Homemade Maple and Pecan Granola is a delicious and nutritious snack that's incredibly easy to make at home. This granola is packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, hemp hearts, and nuts, making it a satisfying option for breakfast or a healthy snack.
Here are two more quick, healthy, gluten-free breakfast recipes I think you'll love Oatmeal Banana Bread and Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins.
Why You'll Love This Maple Pecan Granola
Maple and pecan create a delicious and comforting flavor combination. The sweet, warm taste of maple syrup pairs perfectly with the buttery, nutty flavor of pecans. Together, they add a satisfying crunch and evoke cozy feelings, making them perfect for granola!
All Natural Healthy Ingredients: This homemade granola is made with nutrient-dense ingredients, providing protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Customizable: You can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Versatile Snack: Enjoy it as a breakfast cereal, topping for yogurt, or a quick grab-and-go snack.
This Recipe Is:
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats for a completely gluten-free granola.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, avoiding any refined sugars.
- Vegan: Made with plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, maple syrup, and pecans perfect for a vegan diet.
- Dairy-Free: No dairy ingredients are included, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- Kid-Friendly: A healthy snack that kids will love for breakfast or as a treat.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats – A great source of fiber and the perfect base for any granola.
- 1 cup hemp hearts – Adds protein, healthy fats, and a mild nutty flavor.
- 1 cup pecans – Rich in monounsaturated fats and adds a delicious crunch.
- ½ cup pepitas – Packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
- ½ cup sunflower seeds – A great source of vitamin E and dietary fiber.
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted) – Helps achieve that perfect crunchy texture.
- ½ cup maple syrup – Natural sweetener with a rich, deep flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt – Use flakey sea salt if available for a touch of sweet and salty balance.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice to the granola.
Hemp seeds have many health benefits and are considered a complete protein, meaning they contain all 9 amino acids. Traditional granola recipe's macronutrients contain carbohydrates and fats only, while hemp granola has an added plant-based protein.
Recipe Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 275°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, hemp hearts, pecans, pepitas, and sunflower seeds.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon over the dry mixture. Stir everything until well coated.
- Spread and press: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Press it down with a spatula and sprinkle it with sea salt.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 275°F (135°C) for 1 hour. After 1 hour, check the granola; it should be lightly golden and fragrant.
- Rotate the pan: Carefully turn the baking sheet around so that the front side is now facing the back of the oven. After rotating, increase the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
- Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the granola is golden and smells toasted.
- Important: Keep a close eye on the granola during the last 20 minutes, as oven temperatures may vary. The granola is ready when it's golden and fragrant.
- Do not stir the granola during baking—this helps it form large clusters.
- Cool and store: Let the granola cool completely without stirring. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container. You can also add dried fruit, chocolate chips, or unsweetened coconut at this stage if desired.
How to Enjoy Your Homemade Granola:
- Serve it with yogurt and berries for a delicious parfait.
- Use it as a topping for smoothie bowls.
- Enjoy it as a quick snack straight from the container.
- Sprinkle it over baked fruits like cinnamon apples or baked peaches.
- Pack in lunch boxes
Optional Granola Add-Ins:
Once your maple and pecan granola has baked and cooled, you can customize it with unique add-ins like:
- Dried fruits (such as cranberries, strawberries, apricots, or mango)
- Chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Spices (like nutmeg or pumpkin spice)
Experimenting with different ingredients can create a granola that suits your taste preferences!
How to Store Homemade Granola
To keep your maple pecan granola fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag once it has completely cooled.
Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, this gluten-free and vegan granola can last up to two weeks, but for the best flavor, aim to enjoy it within a week.
For longer storage, freeze your granola in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will stay fresh for up to three months!
Looking for more information on Clean Eating? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Clean Eating: Tips, Benefits, and Food Lists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The ideal oil for homemade granola is coconut oil, as it adds a delightful flavor and helps achieve the perfect crunch. If you don’t have coconut oil on hand, extra-virgin olive oil is a healthy alternative. Both oils create a nutritious base for your granola, ensuring it’s delicious and satisfying!
Yes! Hemp hearts are an excellent addition to granola. They contribute a mild nutty flavor and a delightful crunch, elevating both the taste and texture. Nutritionally, hemp hearts are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential amino acids, which make your granola more satisfying and nutritious. Adding them not only enhances the health benefits of your homemade granola but also transforms it into a delicious and fulfilling snack!
