Maple and Pecan Granola Recipe ( Vegan, Gluten- Free)
GLUTEN FREE II DAIRY FREE II VEGAN II SOY FREE II SESAME FREE II NIGHTSHADE FREE II FISH FREE II SHELLFISH FREE II EGG FREE
This maple and pecan granola recipe reminds me of Christmas. The smells in my kitchen as I baked this in the oven were sublime. It smelt like flapjacks. This maple pecan and granola is infused with cinnamon, cloves and ginger. It's a simple and healthy granola recipe that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
This maple and pecan granola recipe is one of the treats I bake and gift in jars for my homemade food hampers over the festive period. It can be served with coconut yoghurt and fruit or simply enjoyed with milk. I also love eating it on its own as a snack because it’s so delicious and addictive. I hope you enjoy this healthy granola recipe!
Notes on ingredients for maple and pecan granola
Oats
If this maple and pecan granola recipe needs to be gluten-free, buy gluten-free oats; however, a side-note, oats, are gluten-free. It’s just that companies can’t state gluten-free because of the manufacturing processes. I used rolled jumbo oats for this recipe they are are a good source of fiber and provide slow-release energy. They may also help maintain good heart health by contributing to lowering cholesterol.
Rolled oats are different from other types of oats, such as quick oats, steel-cut oats, and instant oats, in terms of how they are rolled and cut:
Quick oats: Thinner grains that cook in 1 minute and have a smooth texture
Steel-cut oats: Chopped grains that cook in 20–30 minutes and have a chewy texture
Instant oats: Thin and finely chopped grains that can be microwaved in minutes and have a soft texture
While all types of oats are nutritious, flavoured instant oats are the most processed and generally have added salt and sugars. To avoid excess sugar, you can consider opting for unsweetened varieties.
Where to buy: Most supermarkets or at the Grapetree.
Sweetener
I love to use raw local honey for this healthy granola recipe, but other sweeteners you can use that are vegan could be:
Black treacle/molasses
What Is Molasses?
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that forms during the sugar-making process. The syrup is thicker and darker than treacle, its British counterpart, with a sweeter, more intense flavour. Molasses is a common ingredient in sweet and savoury recipes, including gingerbread cookies, molasses bread, barbecue sauce, beers, baked beans, and chillis. Manufacturers also add it to white cane sugar to produce brown sugar.
You can typically find three different types of molasses in grocery stores: light, dark, and bootstrap. Light molasses is light and sweet, while dark molasses is a darker, more bitter variety. Blackstrap molasses is the darkest and most bitter of the three.
What is black treacle?
Black treacle is a thick, dark, sugar syrup containing sugarcane molasses to create a somewhat bitter flavor. The term "treacle" is used generally to describe uncrystallized syrup in Britain and typically refers to the dark syrup. However, "light treacle" has been adopted when referring to golden syrup, another staple in British cooking. It's also a product of sugar refining, has a honey-like color and is much sweeter than black treacle.
Can You Substitute Treacle for Molasses?
In general, the flavour profiles and textures are similar enough that you can substitute treacle and molasses for one another in most recipes without issue.
Coconut Oil
A great substitute for coconut oil is cacao butter. Cacao butter, is a rich and velvety vegetable fat extracted from the cacao bean. It is a key ingredient in the production of chocolate, giving it its smooth and creamy texture.
Cacao butter is solid at room temperature but melts easily when heated, making it an ideal ingredient for confectionery and dessert recipes. This butter is highly prized for its indulgent aroma and exquisite taste, which adds a subtle hint of chocolaty goodness to a variety of culinary creations.
Cacao butter truly embodies the essence of pure bliss for all those who appreciate the irresistible flavour and luxurious mouthfeel it brings to the table.
Where to buy: I buy Grapetree OR at lidls here in the UK, its far cheaper than anywhere else.
Nuts
Use any nuts you prefer for this recipe. Great options include:
Cashews
Macadamia
Hazelnuts
Pistachios
Where to buy: At the Grapetree look out for the 2 for 3 bargains, or 50% off.
45 mins cooking & prep time - 10 portions
Ingredients
Tips on making this maple and pecan granola
To bake this healthy granola evenly, make sure your oven is preheated to 180 degrees for at least 20 minutes and stir in the melted oil mixture into the oat mixture well so everything is coated.
Once in the oven, you need to mix it up every 10 minutes, or the edges will burn, and the middle won’t be roasted enough.
Your oats need to be a bit crowded in the tray in order to stick together, so ensure the granola isn’t spread too thin on the baking tray.
Once cooked LEAVE alone till cooled, this is where the granola hardens and form granola clusters. If you ruffle them while they are warm you will break up those crunchy clusters of goodness.
FAQs
Can I freeze the granola?
Yes, it freezes well in a sealed container for up to three months.
What type of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats work best. Avoid quick oats as they can change the texture.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it’s vegan as long as you use pure maple syrup and don’t add ingredients like honey.
How do I make the maple and pecan granola clump together?
To ensure your oats stick together, make sure they are somewhat crowded in the baking tray and not spread too thin. The sugar caramelizes with the other ingredients, helping to create those clusters. Once the granola is cooked, avoid stirring it, as doing so will break up the clumps that have formed.
Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work well. J
Is this maple and pecan granola recipe gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats, the granola will be gluten-free.
Can I reduce the sugar or sweetness?
Yes, you can cut back on the maple syrup, though it may be less crispy.
Is maple and pecan granola good for you?
It can be a hearty breakfast and perfectly snackable. Bonus: it's healthy and packed full with a ton of good nutrition! This Healthy Maple Pecan Granola is no exception!
What else can I add to this maple and pecan granola?
Add these mix ins after the granola is cooked for extra flavour and texture.
Shredded coconut
Dried fruit; sultanas, dried mango, papaya, cranberries
Puffed rice or quinoa
Chocolate chips
Hemp seeds
How to store homemade granola?
Store at room temperature in a kilner jar for 2 weeks. I also love to gift these to friends. I just use empty honey or jam jars and pop a little ribbon around the top
Step by step
Recipe
Wet ingredients
180 g maple syrup
2 tbsp molasses/ black treacle
100 g coconut oil
Dry ingredients
200 g jumbo oats ( GF if needed)
55 g walnuts
55 g pecans
40 g sunflower seeds
40g pumpkin seeds
45 g linseeds
3 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
pinch salt
Method
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees.
Place the wet ingredients into a saucepan and melt gently on low heat.
Place the dry ingredients into a deep baking tray and mix in the melted, wet ingredients.
Bake for 40 minutes in the middle of the oven, stirring often to prevent the edges from burning and to ensure an even bake.
Once baked leave to cool completely as during the cooling is when the ingredients crisp up beautifully. Store in a kilner jar or an airtight container ( not plastic if you can help it) for up to 3 weeks
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