In search of 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 more in-depth have a look at the diet labels of store-bought granola. Most granolas marketed as “wholesome” had numerous sugar, oils, and preservatives. As somebody who cares deeply about diet 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 plenty 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 change into such a staple in our dwelling that we haven’t used one other recipe in years—critically! It nonetheless delivers that good granola crunch and sweetness all of us crave.
What Makes This Granola Truly Wholesome?
I’ve studied many granola recipes and diet 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 really 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 exploit simply sufficient pecans to supply protein, wholesome fat and scrumptious taste, however not so many who the calorie depend will get uncontrolled.
- Decreased 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.
Find out how to Make Wholesome Granola— Step by Step
Making do-it-yourself granola is extremely easy, and the outcomes are so value it! Right here’s my foolproof technique:
Step 1: Combine the moist and dry elements
In a big bowl, mix the impartial oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add the cinnamon and allspice (the allspice is elective, 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 fair layer. Bake at 325°F for 25-Half-hour, stirring as soon as midway by way of.
Vital notice: The granola must be calmly golden however will nonetheless really feel barely delicate whenever you take away it from the oven—it should crisp up because it cools.
Step 4: Cool fully
This won’t sound like a step because you’re not doing something, however enable the granola to chill on the baking sheet. This cooling interval is essential for getting the right crunch!
Scrumptious Methods to Get pleasure from It
This versatile granola has change into a staple in our kitchen as a result of there are such a lot of fantastic methods to make use of it:
- Yogurt parfait: Layer with plain Greek yogurt and contemporary 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 diet.
- 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, prime with granola, and add a dollop of maple-sweetened Greek yogurt for a more healthy dessert.
- DIY reward: Bundle in a mason jar with a ribbon for a considerate, do-it-yourself current!
Make It Your Personal—Simple Taste Variations
Whereas I really 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 elements 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 contemporary for as much as 2 weeks (although it hardly ever 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
Desire 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
- Complete 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 when 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 picket 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 fully: the granola turns into crispy because it cools. Retailer in hermetic container.
