Easy Maple Pecan Granola {Crunchy}

Crunchy, with hints of natural caramelly sweetness, this Maple Pecan Granola recipe is hearty and satisfying and much healthier than any store bought brands. Made with crunchy oats and pecans, pure maple syrup, some warm spices and a touch of light brown sugar, not only is this Homemade Granola addictive to eat, its super easy to make!

This Maple Pecan Granola can be eaten as a cereal with milk, as a topping on yogurt, or as a healthy snack – our daughters love to eat this after school sprinkled on top of apple slices with peanut butter. You can also customize this granola by adding in your favorite ingredients, such as seeds, coconut, or chocolate chips! For anyone with a nut allergy, you can replace the pecans with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Why This Recipe Works?

• Uses just a few readily available ingredients.
• Gluten Free.
• Easy to prepare.
• Perfect for homemade gifts.
• Tastes great as a topping on ice cream and yogurt.
• Make Ahead recipe.
• Kid friendly snack.
• The Best Maple Pecan Granola ever!!!

Main Ingredients

This recipe uses super easy ingredients that can be purchased from a local grocery store if they are not already in your kitchen. Read the Recipe Card for the measurements.

• Old Fashioned Oats – Also called rolled oats, old fashioned oats are the base for any homemade granola recipe.
• Pecans – High in fiber and protein, we love the texture and taste pecans add to this granola.
• Flaxseed Meal – Contains heart healthy omega-3’s, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Flaxseed meal helps to make this granola healthy and good for you. Flax meal is used instead of the seed because more of the nutritional benefits are absorbed by the body when using the meal vs. the seed.
• Cinnamon/Vanilla – This classic spice combination adds amazing and comforting flavor.
• Pure Maple Syrup – Real maple syrup has a sweet, caramel and nutty flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds a little more sweetness in addition to texture and crunch to the granola.

How To Make Easy Maple Pecan Granola

Step 1: Prep It

• Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 300 degrees F.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Dry Mix

• Add the oats, pecans, flaxseed meal, and cinnamon in a large bowl; whisk to combine. 

Step 3: Wet Mix

• Combine the canola oil, maple syrup, light brown sugar, vanilla and salt together in a small bowl; whisk to combine.

Step 4: Combine It

• Pour the maple syrup mixture over the oats. Use a rubber spatula to help scrape off any stubborn maple syrup that is stuck to the bowl.
• Stir the oats and maple syrup mixture with the rubber spatula to evenly coat.

Step 5: Bake It

• Empty the mixture on to the prepared baking sheet and with the rubber spatula spread in an even layer. 
• Bake in the preheated 300 degree F oven for 40 minutes until lightly brown.

Note: Upon removing from the oven, test for crunchiness. If the granola is still a little too chewy, turn off the oven and leave the tray of granola in the oven for 5-10 minutes. 

• Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely.

Break into chunks and store at room temperature, in an air tight container, for up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy this Maple Pecan granola by itself as a snack or as topping for yogurt and ice cream.

Other healthy snacks you might want to try are our oatmeal bars or chili lime flavored roasted chickpeas.