Name: Maple Pecan Granola Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3½ cups old fashioned oats; 1 cup pecans; ½ cup maple syrup; 3 tbsp canola oil; 2 tbsp light brown sugar; 1 large egg white; 1 tsp maple extract; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp salt

Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked granola. The earthy crunch of pecans, the sweetness of maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon, all in one bite. Our maple pecan granola recipe is simple to make and will transform your breakfast into a gourmet experience.

Photos of Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

All of the ingredients needed for this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. You may need to locate the maple extract in the baking aisle. It's often placed near the vanilla extract. The pecans might be in the nut section or in the baking aisle with other nuts used for baking.

Ingredients for Maple Pecan Granola

Old fashioned oats: These are whole oats that have been rolled into flat flakes. They provide a hearty texture to the granola.

Pecans: Nutty and slightly sweet, they add crunch and flavor.

Maple syrup: This adds the main sweet flavor and subtle maple touch.

Canola oil: It helps to crisp up the granola during baking.

Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and extra sweetness.

Egg white: This helps to bind the granola ingredients together.

Maple extract: Boosts the maple flavor in the granola.

Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.

Ground cinnamon: Gives an aromatic warmth to the granola.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavors.

One reader, Gram Kaufmann says:

This maple pecan granola recipe is a game-changer! The combination of maple syrup and pecans creates a delightful flavor, and the crunchiness is just perfect. It's so easy to make and tastes amazing with yogurt or milk. I love having it for breakfast or as a snack. Highly recommend!

Gram Kaufmann

Techniques Required for Making Maple Pecan Granola

How to prepare the granola mixture: Whisk together the maple syrup, canola oil, light brown sugar, egg white, maple extract, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Pour this mixture over the oats and pecans, and toss until evenly moistened.

How to bake the granola: Spread the granola mixture onto a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 40 to 45 minutes, tossing once halfway through baking. The granola should be crisp after resting at room temperature for a few minutes.

How to cool and store the granola: After baking, allow the granola to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature.

How To Make Maple Pecan Granola

Whip up a quick and nutritious breakfast with this maple pecan granola made with toasted oats, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pairs well with fresh fruits and milk!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 40 minutes

Total: 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3½cupsold fashioned oats
1cuppecans,chopped
½cupmaple syrup
3tbspcanola oil
2tbsplight brown sugar,packed
1large egg white
1tspmaple extract
1tspvanilla extract
1tspground cinnamon
½tspsalt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Pour oats and pecans into a large mixing bowl.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together all remaining ingredients. Pour over oats and toss until evenly moistened.
Pour mixture onto a Silpat or parchment paper-lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer.
Bake in preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, tossing once halfway through baking. (Granola should be crisp after resting at room temp a few minutes).
Cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 326.03kcal
Fat: 16.58g
Saturated Fat: 1.54g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.07g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.96g
Carbohydrates: 41.36g
Fiber: 4.65g
Sugar: 15.19g
Protein: 6.40g
Sodium: 156.32mg
Calcium: 50.77mg
Potassium: 229.72mg
Iron: 2.01mg
Vitamin A: 0.42µg
Vitamin C: 0.15mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Maple Pecan Granola

To ensure your granola achieves the perfect level of crunch, it's crucial to keep an eye on it during the baking process. The granola should be golden brown and not too dark. If it's undercooked, it won't have the desired crunch, and if it's overcooked, it can taste burnt. Also, remember that granola continues to harden as it cools, so it might not seem fully crispy when you first take it out of the oven. Allow it to cool completely before testing its crunchiness.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Granola Recipe

Plan ahead: Pre-measure and prepare all your ingredients and equipment before you start cooking to save time and minimize stress.

Multi-task: Look for opportunities to combine tasks, such as chopping vegetables while waiting for water to boil, to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like food processors, blenders, and slow cookers to streamline preparation and cooking processes.

One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan, reducing the number of dishes to clean and saving time.

Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of food at once and store the extras for future meals to save time on cooking throughout the week.

Efficient cleanup: Clean as you go to maintain an organized workspace and minimize the time spent on post-cooking cleanup.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes or adjustments.

