Homemade Granola With Pecans And Maple Syrup (Crispy baked müesli)

Why Is Homemade Granola Better

Like with any other meal, when you are making your own cereals, you have got full control of what goes into it. Which means it can be a lot less calorific.

Shop-bought cereals often contain a high amount of added sugar and fat. When you make them at home, you know that they contain only quality ingredients in balanced proportions.

Key Ingredients For Granola with Pecans and Maple Syrup

There are various recipes for granola, but the base is usually the same: oats, fat and sweetener, nuts and fruit.

Granola gives us a lot of space to be creative. There are so many possible variations! And so I offer a substitute of every element of the recipe - that way you can make your own original breakfast!

In this recipe, I am using porridge oats. Feel free to use old-fashioned (rolled) oats instead. Add about 5 more minutes to the baking process.

I also use extra virgin olive oil, as I prefer it for its healthy benefits (it contains very little saturated fats). You can swap it for any cooking oil of your choice.

To sweeten this crispy snack, I add maple syrup. Honey will be a great alternative here. They both are healthier than refined sugar.

I love pecan nuts, so my choice was obvious, however, this granola will be just as tasty with walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds!

Pumpkin seeds go well to pecans, but sunflower or linseeds will work here well too.

Dried or candied fruit makes a fantastic addition to this crispy mix. I am using raisins, but you can substitute for dried apricots, cranberries, apples, candied oranges.

How To Make Granola (Crispy Baked Muesli)

Following the steps in the recipe below, it only takes about half an hour to bake this crispy baked muesli.

Keep an eye on its color in the oven, as it can burn easily. Take it out of the oven when it's golden or slightly brown.

If adding chocolate chips or coconut flakes, always add them to the finished product (after baking!).

Serve with yogurt or milk and some fresh fruit!

Prefer to have something quick and easy & eat it on the go? Try my recipe for Oreo overnight oats!

If you are looking for more breakfast recipes, make sure to try also this Czech semolina porridge.

Storage

This batch of granola makes about 15 servings.

Leave it to cool down completely before packaging.

It will keep fresh in an airtight container in your pantry (cupboard) for up to two weeks.

You can also freeze homemade granola. Once it cooled down, place it in an airtight container or small plastic bag, seal and store in your freezer for a couple of months.

Defrost at room temperature at least 30 mins before consuming.