An easy and nutritious recipe for maple pecan granola that is vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free. It is quick to pull together and so satisfying this time of year. It also makes a wonderful food gift in a mason jar.
Lately I have been topping everything with this simple homemade granola: smoothie bowls, yogurt parfaits, chia seed pudding and oatmeal. It adds a bit of crunch, nuttiness and sweetness and just seems to make everything that much better. I even enjoy it plain or as a "cereal" with plant milk.
This recipe only requires four main ingredients: oats, pecans, avocado oil (or coconut oil) and pure maple syrup. I also like to add an optional touch of cinnamon and vanilla for sweetness. The whole house smells amazing when it bakes... baked pecans, vanilla, cinnamon and maple syrup together make an incredible aroma. This pecan granola is very customizable and you can add to it to vary things up if you wish. You may want to add dried fruit or try different spices.
The granola is gluten-free, vegan, butter-free and refined sugar-free. For a nut-free version you can substitute hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds or sunflower seeds for the pecans. Or, try my other favorite granola recipe: Super Seed Granola (totally nut-free).
The recipe below is great for sprinkling on things and is super simple. It is slightly chewy and not as clumpy as most granola recipes. My Super Seed Granola recipe is going to give you the bigger clusters and will be a bit harder. So it just depends on your granola preference. For smoothie bowls, I love the below recipe because it is light and doesn't overwhelm each bite.
If you give this recipe a try, please snap a pic and tag #eatingbyelaine and @eatingbyelaine on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook so I can see you enjoying your creations.
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Easy Vegan Maple Pecan Granola
- Total Time: 37 mins
- Yield: 12
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This simple and healthy granola recipe makes the perfect addition to smoothie bowls, oatmeal, yogurt or chia seed pudding. It is also great on its own or with your favorite plant milk. The recipe is gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free and offers plant based protein and whole grains. Make the recipe your own and add dried fruit or other nuts or seeds if you wish. You can also play around with the seasonings and use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice to give it a seasonal flare.
Ingredients
- 3 cups quick cooking oats (gluten-free if desired)*
- 1 cup raw pecans, finely chopped
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup avocado oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients well. Transfer the mixture to the lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer using a spatula.
- Bake for 30 minutes tossing halfway. Watch closely at the end to ensure the granola does not burn. You are looking for a golden brown color.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before enjoying. Granola can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
For the oats I recommend quick cooking oats (not pictured). Old fashioned rolled oats will work just fine in this recipe (pictured) but I now prefer the texture with quick cooking oats.
- Prep Time: 7 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Elaine Petrakis says
Elaine, you never fail me, girl!! I made this granola for my hubby, since it's so hard to find granola at the stores that doesn't have "junk" in it or granola that doesn't cost you your first born. He tried it said, "You're hired for life!". He loved it!
Thank you so much!!!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Elaine! I'm so happy to hear you both love this one. Be sure to also try this one: https://www.eatingbyelaine.com/the-easiest-granola-recipe-refined-sugar-free-vegan/ - it is more recent and I make it twice a week 🙂