Looking for a tasty breakfast or snack? This Cranberry Pecan Granola recipe is for you! It’s simple, crunchy, and bursting with flavors. With oats, sweet berries, and crunchy nuts, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you enjoy it with yogurt or on its own, this granola is a perfect choice for busy mornings. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious treat!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Nutty Texture: The combination of pecans and oats creates a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Natural Sweetness: Using honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness without any refined sugars.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as a topping for yogurt and desserts.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this granola comes together quickly.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Granola
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries
The base of our granola is rolled oats. They provide fiber and a chewy texture. Next, we add pecans. They add crunch and a nutty flavor. Dried cranberries bring sweetness and a pop of color.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For sweetness, we can use honey. Maple syrup is a great alternative if you prefer. Coconut oil adds richness and helps bind the granola. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, making it even more delicious.
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the mix. Unsweetened coconut flakes give a tropical twist. A bit of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Gather these ingredients to create a tasty and crunchy snack. Enjoy the process of making your own granola!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps the granola bake evenly and not stick.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a big bowl, combine 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything well until mixed. This creates the crunchy base for your granola.
Prepare Wet Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it is smooth and combined. This mixture adds sweetness and helps bind the granola.
Combine Mixtures and Bake
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything. Make sure each oat and nut gets coated. Then, spread the granola mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir it halfway through so it bakes evenly. Watch it closely to avoid overbaking.
Cool and Store
Once done, take it out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. After it cools, fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries. Break the granola into clusters and store in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy for your next snack!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Texture
- Avoiding overbaking: Keep an eye on your granola. Bake until it turns golden brown. Overbaking can make it too hard. For a perfect crunch, aim for that sweet spot between golden and burnt.
- Stir halfway through baking: Halfway through, stir the granola. This helps it cook evenly. It prevents clumps and ensures every bite is crunchy.
Enhancing Flavor
- Adding spices or nuts: Feel free to add more spices like nutmeg or ginger. You can also mix in other nuts such as almonds or walnuts. This gives each bite a unique taste.
- Adjusting sweetness level: Taste your mix before baking. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or syrup. You can even sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Best served with yogurt or berries: I love serving this granola on a bed of yogurt. Top it with fresh berries for a colorful and tasty breakfast.
- Presentation ideas: Use a clear glass jar to show off its beautiful colors. A bowl with yogurt and berries looks great and is fun to eat!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh rolled oats and nuts for the best flavor and texture in your granola.
- Customize Your Sweetener: Experiment with different types of sweeteners like agave syrup or brown sugar to find your preferred taste.
- Mix in Extras: Feel free to add other ingredients such as seeds, chocolate chips, or spices to create your unique granola blend.
- Store Correctly: Keep your granola in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness and freshness for longer.
Variations
Nut and Seed Substitutes
You can switch up the nuts in this recipe. Try using almonds or walnuts instead of pecans. Both options add a great crunch. If you want extra nutrition, add seeds like chia or flax. These seeds give your granola a boost of omega-3s and fiber.
Dried Fruit Alternatives
If you don’t have dried cranberries, use raisins or chopped apricots. They offer a sweet touch and chewy texture. You can also mix in other berries like blueberries or strawberries. This will give your granola a fruity twist.
Flavoring Options
For a chocolatey kick, add chocolate chips or cocoa powder. They melt nicely and create a rich flavor. You can also try different syrups like agave. Agave syrup is less sweet than honey and works well in this recipe.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your cranberry pecan granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. A glass jar works great. You can also use a plastic container with a tight lid. Place it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This helps keep the granola crunchy and tasty.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, your granola lasts about two weeks. After that, it may lose its crunch. Signs of spoilage include a stale smell or flavor. If you see any signs of mold, discard it right away.
Tips for Recrisping
If your granola gets soft, you can easily revive it. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the granola on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s crunchy again. Stir it halfway to ensure even heating. Let it cool before storing again.
FAQs
How do I make Cranberry Pecan Granola vegan?
To make this granola vegan, replace honey with maple syrup. Maple syrup adds sweetness without using animal products. You can also use agave syrup as another option. Both alternatives work well, keeping your granola delicious and plant-based.
Can I make granola without oil?
Yes, you can make granola without oil. Instead of coconut oil, use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas. These options will help bind the ingredients while adding moisture. You can also use nut butter like almond or peanut butter. This adds flavor and healthy fats without oil.
What are the health benefits of this granola?
Cranberry Pecan Granola offers many health benefits. Here are some key points:
- Rolled oats: High in fiber, they support digestion and heart health.
- Pecans: These nuts provide healthy fats and protein, helping you feel full.
- Dried cranberries: Rich in antioxidants, they support overall health.
- Coconut flakes: Add healthy fats and a touch of sweetness.
- Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that provide energy.
- Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar and adds flavor.
This granola is not just tasty; it’s also a nutritious choice for breakfast or snacks!
Cranberry Pecan Granola is easy to make with healthy ingredients. You mix oats, pecans, and cranberries with a sweet blend of honey or maple syrup. Bake your mixture until golden and store it for snacking.
Remember, you can add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for variety. Whether you serve it with yogurt or enjoy it plain, this granola is tasty and nutritious. Unlock the joy of homemade granola and customize it to fit your tast
Cranberry Pecan Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, coconut flakes, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix until all the oats and nuts are well coated.
- Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden and fragrant. Be careful not to overbake.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, fold in the dried cranberries.
- Once fully cooled, break the granola into clusters and store it in an airtight container.