Skip the store-bought granola and make your own with this easy maple pecan granola recipe. Made with simple ingredients, it's the perfect breakfast for busy mornings. This recipe uses real maple syrup to create the best flavor, rather than adding maple extract.
Maple is one of my favorite fall flavors! Honestly it's great year-round but it feels extra cozy and special during the autumn months. The maple syrup pairs well with nutty pecans and warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, creating the perfect balance of flavors in every bite!
Granola is surprisingly easy to make! All you have to do is mix a few ingredients together, press it down into a baking sheet and let it bake for about 30 minutes. It makes several servings and stores well for up to 1 month.
This maple granola pairs well with a bowl of oatmeal, Greek yogurt or simply on its own as a snack or with a splash of milk. Use it as a delicious crunchy topping on a strawberry banana smoothie bowl, sourdough French toast casserole or honey baked apples. Yum!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Maple and pecan granola makes a simple yet delicious gift during the holidays!
- This recipe makes a large batch, meaning you get so much more than if you were to buy it at a store!
- It stores well and lasts for up to 1 month stored at room temperature.
- This recipe is made without any eggs, so it is vegan-friendly!
Ingredient Notes
- Old fashioned rolled oats - these oats make up the bulk of the granola.
- Pecans - buy shelled pecans, normally found in the baking isle.
- Maple syrup - I recommend using 100% real maple syrup for this.
- Ground flax seed- flax seed is used to make a "flax egg" which is used as an egg replacement.
- Spices - cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice are the magic combo for warm fall flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chocolate chips - add in ½ cup of chocolate chips (try chocolate, white chocolate or butterscotch) after baking.
- Cranberries - add in ½ cup of dried cranberries after baking.
- Raisins - add in ½ cup raisins after baking.
- Nuts - swap in your favorite nuts such as walnuts, almonds or pistachios.
- Seeds - replace ½ cup of nuts with seeds such as pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds.
Step by Step Instructions
1- Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl (except the coconut flakes).
2- Press the granola mixture into a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
4- Let it cool for 30 minutes. Stir in the coconut flakes.
Emily's Top Tip
"Make sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper for a quick cleanup afterwards!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you want this recipe to be gluten-free.
Homemade Maple Pecan Granola (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 4 cups rolled oats (old fashioned oats)
- 1 ½ cups pecans
- ½ cup ground flax seed
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon all spice
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix together the rolled oats, pecans, ground flax seed, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, all spice, maple syrup and olive oil until. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Press the granola mixture into the baking sheet forming an even layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway though. Make sure to press the granola down into the tray again after stirring.
- Let the granola cool for 30-45 minutes.
- Add the coconut flakes into the granola and gently mix together.
Notes
- Store granola in an airtight container. It will store well in the pantry for about 1 month.
- Tip: store leftover pecans in the freezer until next use. It will help keep them fresh!
Terry says
Thank you for this recipe - easy and delicious!
I use it as a topper for my unflavored Greek yogurt.
May even make and put in also jars with nice ribbons to give as gifts for the holiday!
Emily Toshiko says
Thank you so much for leaving a review! I'm so happy you are enjoying this recipe. I think it would make a great gift for the holidays. 🙂
Cathy says
Delicious! I am using this on top of my yogurt and also as a quick snack with milk when I I have the munchies. Delicious and nutritious! I love the pecans in this granola!
Emily Toshiko says
Thank you so much 🙂 I'm always surprised at how easy it is to make granola! Glad you're enjoying it.