The Best Crunchy Maple Nut Granola Recipe for Busy Mornings

Maple nut granola brings a delightful crunch that awakens your breakfast senses with its irresistible texture and warmth.

Imagine mornings filled with golden, toasted clusters that sparkle with sweet maple essence.

Crisp oats intertwine with rich, buttery nuts, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a wholesome adventure packed with natural sweetness and satisfying crackle.

Home kitchens convert into aromatic sanctuaries when this granola begins to bake, filling the air with comforting scents.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a hearty start to your day that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

The magic happens when simple components come together, promising a breakfast experience that will make you smile.

You can want to dive right into this delectable morning treat that turns ordinary breakfasts into extraordinary moments.

Why You’ll Adore Crunchy Maple Nut Granola

• The recipe's unique stirring technique helps form delightful, large granola clusters that provide a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Simple mixing and baking steps transform basic ingredients into a gourmet breakfast treat, making homemade granola accessible for even novice cooks.
• Maple syrup, nuts, coconut, and cinnamon combine to create a rich, complex taste profile that works perfectly with yogurt, milk, or as a standalone snack.
• Packed with nutritious ingredients like chia seeds and dried cranberries, this granola offers a wholesome meal option that can be easily adapted to personal preferences.

What Goes Into Crunchy Maple Nut Granola

• Oats: Hearty base that provides texture and nutrition, whole rolled oats work best.
• Chopped Nuts: Adds crunch and rich flavor, mix of almonds and pecans recommended.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that binds ingredients, pure maple syrup preferred.
• Coconut Oil: Helps create golden color and crispy texture, unrefined coconut oil ideal.

• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and extra crunch, unsweetened variety suggested.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor profile, pure vanilla extract recommended.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements maple flavor, ground cinnamon works best.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors, fine sea salt preferred.

• Dried Cranberries: Adds fruity tartness and color, unsweetened or lightly sweetened type.
• Chia Seeds: Boosts nutritional value with omega-3 and protein, white or black chia seeds work.

Steps to Make Crunchy Maple Nut Granola

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Rolled oats
• Chopped almonds
• Chopped pecans
• Shredded coconut
• Ground cinnamon
• Sea salt

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

• Pure maple syrup
• Melted coconut oil
• Vanilla extract

Step 4: Mix and Coat

Grab a wooden spoon or spatula and gently stir all ingredients until every single oat and nut gets a delicious, glistening coating.

Step 5: Spread and Initial Bake

Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly in a thin layer. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven.

Step 6: First Stirring Session

After 10 minutes, pull out the baking sheet and give the granola a thorough mix. This prevents burning and ensures even golden-brown coloring.

Step 7: Second Stirring Session

At the 20-minute mark, remove the sheet again. Gently press down on the mixture with a spatula to help create those irresistible crunchy clusters.

Step 8: Final Baking

Continue baking for the last 10 minutes until the granola turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Add Extras

• Dried cranberries
• Chia seeds

Step 10: Store and Enjoy

Transfer your homemade granola to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks at room temperature.

Tips for Better Crunchy Maple Nut Granola

• Achieve Perfect Clumps: Gently press down the granola mixture during the second stirring to create those desirable crunchy clusters that everyone loves.
• Control Baking Precision: Use a timer to track the exact 10-minute intervals for stirring, ensuring consistent golden-brown color and even toasting of nuts and oats.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Drizzle maple syrup evenly and mix thoroughly to guarantee each oat and nut gets coated with sweet, rich flavor.
• Prevent Burning Technique: Spread the granola in a thin, uniform layer on the baking sheet to promote consistent cooking and avoid scorching the delicate ingredients.
• Cool Completely for Crunch: Allow the granola to cool entirely on the baking sheet, which helps it crisp up and develop a satisfying, crunchy texture that holds together perfectly.

Saving and Reheating Crunchy Maple Nut Granola

• Refrigerate: Store cooled granola in an airtight container or sealed glass jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain crispness.
• Freeze: Transfer granola to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• Reheat: Spread granola on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its original crunchiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soft texture.

