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- 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mixed nuts (chopped walnuts and pecans) - 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries or raisins, or a mix) - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Each serving of this maple cinnamon granola has about 200 calories. It includes 5 grams of protein and 12 grams of fat. You also get 27 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber. This granola is rich in healthy fats and natural sugars. - Rolled oats: They provide fiber. Fiber helps with digestion and keeps you full longer. - Mixed nuts: Nuts offer protein and healthy fats. They support heart health and give energy. - Unsweetened shredded coconut: Coconut adds flavor and healthy fats. It boosts your energy. - Pure maple syrup: This natural sweetener has antioxidants. It can help fight inflammation. - Coconut oil: It contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs can help with weight loss. - Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds flavor. It may help lower blood sugar levels. - Vanilla extract: It enhances flavor. Vanilla can also improve your mood. - Dried fruits: They add natural sweetness and vitamins. Dried fruits help satisfy your sweet tooth. - Sea salt: It enhances flavor. A little salt helps balance sweetness. This granola is not just tasty; it's packed with benefits. Each bite brings crunch and flavor while fueling your body! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a large mixing bowl, add 3 cups of rolled oats. Then, chop 1 cup of mixed nuts and add them to the bowl. I like to use walnuts and pecans for a nice crunch. Next, add 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir gently to mix everything well. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure this mixture is smooth before you pour it over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Mix until every piece is coated. Next, spread the granola mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Make sure it is in an even layer for uniform baking. Bake the granola for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir halfway through to promote even browning. Keep an eye on it. The granola should turn golden and smell amazing. After baking, take the granola out of the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet. This cooling time is important for a crunchy texture. Once it is completely cool, fold in 1/2 cup of your favorite dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins. Mix gently to distribute the fruits evenly. Now your granola is ready to enjoy! Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. To make your granola crunchy, use rolled oats. They hold up well during baking. Mix in chopped nuts for added crunch. I love walnuts and pecans. Use melted coconut oil to help bind the ingredients. This oil also adds a light flavor. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. This helps it bake uniformly. Stir halfway through baking to avoid burning. One mistake is not watching the granola while it bakes. It can burn quickly, especially towards the end. Another error is not letting it cool completely. Cooling is key for that perfect crunch. If you add dried fruits before baking, they might burn. Always fold them in after baking. Finally, don’t skip the sea salt. It enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness. For more flavor, try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. A hint of vanilla extract also boosts the taste. You can mix in different dried fruits, like cherries or apricots, for variety. If you want a sweeter touch, drizzle extra maple syrup on top. For a tropical twist, add dried pineapple. Each addition can make your granola unique and delicious. Pro Tips Store Properly: Keep your granola in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness and freshness for longer. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to switch out the mixed nuts for your favorites, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for a unique flavor. Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality maple syrup and fresh nuts for the best flavor and texture in your granola. Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the mix for an extra layer of warmth and flavor in your granola. {{image_4}} You can change the nuts in this granola recipe. Instead of walnuts and pecans, try almonds or cashews. You can also use hazelnuts for a unique flavor. Each nut adds a different taste and crunch. Mix and match to find your favorite blend. Just remember to chop any large nuts for even baking. Maple syrup is a star in this recipe, but there are other options. Honey works well as a sweetener too. Agave nectar is another choice if you want a vegan option. You can also try brown sugar, but it may give a different texture. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Just keep it sticky enough to hold the granola together. Adding fruits can make your granola fun and fresh. Dried cherries or apricots work great in the fall. In summer, use dried mango or pineapple for a tropical twist. You can also mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet touch. Just remember to add them after baking to keep them soft. Get creative and enjoy the flavors of each season! To keep your granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. This step is key. It stops air and moisture from ruining the crunchy texture. You can use glass jars or plastic containers. Make sure they seal tightly. If you have a lot, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easy to grab what you need. Homemade granola lasts about two weeks. If you store it well, you can even stretch it to a month. Just keep an eye on it. If it smells off or looks stale, it’s time to toss it. Remember that dried fruits can lose their flavor over time. So, it's best to eat your granola fresh. If you have leftover granola, don’t let it go to waste! You can use it in many ways. Sprinkle it on yogurt or oatmeal for an extra crunch. It also makes a great topping for desserts like ice cream or fruit crisps. You can even add it to smoothies for added texture. The options are endless! To make granola without nuts, simply leave out the nuts from the recipe. You can replace them with seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. These seeds add a nice crunch and extra nutrition. You can also use more coconut or dried fruits to make up for the texture. Just ensure that you adjust the amounts to keep the balance. Yes, you can use maple syrup in place of honey. Both sweeteners add rich flavor to granola. Maple syrup is vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for everyone. Use the same amount of maple syrup as you would honey. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious! Homemade granola is fresher and often healthier than store-bought. You control the ingredients and can avoid added sugars or preservatives. You can customize flavors and textures to fit your taste. Store-bought options may contain fillers and unhealthy additives. Making granola at home can be fun and rewarding, plus you can enjoy it fresh! In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for making healthy granola. You learned about the nutrition each ingredient offers and the benefits they bring. I shared easy steps for preparation, baking, and cooling to make your granola perfect. We also looked at tips for crunchiness and flavor. Lastly, I covered how to store your granola and answered common questions. Remember, making granola at home is simple and rewarding. Enjoy crafting your own flavors and finding your favorite mix!

Maple Cinnamon Crunch Granola

A delicious and crunchy granola made with rolled oats, nuts, coconut, and sweetened with maple syrup and cinnamon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (chopped walnuts and pecans)
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2 cup dried fruits (cranberries or raisins, or a mix)
  • 1 4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and sea salt. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold and stir until all the dry ingredients are fully coated with the wet mixture.
  • Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer to ensure uniform baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even browning. Keep an eye on it – it should become golden and release a lovely, warm aroma.
  • Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps it achieve a crunchy texture as it cools.
  • After cooling, fold in the dried fruits of your choice, mixing gently until evenly distributed. Store the granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the granola in individual bowls with a dollop of yogurt or a splash of milk. You can also garnish with additional nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a lovely touch!
Keyword breakfast, granola, healthy