Sweet maple, crunchy pecans, raisins and a hint of cinnamon make this homemade Maple Pecan Granola an ideal yogurt topper, breakfast cereal, or grab-and-go snack. It takes less than 10 minutes to prep and bakes into a golden, crunchy batch you’ll want to eat by the handful.
This recipe was published in 2015 and updated in June 2021.
Homemade granola has a warmth and freshness that store-bought simply can’t match. When it comes out of the oven and starts to cool, the aroma and texture are irresistible. This Maple Pecan Granola is straightforward to make, budget-friendly, and full of flavor — real maple syrup, toasted pecans, and a touch of cinnamon combine for a satisfying crunch.
What’s the key to a crunchy granola?
A few simple techniques will help you achieve crunchy, golden granola every time:
- Bake at a lower temperature. Baking at 300°F lets the granola cook slowly and evenly so it browns without burning. High heat can make the outside dark while leaving the inside soft.
- Consider adding an egg white. Whisked egg white helps clusters form and adds extra crunch. It’s optional — this particular maple pecan version often turns out great without it.
- Spread the granola thinly. Don’t crowd the pan. A thin, even layer on a large baking sheet promotes crisping. If needed, split the mixture between two pans so everything bakes evenly.
Ingredients and swaps
- Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats for texture. Choose certified gluten free oats if you need a gluten-free batch.
- Pecans: Raw pecan halves or pieces both work well and toast beautifully in the oven.
- Maple syrup: Use real maple syrup for its rich flavor. You can substitute honey or another liquid sweetener if you prefer.
- Almonds: Slivered almonds are used here, but chopped or whole almonds will work.
- Raisins: Optional. Add them if you like a sweet chew among the crunch.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor.
- Cinnamon: Any cinnamon will do; Ceylon is milder and lovely if you have it.
- Canola oil: Neutral-flavored oils like canola work well. Coconut oil is also a fine substitute and adds a subtle coconut note.
- Sea salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes — use certified gluten free rolled oats to make this granola gluten free. The recipe is naturally adaptable for many diets. For a nut-free alternative, try a nut-free granola variation made with seeds instead of tree nuts.
Granola is quick to mix and bakes into a satisfying snack that vanishes fast. That’s probably why I don’t make it every day: it disappears the moment it’s ready!
How to serve this Maple Pecan Granola
- Sprinkle it over yogurt or build a layered parfait for breakfast or a snack.
- Use it as a crunchy topping for ice cream — it’s especially good on vanilla or butter pecan flavors.
- Add it to smoothie bowls for texture by using less liquid so the bowl stays thick.
- Eat it by the handful for a quick, satisfying snack.
- Top roasted breakfast sweet potatoes with yogurt and generous granola for a hearty morning treat.
Other granola ideas
- SIMPLE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER GRANOLA
- CHOCOLATE GRANOLA WITH PISTACHIOS AND SEA SALT
- NUT FREE BLUEBERRY MUFFIN GRANOLA
- BANANA BREAD GRANOLA
- COCONUT ALMOND GRANOLA
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Maple Pecan Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, regular or gluten free depending on your needs
- 1 cup raw pecan halves/pieces
- 1/2 cup almond slivers
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 T vanilla
- 1 T ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 300°F.
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In a large bowl combine the oats, cinnamon, raisins, almonds, pecans, and salt.
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In a separate bowl whisk together the maple syrup, canola (or coconut) oil, and vanilla.
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Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
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Spread the mixture in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring or shifting the granola every 15 minutes so it browns evenly.
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Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet so it crisps up. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question?Leave a comment below!