Best Matches for Crunchy Maple Nut Granola

• Pair with Creamy Yogurt Delight: Combine the crunchy maple nut granola with smooth Greek yogurt for a perfect breakfast blend. The tangy yogurt complements the sweet maple and nutty flavors, creating a balanced and satisfying morning treat.
• Match with Warm Chai Latte: Brew a spicy chai latte to accompany this granola. The warming spices of cinnamon and cardamom in the chai will enhance the cinnamon notes in the granola, creating a cozy and comforting flavor experience.
• Create a Fruit Smoothie Bowl: Top your favorite fruit smoothie bowl with this maple nut granola for added texture and crunch. Berries or tropical fruits work wonderfully, adding a fresh contrast to the rich, nutty granola.
• Enjoy as an Ice Cream Topper: Sprinkle this granola over vanilla or maple ice cream for a delightful dessert. The crisp texture provides a perfect crunch against the smooth, cold ice cream, elevating a simple dessert into a gourmet treat.

Crunchy Maple Nut Granola Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Maple Crunch: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and mix dark chocolate chips into the cooled granola for a rich, decadent version with deep chocolate notes.
• Tropical Maple Adventure: Replace coconut oil with macadamia nut oil and mix in dried pineapple, mango chunks, and toasted coconut flakes for a Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile.
• Spiced Autumn Mix: Incorporate pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon, add chopped pecans, and mix in dried apple pieces after baking for a warm, seasonal granola experience.
• Protein Power Blend: Stir in hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and a scoop of vanilla protein powder during mixing to create a high-protein breakfast or snack option with added nutritional value.

Questions About Crunchy Maple Nut Granola

• How long does this maple nut granola stay fresh?

The granola stays fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its crunchiness.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on the list?

Absolutely! You can swap nuts like almonds for pecans, use honey instead of maple syrup, or replace dried cranberries with raisins. Just keep similar proportions to maintain the recipe’s texture.

• Is this granola recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s nutritious! With oats, nuts, chia seeds, and coconut, it provides healthy fats, fiber, and protein. The maple syrup adds natural sweetness without processed sugars.

• How do I prevent the granola from burning during baking?

Stir the granola every 10 minutes and use a low oven temperature (325°F). Keep an eye on it and gently press the mixture to help form clumps without overcooking.

Crunchy Maple Nut Granola Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Maple nut granola brings warmth and wholesome crunch to breakfast tables with its golden-brown clusters of oats and nuts. Delightful spoonfuls promise hearty, sweet morning moments you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (710 ml) rolled oats
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) coconut oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) maple syrup

Complementary Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) shredded coconut
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vanilla extract

Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by heating the oven to 325°F and lightly greasing a spacious baking sheet to prevent adhesion.
2. Gather all dry and wet ingredients in a generously sized mixing vessel, ensuring oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and spices are thoroughly blended with liquid components like maple syrup and coconut oil.
3. Distribute the granola mixture uniformly across the prepared baking surface, creating an even layer that will facilitate consistent roasting.
4. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and initiate the first roasting phase, monitoring the transformation carefully.
5. After 10 minutes, extract the sheet and gently redistribute the granola, turning sections to promote balanced caramelization and prevent burning.
6. Return the tray to the oven and continue roasting, rotating and pressing the mixture at the 20-minute mark to encourage cluster formation.
7. Complete the final roasting segment, allowing the granola to develop a rich golden-brown color and crisp texture.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet, which helps create additional crunchy clusters.
9. Once temperature normalizes, fold in dried cranberries and chia seeds, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
10. Transfer to an airtight container for storage, preserving the granola’s delightful crunch and flavor profile.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly clustered granola by stirring at 10 and 20-minute intervals during baking, which helps distribute heat evenly and create delightful crunchy chunks.
• Use a light touch when pressing down the mixture midway through baking to encourage larger, satisfying granola clusters without breaking them apart.
• Coconut oil acts as a natural binding agent, helping the oats and nuts stick together while providing a subtle, rich undertone to the overall flavor profile.
• Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture, which happens if moved too quickly.
• Dried cranberries and chia seeds add nutritional boosts of antioxidants and omega-3s, transforming this treat from a simple snack to a powerhouse breakfast option.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, maintaining its satisfying crunch and making it perfect for quick morning meals or on-the-go snacking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg