Maple Pecan Granola

Start your morning with a spoonful of warmth and crunch from this Maple Pecan Granola. Made with heart-healthy oats, crunchy walnuts and pecans, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this wholesome mix brings the comforting flavors of fall straight to your breakfast bowl. Whether enjoyed with milk, sprinkled over yogurt, or snacked on straight from the jar, this granola is a versatile favorite.

The recipe is incredibly simple yet deeply satisfying. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can batch-make this golden goodness in under an hour. It’s the perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings, and it stores beautifully in an airtight container. Make this a staple in your home kitchen and enjoy the rich, nutty, and slightly sweet crunch that brings joy to every bite.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups old-fashioned oats

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• ½ cup chopped walnuts

• ½ cup ground flax seed

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ⅓ cup canola oil

• ⅔ cup pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon maple flavoring

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, pecans, walnuts, ground flax seed, and cinnamon.

3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the canola oil, maple syrup, maple flavoring, and salt.

4. Pour the liquid mixture over the oat mixture and stir thoroughly until evenly coated.

5. Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown and slightly crisp.

7. Let the granola cool completely before breaking into clusters.

8. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 202 kcal | Servings: 18 servings

Flavor Profile and Texture

The flavor profile of Maple Pecan Granola is rooted in balance—between sweet and nutty, soft and crunchy. The maple syrup provides a rich sweetness that isn’t overpowering, adding subtle caramel undertones with every bite. This is complemented by the earthy depth of chopped pecans and walnuts, which toast beautifully in the oven to bring out their natural oils and enhance their flavors.

A touch of cinnamon brings warmth and a hint of spice that rounds out the flavor, creating a granola that’s as aromatic as it is tasty. Flax seed, often ground for better absorption, not only boosts nutrition but also contributes a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. The oats, the foundation of any granola, deliver a hearty and satisfying chew while also creating a blank canvas that allows the other ingredients to shine.

Texture-wise, the granola achieves the ideal combination of crispy clusters and tender oats. Baking the mixture low and slow ensures even toasting and prevents burning, resulting in golden brown pieces that hold together well without becoming overly hard or brittle. Once cooled, the granola can be broken into chunks or crumbles, depending on how you prefer to serve it.

Nutritional Benefits

One of the biggest appeals of Maple Pecan Granola is its nutritional value. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, it’s a breakfast or snack that will keep you full and energized for hours. The oats provide complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber, especially beta-glucan, known to help lower cholesterol and improve heart health.

Pecans and walnuts are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. These nuts may help reduce inflammation and support cognitive function over time. Flax seeds are another standout ingredient, loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, and fiber. Ground flax seed in particular is known for its ability to support digestive health and hormonal balance.

Maple syrup, while a natural sweetener, should still be consumed in moderation. However, when used mindfully as in this granola, it adds natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars or artificial ingredients. A single serving delivers a satisfying amount of calories and nutrients, making it a smart choice for those who want something both tasty and nourishing.

Storage and Shelf Life

Homemade Maple Pecan Granola has the added benefit of being preservative-free, which means it’s fresh and free from unnecessary additives. When stored correctly in an airtight container, it maintains its crunch and flavor for up to two weeks at room temperature. You can also freeze it for longer storage, though it’s unlikely it will last that long once you start enjoying it daily.

For optimal texture, make sure the granola is completely cooled before storing it. Any residual heat or moisture can create condensation inside the container, which can soften the granola and reduce its shelf life. Many fans of homemade granola also like to portion it out into mason jars or reusable bags for meal prep, office snacks, or gifting.

Ways to Enjoy Maple Pecan Granola

This granola is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. The most traditional method is serving it in a bowl with milk—dairy or plant-based. It can also be enjoyed warmed up for a cozy breakfast on chilly mornings. Alternatively, sprinkle it over Greek yogurt or a smoothie bowl for added crunch and nutrition.

For those with a sweet tooth, Maple Pecan Granola can be used as a topping for baked apples, ice cream, or mixed into cookie dough and muffin batter. It also makes a perfect grab-and-go snack on its own, and many parents find it to be a lunchbox favorite with both kids and adults. When layered with yogurt and fruit in a glass, it becomes a visually appealing parfait that’s ideal for brunch gatherings or breakfast in bed.

Because it’s homemade, you can tailor the granola to your liking. Add-ins like dried cranberries, coconut flakes, dark chocolate chips, or chia seeds are just the beginning. Some people even stir in a spoonful of peanut butter before baking to create a richer flavor and more clumped texture.

Customization and Dietary Adjustments

Maple Pecan Granola is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan with the use of a plant-based oil. If you’re avoiding gluten, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats, as cross-contamination can be an issue with standard oats. Those avoiding added sugars can reduce the amount of maple syrup slightly or substitute it with another natural sweetener like date syrup or agave, though this may change the flavor and texture slightly.

For a lower-fat version, you can cut back on the oil, though be aware that the granola might not crisp up as well. Coconut oil or avocado oil are great substitutes if you want a different flavor profile or added health benefits. Likewise, you can experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for seasonal variations or add a touch of vanilla extract instead of maple flavoring.

This flexibility makes it a great base recipe for experimenting, adapting to food allergies, or simply using what you have on hand in the pantry.

Why Homemade is Better

Store-bought granolas often come with added sugars, preservatives, and questionable oils that make them less healthy than they appear. Making your own allows full control over every ingredient—no hidden syrups, artificial flavors, or excess sodium. You can adjust sweetness levels, choose organic ingredients, and avoid allergens entirely.

The process of making Maple Pecan Granola is also therapeutic for many home cooks. It involves simple, repetitive actions—stirring, spreading, baking—and fills the house with an inviting aroma that signals comfort and warmth. It’s also a wonderful recipe to make with kids, as it requires no sharp knives or complicated techniques.

Plus, the cost savings of making granola at home compared to buying artisanal varieties can be significant. With just a few pantry staples, you can make a large batch that lasts for weeks and tastes just as good—if not better—than anything on a store shelf.

Conclusion

Maple Pecan Granola is the epitome of what homemade food should be: simple, delicious, nourishing, and customizable. It brings together the best of flavor, texture, and nutrition in a way that supports a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste. From its warm maple notes to the crunchy, toasty nuts and the heartiness of oats, this granola hits all the right spots—whether served at breakfast, enjoyed as a snack, or turned into a decadent dessert topping.

In a world filled with processed options and sugar-laden cereals, Maple Pecan Granola offers a return to wholesome, back-to-basics goodness. Once you’ve made it yourself, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it pre-packaged. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again, season after season.