Substitute Ingredients For Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

old fashioned oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes are a great gluten-free alternative to oats and provide a similar texture and nutty flavor.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a great substitute for pecans in granola recipes.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and viscosity to maple syrup, and it adds a delicious floral note to the granola.
canola oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a hint of tropical flavor and works well as a substitute for canola oil in granola recipes.
light brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used as a 1:1 replacement for brown sugar in granola recipes.
large egg white - Substitute with aquafaba (chickpea brine): Aquafaba can be whipped into a foam similar to egg whites and works well as a binder in granola recipes.
maple extract - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet flavor and aroma to the granola, similar to maple extract.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, aromatic flavor similar to cinnamon and can be used as a substitute in granola recipes.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar salty flavor to regular salt and enhances the overall taste of the granola.

Best Way to Present Maple Pecan Granola

Elevate the granola with a beautiful presentation: When plating the maple pecan granola, consider using elegant and minimalistic tableware to showcase the natural beauty of the dish. A simple, white porcelain bowl or a rustic wooden serving board can provide a sophisticated backdrop for the granola.
Incorporate fresh elements: Add a touch of vibrancy to the dish by garnishing with fresh berries or sliced bananas. The pop of color and freshness will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the granola.
Create a harmonious composition: Pay attention to the arrangement of the granola. Consider layering it with creamy Greek yogurt and drizzling a delicate swirl of honey for an artful and balanced presentation.
Emphasize texture: To impress the judges, consider incorporating additional textural elements such as delicate edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. These thoughtful additions will elevate the overall dining experience.
Attention to detail: Ensure that the serving vessel is meticulously clean and free of any smudges or spills. The presentation should exude professionalism and attention to detail, reflecting the high standards of a Michelin-starred establishment.

Essential Tools for Making Maple Pecan Granola

Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients and ensuring they are evenly mixed.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to spread the granola mixture into an even layer before baking.
Whisk: A whisk is used to thoroughly combine the ingredients for the granola, ensuring a smooth and consistent mixture.
Silpat or parchment paper: These are used to line the baking sheet, preventing the granola from sticking and making cleanup easier.
Oven: The oven is used to bake the granola at a low temperature, allowing it to crisp up and develop its delicious flavor.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring the ingredients to ensure the granola turns out just right.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Maple Pecan Granola

Once the granola has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will help maintain its crunchiness and prevent it from absorbing any moisture or odors from the air.
When stored properly in an airtight container, your homemade maple pecan granola will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. However, if you live in a particularly humid environment, it's best to store the granola in the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming soggy.
If you want to keep your granola fresh for even longer, consider freezing it. To freeze, place the cooled granola in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. When stored in the freezer, your granola will maintain its quality for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen granola, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. There's no need to reheat the granola, as it will quickly regain its crunchy texture once thawed.
If you find that your thawed granola isn't as crispy as you'd like, you can easily refresh it by spreading it out on a baking sheet and placing it in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until it's crispy again. Let the granola cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

How To Reheat Leftover Granola

To reheat leftover maple pecan granola, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the granola evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the granola is warm and crisp. This method helps restore the granola's crunchiness and brings out the rich, toasty flavors of the oats and pecans.
For a quicker option, you can reheat smaller portions of granola in the microwave. Place the desired amount of granola in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high power for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the granola is warm and slightly crisp. Be careful not to overheat the granola, as it can quickly burn in the microwave.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can add a small amount of maple syrup or honey to the granola before reheating it in the oven or microwave. This will help the granola absorb some moisture and create a more pliable texture. Just be sure to stir the granola well to evenly distribute the added sweetener.
For a no-heat option, you can enjoy leftover granola straight from the container as a topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or fresh fruit. The contrast between the crisp, cool granola and the creamy, chilled base creates a delightful texture and flavor combination.
If your leftover granola has lost its crunch and you don't want to reheat it, try using it as a crust for fruit crisps or crumbles. Simply layer the granola in the bottom of a baking dish, top it with your favorite fruit filling, and bake until the fruit is tender and bubbling. The granola will absorb some of the fruit's juices and create a delicious, crunchy base for the dessert.

Interesting Fact About Maple Pecan Granola

Granola is a versatile food that can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be eaten as a cereal with milk, sprinkled over yogurt, or even used as a topping for desserts. Its crunchy texture and sweet flavor make it a popular choice for a quick and nutritious snack.

