On the lookout for a wholesome granola recipe that’s really good for you? This maple pecan granola is nutrient-rich, completely crunchy, and simply 200 energy per serving.
When my son began consuming yogurt with granola each morning, I took a better take a look at the vitamin labels of store-bought granola. Most granolas marketed as “wholesome” had numerous sugar, oils, and preservatives. As somebody who cares deeply about vitamin whereas nonetheless wanting meals to style wonderful, I set about to create a more healthy granola recipe.
After numerous take a look at batches in our kitchen (and lots of style checks by Alex and our children!), I can confidently say this maple pecan granola is genuinely healthful with out sacrificing taste. It’s develop into such a staple in our house that we haven’t used one other recipe in years—significantly! It nonetheless delivers that excellent granola crunch and sweetness all of us crave.
What Makes This Granola Really Wholesome?
I’ve studied many granola recipes and vitamin labels to recognized three key issues that make most granolas much less wholesome than they declare to be: there’s numerous sugar, extreme oils, and every serving has a excessive calorie density.
Right here’s how I solved these issues whereas creating a very wholesome granola:
- Strategic use of puffed rice: I incorporate puffed rice cereal so as to add quantity and crunch with out the energy. It’s really a minimally processed complete meals—simply rice that’s been puffed till crunchy!
- Balanced nut ratio: I take advantage of simply sufficient pecans to supply protein, wholesome fat and scrumptious taste, however not so many who the calorie rely will get uncontrolled.
- Lowered oil and maple syrup: I’ve rigorously examined the minimal quantities wanted for taste and texture, and this recipe has considerably lower than conventional recipes.
The best way to Make Wholesome Granola— Step by Step
Making home made granola is extremely easy, and the outcomes are so price it! Right here’s my foolproof technique:
Step 1: Combine the moist and dry substances
In a big bowl, mix the impartial oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add the cinnamon and allspice (the allspice is non-compulsory, however I discover it provides a heat depth). Add the oats, puffed rice cereal, and pecans ands tir.
Professional tip: Measure the oil first, then use the identical measuring cup for the maple syrup—it should slide proper out with out sticking!
Step 2: Bake to perfection
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (this makes cleanup a lot simpler!). Unfold the granola combination in a good layer. Bake at 325°F for 25-Half-hour, stirring as soon as midway by way of.
Essential notice: The granola needs to be flippantly golden however will nonetheless really feel barely mushy while you take away it from the oven—it should crisp up because it cools.
Step 4: Cool utterly
This won’t sound like a step because you’re not doing something, however permit the granola to chill on the baking sheet. This cooling interval is essential for getting the proper crunch!
Scrumptious Methods to Take pleasure in It
This versatile granola has develop into a staple in our kitchen as a result of there are such a lot of great methods to make use of it:
- Yogurt parfait: Layer with plain Greek yogurt and recent berries for a protein-packed breakfast like these yogurt bowls or a yogurt parfait. I wish to swirl a tiny little bit of maple syrup into the yogurt first.
- With milk or plant milk: Serve like cereal along with your favourite milk (my private desire is oat milk as a result of it has one of the best taste and creamy texture).
- Smoothie bowl topper: Sprinkle over acai bowls or smoothie bowls for added crunch and vitamin.
- Baked good improve: Sprinkle on muffin batter earlier than baking for a crunchy topping—works splendidly on my banana blueberry muffins!
- Fast apple crisp: Make sauteed apples with cinnamon, high with granola, and add a dollop of maple-sweetened Greek yogurt for a more healthy dessert.
- DIY present: Package deal in a mason jar with a ribbon for a considerate, home made current!
Make It Your Personal—Simple Taste Variations
Whereas I like the maple pecan mixture, this recipe is extremely versatile. Listed below are a few of my favourite variations:
- Pumpkin Spice: Change the allspice with pumpkin pie spice and add pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
- Almond Pleasure: Use sliced almonds as an alternative of pecans, add unsweetened coconut flakes, and blend in a small handful of darkish chocolate chips after cooling.
- Orange Cranberry: Add orange zest to the moist substances and fold in dried dried cranberries after baking.
Storing leftovers
As soon as cooled, switch the granola to an hermetic container. I retailer ours in a big glass jar on the counter, the place it stays recent for as much as 2 weeks (although it not often lasts that lengthy in our home!).
Dietary notes
Vegetarian, gluten free, plant-based, dairy-free, vegan, naturally candy, and has no refined sugar.
Wholesome Granola Recipe
Need a wholesome granola recipe that’s really good for you? Right here’s the one recipe you want! The maple pecan taste is nutrient wealthy and 100% scrumptious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Prepare dinner Time: 25 minutes
- Whole Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings (about 7 cups) 1x
- Class: Breakfast
- Methodology: Baked
- Delicacies: American
- ¼ cup impartial oil
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cups quaint natural rolled oats
- 3 cups puffed rice (substitute rolled oats in case you can’t discover puffed grains!)
- 1 cup pecan halves
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a big bowl, combine the oil, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Add the rolled oats, puffed rice, and pecans. Stir with wood spoon to evenly coat.
- Unfold onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake round 25 to Half-hour till golden and toasted, stirring as soon as.
- Take away from oven and permit to chill utterly: the granola turns into crispy because it cools. Retailer in hermetic container.
