📝 About This Recipe
Elevate your morning ritual with this artisanal toasted granola, where hearty old-fashioned oats meet the deep, woody sweetness of pure Grade A maple syrup. This recipe achieves the perfect balance of crunchy clusters and tender bites, enriched with the warm aroma of Saigon cinnamon and a hint of sea salt. Unlike store-bought versions, this blend is packed with nutrient-dense seeds and buttery pecans, toasted to a perfect amber hue for a sophisticated, wholesome crunch.
🥗 Ingredients
The Grain Base
- 4 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (not quick oats or steel-cut)
- 1.5 cups Raw Pecan Halves (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup Raw Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) (unsalted)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (large flakes preferred)
The Liquid Gold Binder
- 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil (melted to liquid state)
- 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A or Dark for better flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Saigon cinnamon offers the best punch)
- 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (high quality)
- 1 Large Egg White (whisked until frothy; the secret to big clusters)
The Finishing Touches
- 3/4 cup Dried Tart Cherries (added after baking)
- 1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (optional; add only once fully cooled)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). A lower temperature is the secret to even toasting without burning the delicate nuts and seeds.
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2
Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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3
In a massive mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and pumpkin seeds. Stir them together until the nuts are evenly distributed through the grains.
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4
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and sea salt until the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
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5
Add the vanilla extract and the frothy whisked egg white to the liquid mixture. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds to incorporate.
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6
Pour the liquid mixture over the dry oat mixture. Use a large spatula to fold and stir until every single oat flake is glistening and well-coated.
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7
Spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Use the back of the spatula to press the mixture down firmly; this helps the granola stick together into clusters.
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8
Bake for 20 minutes. At this point, remove the tray and gently stir in the coconut flakes. Do not over-stir if you want large chunks.
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9
Rotate the pan and bake for another 20-25 minutes. Watch for a beautiful deep golden brown color and a fragrant, toasted aroma.
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10
Remove from the oven. The granola will still feel slightly soft to the touch, but it will crisp up significantly as it cools. Resist the urge to stir it while hot!
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11
Let the granola cool completely on the pan for at least 45 minutes. This is crucial for the formation of those coveted crunchy clusters.
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12
Once stone-cold, break the granola into desired chunk sizes with your hands. Stir in the dried tart cherries and chocolate chips if using.
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13
Store in an airtight glass jar at room temperature for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the ultimate clusters, never skip the egg white; it acts as a natural glue that creates massive chunks. Always add dried fruit after baking, as raisins or cherries will become rock-hard and bitter if put in the oven. If the granola isn't browning evenly, rotate your pan halfway through, but avoid 'tossing' the mixture too much. Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, but ensure they are raw so they don't over-toast and become bitter. Check your oven temperature with a thermometer; granola is very sensitive and can go from golden to burnt in just 2 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Layer with thick Greek yogurt and fresh honeycomb for a decadent breakfast parfait. Serve in a chilled bowl with ice-cold almond milk and a handful of fresh raspberries. Sprinkle over a scoop of vanilla bean gelato for a sophisticated, crunchy dessert topping. Pack into small mason jars with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade host gift. Enjoy it dry as a high-energy trail mix during a long afternoon hike.