Welcome to the world of homemade granola where the delightful crunch meets a nutty sweetness. This Nutty Maple Granola is your new breakfast hero, perfect for topping yogurt, enjoying with milk, or munching straight from the jar. Let's dive into this simple, nourishing treat that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Oats: The backbone of our granola, offering a hearty texture and fiber. Choose old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results.
Almonds and Pecans: These nuts add a rich, nutty crunch and are packed with healthy fats and protein.
Coconut Flakes: Provide a subtle tropical sweetness and extra texture. Use unsweetened to keep the sugar in check.
Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds: These seeds add variety and a nutritional boost, contributing essential vitamins and minerals.
Maple Syrup: Our natural sweetener that brings a deep, warm sweetness to the granola without overpowering it.
Coconut Oil: Helps bind the ingredients together while adding a hint of coconut flavor and healthy fat.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, bringing a soft, sweet aroma.
Cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with the nuts and maple.
Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
This granola is incredibly versatile. Sprinkle it over Greek yogurt with fresh berries for a wholesome breakfast. It’s also fantastic atop a bowl of warm oatmeal for added texture and flavor. For a dessert twist, try it over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of honey.
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures an even bake without burning the granola. Take a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: the oats, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Give them a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Now, in a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until you have a smooth, cohesive liquid. This step is crucial for ensuring that every bit of granola gets a taste of that delicious maple-cinnamon goodness.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, ensuring every bit gets coated. I like to use a spatula for this, folding and mixing until everything glistens with the syrupy mixture.
Spread the granola evenly onto your prepared baking sheet. Try to keep an even layer to allow for consistent baking. Pop it into your preheated oven, and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. About halfway through, give it a stir to promote even browning. Keep an eye on it — you’re looking for a golden brown color.
Once done, remove the granola from the oven. It might still feel a bit soft but don’t worry. As it cools on the baking sheet, it’ll crispen up beautifully. Once completely cooled, transfer your delicious creation to an airtight container for storage. It’ll keep fresh for weeks, but I doubt it’ll last that long!
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