Simple Maple Nut Granola

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Once you try this homemade Maple Nut Granola you will never go back to the boxed stuff. There is nothing simply better than the combination of flavors of maple syrup, nuts, vanilla, and coconut. This simple granola recipe is vegan and gluten-free and is lightly sweetened.

And, the best time to taste it is right out of the oven. Have you ever tried warm granola? It’s comparable to eating a warm, fresh-baked cookie! Try it!

Why You Will Love Simple Maple Nut Granola

One of our family’s go-to breakfast meals is parfaits. They are easy to throw together, healthy, filling, and delicious. Not to mention, they are fun to make. Adding layers of whatever you have on hand. And, store-bought granola will never compare to the fresh taste of homemade! Trust me on this.

This recipe has been in our family for years. And, it’s a staple in our house. I typically add it to my meal-prep Sunday list. We’ve got to the point where our family will not eat a parfait without it.

It is so easy to make that I don’t need to follow the recipe anymore. LOL. Do you have recipes like that? Recipes that you make so frequently that you could make them in your sleep? Yup, this is one of those recipes. Once you make it, you’ll never go back.

How to Eat Granola

There are so many wonderful yogurt topping options. The list goes on but below are some of our family’s favorites.

-honey

-sliced strawberries

-mini frozen wildberry blueberries (Our favorites are from Trader Joe’s).

-banana slices

-unsweetened shredded coconut

-raspberry or strawberry jam

-chocolate chips (I love Lily’s brand).

-on top of a pancake

Take a look at the high-quality ingredients that make this granola so good. As I mentioned, most of these ingredients are sitting in your pantry. Go take a look, I’ll wait.

Oats

There are many varieties of oats, from steel-cut, rolled, quick-cooking, instant, to groats. In this recipe, we’re talking about good old-fashioned rolled oats. If you are gluten-free, grab this type of oats.

Also, it is important to choose organic. Oats are known to contain glyphosate. This herbicide has been linked to cancer! Another tip is to purchase the generic brand. Typically grocery stores will carry their own organic brand for a cheaper price.

Nuts

This recipe calls for almonds and pecans, specifically. However, feel free to swap out with your favorite variety of nuts. I would say that walnuts would work well in this granola as well. I like to purchase them in bulk from Costco.

For the best shelf life, nuts should be stored in an air-tight container or jar in the refrigerator or freezer. Organic is always best. Not only are you avoiding pesticides but commercially grown nuts are steam-heated to kill any pathogens or bacteria which lower the nutrient quality.

Cinnamon

There are four main species of commercially cultivated cinnamon. They include Ceylon, Korintje, Saigon, and Royal. Ceylon cinnamon is a favorite variety for baking. This is because it is less expensive yet has a nice strong flavor.

Cinnamon has been praised for its health benefits. It is jam-packed with antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, can cut the risk of heart disease, lower blood sugar, protect against cancer, and so on.

Vanilla

Did you know that vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world? With over 150 varieties, how can you be sure that you are choosing the best one? Experts say that Mexican vanilla, Tahitian vanilla, and Madagascar are the most widely produced and offered in grocery stores.

When looking for the right vanilla, you should focus on flavor, aroma, and price as well as make sure you are purchasing extract not vanilla flavoring. Costco’s pure vanilla extract is usually a great option. Did you know that it is simple to make your own vanilla? It might be worth trying.

Maple Syrup

We’re not talking about pancake syrup here. I am referring to true maple syrup which is the sap from sugar maple trees.

Did you know that it takes roughly 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup? The sap goes through a process where heat and evaporation are used to deconcentrate it. Once again, choose pure syrup and never substitute it with pancake syrup which is filled with sodium, calories, and chemicals, and is stripped of anything that stands for good nutrition.

Coconut Oil

Unrefined. Cold-pressed. Virgin. Extra-virgin. What does that all mean? Those are actually terms you are looking for when purchasing your coconut oil. Those are techniques that are used to refine the coconut oil instead of using harsh chemicals or high temperatures that strip the oil of any nutrients.

And good news. No need to purchase organic varieties. Coconuts are not shown to be heavily sprayed by pesticides.

How To Make the Granola

1. Start by turning your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and grab a medium-sized bowl.

2. Chop the nuts and melt the coconut oil. A little side note; one of my favorite products is a hand chopper. It allows me to easily and quickly chop the nuts for this granola.

3. Add all of the ingredients to the bowl and stir well.

4. Place the granola onto a lined cookie sheet and spread it into an even layer.

5. Cook the granola in the oven for about 22 minutes.

6. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely.

7. Transfer the granola to a large mason jar with a lid.

How to Store Granola

Granola should be left out on the counter or in a cabinet. Do not refrigerate.

The granola should last 1-2 weeks in an air-tight container.

Tips + Modifications

If you are not into coconut oil, feel free to use vegetable oil instead.

You can absolutely switch up the nuts to your favorite variety. I also enjoy using walnuts.

Did You Love This Granola Recipe?

I want to hear all about it! Would you consider leaving a star rating and comment below? I would be so grateful. I enjoy reading what you thought.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Michelle