To create refined sugar-free granola using whole foods, opt for natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. These simple ingredients provide sweetness without the use of refined sugars. Feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences and enjoy a delicious and healthy homemade granola!
Follow me for more healthy recipes and cooking tips!
Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more delicious recipes!
📖 Recipe
Homemade Maple and Pecan Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup hemp hearts
- 1 cup pecans
- ½ cup pepitas
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (flakey sea salt if available)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, hemp hearts, pecans, pepitas, and sunflower seeds.3 cups rolled oats, 1 cup hemp hearts, 1 cup pecans, ½ cup pepitas, ½ cup sunflower seeds, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon over the dry mixture. Stir everything until well coated.¼ cup coconut oil, ½ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Press it down with a spatula and sprinkle it with sea salt.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 275°F (135°C) for 1 hour. After 1 hour, check the granola; it should be lightly golden and fragrant. Do not stir the granola during baking—this helps it form large clusters.
- Carefully turn the baking sheet around so that the front side is now facing the back of the oven. After rotating, increase the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
- Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the granola is golden and smells toasted.Important: Keep a close eye on the granola during the last 20 minutes, as oven temperatures may vary. The granola is ready when it's golden and fragrant.
- Cool and store: Let the granola cool completely without stirring. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container. You can also add dried fruit, chocolate chips, or unsweetened coconut at this stage if desired.
Notes
Oats: Ensure you use certified gluten-free oats if you require a gluten-free granola.
Oil Substitutions: Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor, but you can use extra-virgin olive oil if coconut oil isn't available.
Sweetener Alternatives: Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave nectar for different sweetness levels.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months for longer shelf life.
Baking Tip: For clumpier granola, avoid stirring while it bakes and allow it to cool undisturbed.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
The nutritional information provided here is approximate and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. We strive to give you accurate information, but many factors can cause this data to vary widely. For more information, please read our full Nutritional Disclaimer.
Lennie says
This is delicious. But I found it didn't brown in only 30 min. I had to bake an additional 30, stirring every 15 min. Is it suppose to be like museli texture, moist and white, or browner, dry and crunchy like other granolas. It was delicious if I over baked it. Lol
Jessica says
Thanks for letting me know! I find it sometimes needs extra baking too. I'm so happy you loved it!
Aimee Mars says
Goodness, there are so many delicious ingredients in this granola! I love hemp seeds, but don't add them to enough recipes. This is a great way to get in some more early in the day.
Jessica says
Help hearts are the best! So happy you loved this recipe!
Beth says
We love this recipe. Easy, delicious, and so full of nutrition. I love eating it over Greek yogurt. I had a little bit of a difficult time finding hemp hearts but I finally found them at Fresh Thyme.
Jessica says
So good over yogurt!
Natalie says
I use hemp seeds a lot. But I never tried adding them in granola. I will have to give your recipe a try. Sounds so healthy!
Jessica says
I hope you love it as much as we do!
Katherine says
What a great way to use hemp hearts! Love the flavors in this homemade granola.
Jessica says
Thanks, Katherine!
sonia says
Tomorrow for breakfast I will try this recipe
Jessica says
Great!
Esmé Slabbert says
I should have had this earlier today as I just bought some granola but will keep this for next time. Thanks so much, I have been looking for this for a while.
Jessica says
Thank you! I hope you get to try it soon.
Luca says
So yummy, I will definitely have this for breakfast more often now!
Jessica says
Thanks, Luca.
Gabriela Herrera says
I love how clean this granola is. And the addition of the sunflower seeds is just great. I normally do not add them to anything but bowls and pesto but this sounds like an awesome idea.
Jessica says
Thanks so much!
Kris says
This looks like it will be perfect in my açaí bowls and will save me a ton of money over getting store bought!
Jessica says
SO happy to hear you think so!
Leah says
I just recently started to take a liking to putting granola in my Greek yogurt for breakfast. I’d love to make my own since the store bought version isn’t the healthiest!
Jessica says
Granola and Greek yogurt are my favorite!
Julia Hess says
I absolutely love how you styled your granola. This looks delicious.
Jessica says
Thank you for your kind words!!
Michelle says
This looks delicious and easy! Have never made anything with hemp hearts and this might be the one to start with.
Jessica says
Thanks, Michelle!
Emily Flint says
Not only a healthy and delicious snack, but my kitchen smells amazing!
