Maple Cinnamon Pecan Granola: Healthy Breakfast Cereal Recipe

Start your day with a bowl of homemade Maple Cinnamon Pecan Granola, a truly delicious and healthy way to fuel up.

This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a crispy, satisfying breakfast cereal that’s far superior to anything you’ll find in a box. It’s perfect for busy mornings or as a wholesome snack any time of day.

This easy-to-make granola is packed with the warm flavors of maple and cinnamon, complemented by the rich, buttery crunch of pecans. It’s a fantastic option for families looking for a nutritious and tasty start to their day without a lot of fuss.

Maple Cinnamon Pecan Granola

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• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Start your day with a bowl of homemade Maple Cinnamon Pecan Granola, a truly delicious and healthy way to fuel up. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a crispy, satisfying breakfast cereal that’s far superior to anything you’ll find in a box. It’s perfect for busy mornings or as a wholesome snack any time of day. This easy-to-make granola is packed with the warm flavors of maple and cinnamon, complemented by the rich, buttery crunch of pecans. It’s a fantastic option for families looking for a nutritious and tasty start to their day without a lot of fuss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)

1 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 300 F (150 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial for preventing the granola from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, roughly chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until they are well distributed. You want to see the cinnamon evenly coating the oats and pecans.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Ensure the coconut oil is fully melted and incorporated into the syrup mixture for even coating.

4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, mix everything thoroughly until all the oats and pecans are evenly coated. It might look a little sticky, but that’s exactly what you want.

5. Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out into a single, even layer. Try not to pile it up too much, as a thin layer helps ensure even baking and crispiness.

6. Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the baking time (around 12-15 minutes), gently stir the granola to promote even browning. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, as granola can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. It should look lightly golden brown and feel slightly sticky but firm.

7. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step is absolutely essential for achieving that desirable crispy texture. As it cools, it will harden and become crunchy.

8. Break Apart and Store: Once fully cooled, break the granola into desired clusters. You can use your hands or a spatula. Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container for storage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: breakfast
• Method: baking
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Keywords: granola, maple, cinnamon, pecan, oats, breakfast, snack, healthy, easy, homemade

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This Maple Cinnamon Pecan Granola recipe is a true winner for several reasons, making it an ideal choice for almost any household. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on time and no complicated techniques. If you can stir ingredients in a bowl and keep an eye on an oven, you can make this granola perfectly. It’s designed for busy individuals and families who want to enjoy a wholesome breakfast without sacrificing precious morning minutes. This recipe is also highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand, which makes meal planning a breeze.

Beyond its simplicity, this granola is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. The combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, and pecans creates a warm, inviting aroma as it bakes, filling your kitchen with a comforting scent. It’s a fantastic way to ensure everyone gets a good dose of fiber, healthy fats, and sustained energy to kickstart their day. Whether you serve it with milk, yogurt, or simply by the handful, it’s a satisfying option that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s perfect for a quick weekday breakfast, a post-workout snack, or even a light dessert. You can whip up a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it all week long, making your mornings smoother and more delicious.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this maple cinnamon pecan granola is straightforward, as most items are likely already in your pantry. This recipe relies on wholesome, accessible ingredients that come together to create a truly delightful and healthy breakfast option. You won’t need any specialty store trips for this one!

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the oats, make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats, as quick-cooking or instant oats will not provide the same texture and can become mushy. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds are excellent substitutes and will still give you a delicious nutty flavor. When it comes to maple syrup, always opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor; imitation syrups often contain high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use another neutral-flavored oil like avocado oil or light olive oil, though coconut oil adds a subtle richness that complements the maple and cinnamon beautifully. Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to your liking, or even add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of spice.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, making it perfect for those busy days when you still want a homemade, wholesome meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating your own batch of maple cinnamon pecan granola is a simple process. Follow these clear steps to achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful results every time.

1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial for preventing the granola from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, roughly chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until they are well distributed. You want to see the cinnamon evenly coating the oats and pecans.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Ensure the coconut oil is fully melted and incorporated into the syrup mixture for even coating.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, mix everything thoroughly until all the oats and pecans are evenly coated. It might look a little sticky, but that’s exactly what you want.
5. Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out into a single, even layer. Try not to pile it up too much, as a thin layer helps ensure even baking and crispiness.
6. Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the baking time (around 12-15 minutes), gently stir the granola to promote even browning. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, as granola can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. It should look lightly golden brown and feel slightly sticky but firm.
7. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step is absolutely essential for achieving that desirable crispy texture. As it cools, it will harden and become crunchy.
8. Break Apart and Store: Once fully cooled, break the granola into desired clusters. You can use your hands or a spatula. Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container for storage.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This maple cinnamon pecan granola is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to adapt for different tastes or occasions. For a little extra sweetness and chewiness, consider adding 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots after the granola has fully cooled. If you’re a chocolate lover, mini chocolate chips can be stirred in once the granola is completely cool to prevent them from melting. For a different nut profile, swap out pecans for walnuts, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts. A sprinkle of shredded coconut (unsweetened) can also be added during the last 10 minutes of baking for a toasted coconut flavor.

When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless. This granola is fantastic simply enjoyed with a splash of milk, dairy or non-dairy. It makes a perfect topping for a bowl of Greek yogurt, adding crunch and flavor to your morning. For a more substantial breakfast, sprinkle it over a fruit smoothie bowl. Kids often love it as a dry snack straight from the jar, or mixed into their lunchbox for a healthy treat. You can also use it as a crunchy topping for baked apples, oatmeal, or even ice cream. For a party or buffet, set out a bowl of this granola alongside a yogurt bar with fresh fruit and other toppings, allowing guests to customize their own parfaits.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple recipe like granola, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Being aware of these can help you achieve perfect, crunchy granola every time.

One frequent slip-up is overcrowding the baking sheet. If you pile the granola too high, it won’t bake evenly, leading to some parts being soft or soggy while others burn. Always spread the mixture in a single, thin layer. If you have a particularly large batch, it’s better to use two baking sheets or bake in two separate rounds.

Another common issue is not stirring the granola halfway through baking. While some recipes suggest not stirring for bigger clusters, for an even golden brown and consistent crispiness, a gentle stir at the halfway point is beneficial. This prevents the edges from burning while the center remains undercooked.

Baking at too high a temperature is another mistake. Granola needs a relatively low and slow bake to dry out and become crispy without burning. If your oven is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly, leaving the inside chewy. Stick to the recommended 300°F (150°C) and trust the process.

Finally, not letting the granola cool completely before breaking it apart or storing it will result in soft, chewy granola instead of crunchy clusters. The crispiness develops as it cools. Resist the urge to dig in right away; patience is key here. Let it sit on the baking sheet until it’s entirely at room temperature before handling.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

Proper storage is key to maintaining the delicious crunch of your homemade maple cinnamon pecan granola. Once the granola has completely cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids, or plastic containers with good seals, work wonderfully. Stored properly at room temperature in a cool, dry place, this granola will stay fresh and crispy for up to 2-3 weeks. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make it lose its crispness

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.