Maple Pecan Granola

Try this easy vegan Maple Pecan Granola recipe made with oats, dates, sunflower seeds and pure maple syrup for a delicious tasting homemade granola.

Did you know that you could make the healthiest and best tasting granola right in your own kitchen? If you have never made granola then let me tell you that it's incredibly easy and takes very little time.

If you have made your own granola, then you already know that it's a simple to make delicious treat.

This hearty Maple Pecan Granola is nutritious, flavourful and full of texture. The oats, seeds, coconut and pecans are perfectly toasted which gives this granola a nice crunch.

Homemade granola is a healthier option than granola that comes out of a box. Making your own granola is the best way to control what ingredients are in your breakfast or snack and allows you to control how much sugar and fat you consume.

The maple syrup and dates used in this recipe sweeten the granola without having to use refined sugar.

Stick to using whole rolled oats in your granola since they contain fibre and protein that help fill you up.

How to Make Homemade Granola

This healthy Maple Pecan Granola recipe is vegan since it uses coconut oil for the fat and real maple syrup as the sweetener.

One of my favorite things about granola recipes is that they are adaptable, so don't feel that you have to stick to the exact recipe. Have fun and choose which of your favourite ingredients will go into your granola.

Just remember to maintain the same ratio of wet-to-dry ingredients as the original recipe when making substitutions. Listed below are the ingredients I used to make this granola. Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for measurements and cook times.

Ingredients Overview:

• Rolled oats. For gluten-free granola, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
• Pecans. You could also use almonds or walnuts.
• Unsweetened dried shredded coconut
• Sunflower seeds. Make sure to use unsalted sunflower seeds.
• Chia seeds. Can be substituted with flax seeds.
• Ground cinnamon and sea salt
• Pure vanilla extract
• Coconut oil. Make sure to melt the coconut oil before measuring and adding it to your ingredients. If you don't have any coconut oil you could use any light-tasting oil, such as canola oil.
• Maple syrup. I find the amount of maple syrup used in this granola just right, but if you prefer things on the sweeter side, you could add an additional tablespoon or 2.
• Dried dates. You could also use dried cranberries or raisins.

Steps Overview:

1. Preheat the oven and lightly oil two baking sheets.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, pecan pieces, dried coconut, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, salt and cinnamon.
3. Add the melted coconut oil, the maple syrup and vanilla to the oat mixture and stir well.
4. Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the baking sheets.
5. Place one baking sheet on the the lowest rack and the other on the middle rack in the oven. Bake the granola for 10 minutes, stir and alternate the positions of the baking sheets. Bake for another 10 minutes. If the granola needs more toasting, stir it again and alternate the baking tray positions one more time.
6. Bake for a total of 20 to 25 minutes or until granola is fragrant and toasted.
7. Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool the sheet pan before adding the chopped dates or other dried fruit of your choice.

Serving Suggestions

Eat it plain as a quick snack. Serve granola with milk or top a yogurt bowl with a handful of granola for breakfast.

Make a granola parfait. Simply layer yogurt and granola in a glass or small mason jar. Add in some fresh berries or diced apples or pears for a delicious treat. If you don't have fresh fruit, you could also use jam for layering with granola and yogurt.

Storing Instructions

Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Granola can also be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer bag. Thaw granola at room temperature before serving.

Give this great recipe for homemade Maple Pecan Granola a try and you'll be rewarded with wholesome delicious granola.

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