Jessica says
One of my favorite parts of cooking granola is the smell! It's usually not long in the oven before my kids are in the kitchen asking what's so yummy smelling. Ha!
Kalu Lor says
This granola mix looks amazing. Can't wait to give it a try and have it on my yogurt or even as a snack. Thanks for sharing.
Jessica says
So happy you liked the recipe!
Kalin says
I love making homemade granola and am always looking for more ways to change it up! I've never used hemp hearts before but will definitely give them a shot now!
Jessica says
I just tried them for the first time this year. They're so good and healthy!
Jeannie says
something I can make in advance and enjoy for breakfast 🙂 Perfect recipe for plantbased and vegans!
Jessica says
Glad you like it! It's so good!
Gabriela says
Looks amazing. I love how blueberries add that just perfect touch. A must try.
Jessica says
Glad you liked the recipe!
Kate says
This looks delicious!!! Any substitutes for pepitas? I can't get them in Zambia where I live.
Jessica says
Hey, Kate. Slivered almonds or roasted pumpkin seeds would be a great substitute! Really, any seed or nut available to you will work as long as you keep the wet to dry ratio the same. I hope this helps! Please, let me know if you have additional questions.
Cassie says
Yum! This looks delicious, and I love that you added hemp hearts to your granola. Thank you for sharing!
Jessica says
So glad you liked it, Cassie! Hemp hearts are my current obsession!
Stacy Boswell says
Great recipe with lots of good, healthy ingredients! I have never used hemp hearts so I am excited to give it a try.
Jessica says
They're very mild, slightly nutty, and they're a great addition to granolas, smoothies, and yogurt bowls! Thanks so much!
Christina says
This recipe is fantastic. I make granola often and rotate between recipes but this is definitely a default favorite of mine. Everyone should try it. Thank you!
Jessica says
Thanks, Christina! I'm thrilled you love it!
Alyssa Hixenbaugh says
I have always loved granola, and I try finding good recipes to make it for myself! The ingredients in this are so hearty and it’s perfect that it’s sweetened with maple syrup. 🙂
Lorinda McKinnon says
What a great combination! And anything with maple in it gets my vote.
Jessica says
Yay! So glad you liked it!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
I love making granola and for the longest time I was obsessed with hemp hearts. Great recipe!!
Jessica says
Yay! I'm so happy you liked it!
Merveille says
This looks so yummy yet so healthy. I have been wondering how granolas are made but I am realizing now that it's not that hard. I am going to give this recipe a try. Thanks for sharing.
Jessica says
Thank you! I hope you love it as much as we do!
hari says
looks delicious and yummy.
hemp is surely healthy and nutritious.
thanks for sharing this awesome recipe!
Jessica says
So happy you liked this recipe!
Victoria Rose says
This sounds so good and would be tempted to try to make this or something similar! I really like granola, however it is often expensive in supermarkets as well as being less healthy.
Jessica says
Yyou definitely get more bang for your buck when making granola at home
Ally says
Yum!! This looks delicious!!
Jessica says
Thank you!!
Tibbstales says
I make this all the time! I like all the different alternatives you offer!
Jessica says
Thank you!
Rachel says
This is great thank you!
Jessica says
Thanks so much!
Lisa says
I love homemade granola! Your recipe looks amazing. It’s very detailed and thorough. Thanks for putting this together. Great job!
Jessica says
Thank you for your kind words! Homemade granola is the best!
Cassie says
I love homemade granola! It is such a great staple in my pantry for yogurt parfaits, oatmeal, on top of apples and peanut butter, or as a regular cereal. Thank you for sharing!
Jessica says
So glad you like it!
Petitehappenings says
This will make such a great breakfast and afternoon snack!
Jessica says
Definitely! I hope you love it as much as we do.
Kristen M Markel says
Can't wait to try this! And I love that you gave a nut-free option.
Jessica says
Thank you!
Taylor says
I've been looking for a healthy easy granola recipe. This is perfect!
Jessica says
Thank you! It's our favorite!
Sadie says
This looks delicious! I bet coconut ribbon or large flake coconut would be perfect to add!
Jessica says
That would be perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Jeannie says
what a great way to start the day with this hearthy and healthy breakfast treat! Perfect power up meal for breakfast and even snack for me 🙂
Jessica says
Awesome! I hope you love it as much as we do!
Patricia P says
So full of wholesome goodness. This is a great recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Jessica says
I'm so glad you love it! Thank you!