Is Making Maple Pecan Granola at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this maple pecan granola recipe is quite high. The main ingredients, such as oats, pecans, and maple syrup, are relatively affordable and can be purchased in bulk. The recipe yields a large batch, making it suitable for multiple servings, and the ingredients have a long shelf life, reducing waste. Overall Verdict: 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an economical and delicious breakfast or snack option.

Is This Granola Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The maple pecan granola recipe is a relatively healthy option, offering several nutritional benefits:

Oats are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
Pecans provide healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.
The recipe uses maple syrup and brown sugar as sweeteners, which are less processed than refined white sugar.

However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:

The recipe contains added sugars in the form of maple syrup and brown sugar, which can contribute to excessive sugar intake if consumed in large quantities.
Canola oil is used, which is a refined oil that may undergo processing methods involving chemicals.

To enhance the nutritional value of this granola recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of maple syrup and brown sugar by half to decrease the overall sugar content. You can also experiment with natural sugar alternatives like date paste or mashed ripe bananas.
Replace the canola oil with unrefined oils such as coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil, which offer additional health benefits and are less processed.
Incorporate a variety of nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, to increase the protein, healthy fat, and nutrient content.
Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots after baking for an extra burst of flavor and natural sweetness without increasing the sugar content significantly.
Consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to boost the omega-3 fatty acid content and provide additional fiber.

Editor's Thoughts on This Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

The maple pecan granola recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome oats, crunchy pecans, and the rich sweetness of maple syrup. The addition of maple and vanilla extracts infuses the granola with a warm, comforting aroma, while the hint of cinnamon adds a delightful depth of flavor. The use of an egg white creates a lovely crunch, and the canola oil ensures a satisfying crispness. This granola is a perfect balance of sweet and nutty, making it a versatile and delicious addition to breakfast or as a snack.

Enhance Your Maple Pecan Granola Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in a balsamic glaze and sprinkled with crispy bacon for a savory and sweet combination.

Grilled Pineapple: Served with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey for a refreshing and tropical side.

Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy and velvety, with a hint of nutmeg and a swirl of coconut milk for a comforting and warming addition to the meal.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Maple Pecan Granola

Savory Butternut Squash Soup: This creamy and comforting soup is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of butternut squash, onions, and warm spices creates a delicious and hearty dish.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This sweet and savory salmon dish is a crowd-pleaser. The honey garlic glaze adds a delicious flavor to the tender and flaky salmon fillets.

Berry Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy and satisfying pudding is packed with fresh berries and nutritious chia seeds. It's a great make-ahead breakfast or snack option.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Maple Pecan Granola

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Whip up a creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve with crispy tortilla chips or toasted bread for a satisfying and comforting snack.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy, rich pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety Alfredo sauce. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stroganoff: Savor the hearty and savory flavors of tender beef and mushrooms in a luscious sour cream sauce. This classic dish is the epitome of comfort food and is sure to please the whole family.

Why trust this Maple Pecan Granola Recipe:

This #recipe# uses high-quality, wholesome ingredients such as maple syrup, pecans, and oats, ensuring a delicious and nutritious granola. The combination of maple extract and vanilla extract adds depth of flavor, while the use of canola oil and a touch of light brown sugar creates a perfect balance of sweetness. The addition of cinnamon and a pinch of salt enhances the overall taste. With careful attention to detail and a focus on natural, flavorful components, this #recipe# is sure to earn the trust of users seeking a wholesome and satisfying granola option.

Have you tried this maple pecan granola recipe? Let us know how it turned out or share your own favorite granola recipes in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of nut in this granola recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of nut in this granola recipe. Almonds, walnuts, or even cashews would work well as substitutes for pecans.

Can I omit the egg white from the recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use egg white, you can omit it from the recipe without significantly affecting the final result.

How long will the maple pecan granola stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the maple pecan granola should stay fresh for up to two weeks. Be sure to let it cool completely before storing to maintain its crispness.

Can I use a different type of syrup instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can use other types of syrup such as honey or agave as a substitute for maple syrup. Keep in mind that this substitution may alter the flavor slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.