Are you ready to dive into a bowl of crunchy goodness? This Vegan Maple Pecan Granola recipe is a game-changer for snack lovers. Made with simple ingredients like oats, pecans, and pure maple syrup, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy it on its own, with plant-based milk, or as a topping for yogurt, you'll find it hard to resist. Let’s get started on making this delicious treat together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: This granola is packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, pecans, and coconut, making it a nutritious start to your day.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping for the week.
- Customizable: You can easily modify this granola by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to suit your taste.
- Deliciously Sweet: The natural sweetness from maple syrup combined with a hint of cinnamon creates a delightful flavor that everyone will love.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
The ingredients come together to make a crunchy and tasty snack. Rolled oats serve as the base. They add fiber and wholesome goodness. Pecans bring a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Coconut flakes add sweetness and texture without extra sugar. Maple syrup is the star, giving a rich, sweet touch. Melted coconut oil helps everything stick together. Vanilla extract adds a warm note. Cinnamon and salt enhance the flavors, making each bite more delicious. You can also add dried cranberries or raisins if you like a fruity twist.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 220 per 1/4 cup
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
This granola is not just tasty but also good for you. It has healthy fats from the pecans and coconut oil. The oats provide energy and fiber, helping you feel full. Each serving gives a nice balance of carbs and protein. Plus, if you add dried fruit, you get even more vitamins. Enjoy this granola as a snack or breakfast to fuel your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This prepares the heat for baking. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the following:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes (unsweetened)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix these dry ingredients well. You want all the flavors to blend together.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk until everything is well mixed. This creates a sweet and sticky blend that adds flavor.
Baking the Granola
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir it well until all the oats and nuts are coated. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even toasting. You will know it's ready when it turns golden brown.
Once baked, take it out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will get crunchy as it cools. If you want, mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins after cooling. Store the granola in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Crunch
To get that ideal crunch in your granola, spreading the mixture evenly on the baking sheet is key. If the granola clumps together, it won't cook well. Stir the granola halfway through baking. This helps it toast evenly. Cooling time is also important. Letting it cool completely on the sheet makes it crunchier. If you eat it warm, it might be soft.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this granola with plant-based milk or yogurt. Pour your choice into a bowl, then add the granola on top. You can also add fresh fruit like berries or banana slices. These toppings not only add flavor but also make it look beautiful.
Maximizing Flavor
To amp up the flavor, try adding spices. Nutmeg or ginger can give your granola a warm kick. You can also mix in other nuts, like almonds or walnuts. Experimenting with different flavors makes each batch unique and fun!
Pro Tips
- Oats Selection: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats if you're making this for someone with gluten sensitivity.
- Maple Syrup Quality: Opt for pure maple syrup instead of imitation for a richer flavor and better health benefits.
- Mix-Ins Variety: Feel free to experiment with different nuts and dried fruits, such as almonds or apricots, to customize your granola.
- Storage Tips: For optimal freshness, store your granola in the fridge during warmer months to prevent it from going stale.
Variations
Alternative Nuts and Seeds
You can swap out pecans for almonds or walnuts. Both nuts add a nice crunch. Almonds give a sweeter taste, while walnuts provide a rich flavor. To use almonds, chop them roughly like the pecans. For walnuts, make sure to toast them lightly for extra flavor. You can also mix nuts for more texture and taste.
Flavor Variations
Adding spices can make your granola more exciting. Try mixing in a little nutmeg or cardamom. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Cardamom brings a sweet and spicy note. Just a pinch of either spice can go a long way. Experiment to find the mix that you love best.
Sweetener Alternatives
If you want a different sweetener, consider using agave nectar. It flows easily and gives a light taste. You can also choose honey if you’re not strictly vegan. Honey adds a floral note that blends well with the oats and nuts. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
Storage Info
How to Store Granola
To keep your granola fresh, use an airtight container. This will help prevent air and moisture from getting in. I recommend glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure the granola is completely cool before you store it. This prevents steam from forming inside the container. You can also label the container with the date. This helps you track its freshness.
Shelf Life
When stored correctly, this granola lasts up to two weeks. To check for spoilage, look for any off smells or changes in texture. If it feels soft or stale, it's best to toss it out. Fresh granola should feel crunchy and smell sweet. If you see any signs of mold, don’t eat it. Always trust your senses.
FAQs
Can I make this granola gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this granola gluten-free. Just use gluten-free oats. Many brands offer oats that are certified gluten-free. They are processed in a way that avoids cross-contamination. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without gluten.
How do I make granola clump together?
To get those tasty clusters, try these tips:
- Use more wet ingredients like maple syrup and coconut oil.
- Mix well to coat all the oats and nuts.
- Press the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet.
- Bake it longer without stirring too much. This helps form those crunchy clusters that we all love.
Is this recipe nut-free?
This recipe is not nut-free because it uses pecans. However, you can easily change this. Simply replace the pecans with seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. These options give you a similar crunch without the nuts.
This granola recipe combines oats, nuts, and coconut for a tasty snack. You learned to mix dry and wet ingredients and bake them to crunchy perfection. Try out my tips for flavor and texture. Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or spices. Store your granola well to keep it fresh. Overall, this homemade granola is quick, easy, and delicious! Enjoy making it your own and sharing with others.
