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Healthy Granola Recipe
Looking for a healthy granola recipe that’s actually good for you? This maple pecan granola is nutrient-rich, perfectly crunchy, and…
Looking for a healthy granola recipe that’s actually good for you? This maple pecan granola is nutrient-rich, perfectly crunchy, and just 200 calories per serving.
When my son started eating yogurt with granola every morning, I took a closer look at the nutrition labels of store-bought granola. Most granolas marketed as “healthy” had lots of sugar, oils, and preservatives. As someone who cares deeply about nutrition while still wanting food to taste amazing, I set about to create a healthier granola recipe.
After countless test batches in our kitchen (and many taste tests by Alex and our kids!), I can confidently say this maple pecan granola is genuinely wholesome without sacrificing flavor. It’s become such a staple in our home that we haven’t used another recipe in years—seriously! It still delivers that perfect granola crunch and sweetness we all crave.
What Makes This Granola Actually Healthy?
I’ve studied many granola recipes and nutrition labels to identified three key problems that make most granolas less healthy than they claim to be: there’s lots of sugar, excessive oils, and each serving has a high calorie density.
Here’s how I solved these problems while creating a truly healthy granola:
- Strategic use of puffed rice: I incorporate puffed rice cereal to add volume and crunch without the calories. It’s actually a minimally processed whole food—just rice that’s been puffed until crunchy!
- Balanced nut ratio: I use just enough pecans to provide protein, healthy fats and delicious flavor, but not so many that the calorie count gets out of control.
- Reduced oil and maple syrup: I’ve carefully tested the minimum amounts needed for flavor and texture, and this recipe has significantly less than traditional recipes.
How to Make Healthy Granola— Step by Step
Making homemade granola is incredibly simple, and the results are so worth it! Here’s my foolproof method:
Step 1: Mix the wet and dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the neutral oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add the cinnamon and allspice (the allspice is optional, but I find it adds a warm depth). Add the oats, puffed rice cereal, and pecans ands tir.
Pro tip: Measure the oil first, then use the same measuring cup for the maple syrup—it will slide right out without sticking!
Step 2: Bake to perfection
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (this makes cleanup so much easier!). Spread the granola mixture in an even layer. Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Important note: The granola should be lightly golden but will still feel slightly soft when you remove it from the oven—it will crisp up as it cools.
Step 4: Cool completely
This might not sound like a step since you’re not doing anything, but allow the granola to cool on the baking sheet. This cooling period is crucial for getting the perfect crunch!
Delicious Ways to Enjoy It
This versatile granola has become a staple in our kitchen because there are so many wonderful ways to use it:
- Yogurt parfait: Layer with plain Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a protein-packed breakfast like these yogurt bowls or a yogurt parfait. I like to swirl a tiny bit of maple syrup into the yogurt first.
- With milk or plant milk: Serve like cereal with your favorite milk (my personal preference is oat milk because it has the best flavor and creamy texture).
- Smoothie bowl topper: Sprinkle over acai bowls or smoothie bowls for added crunch and nutrition.
- Baked good upgrade: Sprinkle on muffin batter before baking for a crunchy topping—works wonderfully on my banana blueberry muffins!
- Quick apple crisp: Make sauteed apples with cinnamon, top with granola, and add a dollop of maple-sweetened Greek yogurt for a healthier dessert.
- DIY gift: Package in a mason jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade present!
Make It Your Own—Easy Flavor Variations
While I love the maple pecan combination, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace the allspice with pumpkin pie spice and add pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
- Almond Joy: Use sliced almonds instead of pecans, add unsweetened coconut flakes, and mix in a small handful of dark chocolate chips after cooling.
- Orange Cranberry: Add orange zest to the wet ingredients and fold in dried cranberries after baking.
- Tropical: Use chopped macadamia nuts, add unsweetened coconut flakes, and mix in dried pineapple pieces after baking.
Storing leftovers
Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container. I store ours in a large glass jar on the counter, where it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks (though it rarely lasts that long in our house!).
Dietary notes
Vegetarian, gluten free, plant-based, dairy-free, vegan, naturally sweet, and has no refined sugar.
Healthy Granola Recipe
Pin Recipe
Print RecipeWant a healthy granola recipe that’s actually good for you? Here’s the only recipe you need! The maple pecan flavor is nutrient rich and 100% delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings (about 7 cups)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ¼ cup neutral oil
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cups old fashioned organic rolled oats
- 3 cups puffed rice (substitute rolled oats if you can’t find puffed grains!)
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the oil, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Add the rolled oats, puffed rice, and pecans. Stir with wooden spoon to evenly coat.
- Spread onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake around 25 to 30 minutes until golden and toasted, stirring once.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely: the granola becomes crispy as it cools. Store in airtight container.
