered)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F and position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds. Prepare two rimmed baking sheets by spraying them lightly with vegetable oil spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, walnut pieces, whole wheat flour, nonfat dry milk powder, and table salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
3
In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, canola oil, and pure vanilla extract until well blended.
4
Pour the maple syrup mixture over the oat mixture and gently stir until all ingredients are combined and the oats are well coated.
5
Scoop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, forming clusters that are 1 to 2 inches in size. Spread them out evenly, ensuring some space between clumps.
6
Bake for about 20 minutes, then take the sheets out to flip the clusters using a metal spatula. Rotate the pans, switching their positions in the oven for even baking.
7
Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, flipping the granola again halfway through. Keep a close eye on the clusters, as they can burn quickly. Bake until the granola is golden brown and emits a fragrant, toasty aroma, approximately 15 more minutes.
8
Once done baking, allow the granola to cool completely in the pans. After cooling, break up any large clusters as desired.
9
Finally, mix in the halved or quartered pitted dates until thoroughly combined. Store the granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maple Walnut Delight Granola?
It is a crunchy, naturally sweetened breakfast option made with old-fashioned oats, walnuts, and dates, inspired by a recipe from Fine Cooking Magazine.
What type of oats should I use for this recipe?
You should use old-fashioned oats; the recipe specifies not to use quick-cooking oats.
Can I use quick-cooking oats instead?
No, quick-cooking oats will not provide the same hearty texture or cluster formation as old-fashioned oats.
What kind of maple syrup is recommended?
Pure maple syrup is required, and Grade B is specifically recommended for its richer flavor.
What is the purpose of the nonfat dry milk powder?
The milk powder contributes to a well-rounded texture and helps create the hearty clusters that hold up in milk.
How do I prepare the baking sheets?
Lightly spray two rimmed baking sheets with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Where should I position the oven racks?
Position the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven for even heat distribution.
What are the main dry ingredients?
The dry ingredients include old-fashioned oats, walnut pieces, whole wheat flour, nonfat dry milk powder, and table salt.
What are the liquid ingredients used for the coating?
The liquid mixture consists of pure maple syrup, canola oil, and pure vanilla extract.
How large should the granola clusters be?
Aim to form clusters that are approximately 1 to 2 inches in size.
How long does the granola need to bake in total?
The total baking time is approximately 55 minutes, divided into intervals of 20, 20, and 15 minutes.
Why do I need to rotate the pans during baking?
Rotating the pans and switching their positions ensures that the granola bakes evenly on both sheets.
How often should I flip the granola?
You should flip the clusters after the first 20 minutes, and then again halfway through the second 20-minute interval.
What should I look for to know the granola is done?
The granola is done when it is golden brown and emits a fragrant, toasty aroma.
When should I add the dates to the mixture?
Add the pitted dates only after the granola has finished baking and has cooled completely in the pans.
How should I prepare the dates?
The dates should be pitted and then either halved or quartered before being mixed in.
Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, you can personalize the recipe by substituting walnuts with your favorite nuts, such as pecans or almonds.
Is this granola recipe vegan?
As written, it contains nonfat dry milk powder; to make it vegan, you would need to use a plant-based milk powder substitute.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What is the best way to store this granola?
Store the cooled granola in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunch.
How long will the granola stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, the granola will stay fresh for about one week.
Can I add other dried fruits besides dates?
Yes, you can substitute or add other dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots for a personalized flavor.
Should I break up the clusters immediately after baking?
No, you should allow the granola to cool completely in the pans before breaking up any large clusters to ensure they stay intact.
Why do I need to watch the granola closely during the last 15 minutes?
Granola clusters can burn very quickly toward the end of the baking process, so frequent monitoring is essential.
Does this granola hold up well in milk?
Yes, the recipe is designed to create hearty clusters that maintain their crunch even when submerged in milk.
What oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for canola oil, but any neutral-flavored vegetable oil can be used.
What is the significance of using whole wheat flour?
The whole wheat flour helps bind the ingredients together to create a more substantial and nutritious texture.
Can I eat this granola as a snack?
Absolutely, it makes a delicious and filling snack straight from the jar or as a portable on-the-go option.
What is the serving suggestion for this recipe?
It can be served with milk, over yogurt, or enjoyed by itself as a nutritious breakfast or snack.