Cinnamon Maple Pecan Crunch Recipe

The Most Delightful Cinnamon Maple Pecan Crunch Recipe Ever

Cinnamon maple pecan crunch upgrades ordinary breakfast into a luxurious morning indulgence.

Sweet maple notes dance with warm spices, creating an irresistible sensory experience.

Crisp pecans provide a satisfying textural contrast that elevates this delightful treat.

Rustic and comforting, this recipe speaks to our deep-seated love of nostalgic flavors.

Each carefully crafted batch brings together classic ingredients in an unexpected harmony.

Nutty undertones complement the rich maple sweetness, promising a memorable culinary adventure.

Prepare to fall in love with a breakfast sensation that redefines morning comfort.

Cinnamon Maple Pecan Crunch Fun Variations

  • Tropical Paradise Crunch: Swap pecans with macadamia nuts and add dried pineapple and coconut chunks for a Hawaiian-inspired granola experience.
  • Chocolate Lover's Edition: Mix in dark chocolate chips and cocoa powder, replacing some maple syrup with honey for a rich, decadent version.
  • Spiced Apple Harvest: Incorporate dried apple pieces, increase cinnamon, and add ground ginger for a warm, autumnal granola that captures fall flavors.
  • Berry Blissful Blend: Include dried cranberries and blueberries, sprinkle with sliced almonds, and reduce maple syrup for a tangy, less sweet alternative.

Cinnamon Maple Pecan Crunch for a Nutty Snack

  • Craft a Flavor Symphony: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a harmonious blend of sweet maple, warm cinnamon, and rich pecans that dance together in every delightful bite.
  • Nail the Perfect Crunch: Carefully baking the granola creates an irresistible crispy texture that makes each spoonful satisfyingly crunchy and wonderfully addictive.
  • Master a Foolproof Method: With easy step-by-step instructions and minimal ingredients, even novice cooks can confidently whip up this delectable granola without stress or complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Maple Pecan Crunch

Dry Base Ingredients:
  • Rolled Oats: Hearty whole grain forming the main structure of the granola with rich, wholesome texture.
  • Hemp Hearts: Nutritious seed providing extra protein and nutty flavor profile.
  • Chopped Pecans: Crunchy nut adding robust texture and deep, warm flavor.
  • Ground Flax Seed: Nutrient-dense seed contributing healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Coconut Flakes: Tropical ingredient offering subtle sweetness and delicate crunch.
Wet Mixture Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter: Rich ingredient providing smooth binding and deep, creamy flavor.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener creating caramelized coating with distinct woodland taste.
  • Water: Liquid component helping to distribute wet ingredients evenly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavoring enhancing overall sweetness and depth.
Spice Blend Ingredients:
  • Sea Salt: Flavor enhancer balancing sweet and rich elements.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice delivering classic sweet-spicy undertone.
  • Nutmeg: Subtle warm spice adding complexity to overall flavor.
  • Allspice: Robust spice contributing deep, rounded warmth to the mixture.

How to Make Cinnamon Maple Pecan Crunch

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F. This crucial step ensures your granola will bake perfectly and develop a delightful golden color.

Step 2: Gather Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Rolled oats
  • Hemp hearts
  • Chopped pecans
  • Ground flax seed
  • Coconut flakes

Mix these ingredients until they’re well blended and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Liquid

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Water
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sea salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Allspice

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, aromatic liquid.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly, ensuring every piece gets a generous coating of the sweet and spicy syrup.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet, spreading it in a thin, even layer. If needed, use two sheets to prevent overcrowding. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring at the 10-minute mark to guarantee even browning and prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This resting period helps develop its signature crunch. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Top Tips for Cinnamon Maple Pecan Crunch

  • Master Mixing Technique: Whisk wet ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors seamlessly and create a smooth, evenly distributed syrup coating.
  • Prevent Burning Trick: Stir granola halfway through baking to ensure uniform golden-brown color and consistent crunchiness without scorching.
  • Perfect Spread Strategy: Use two baking sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding, which allows each oat and nut to crisp up perfectly.
  • Cooling Crunch Secret: Let granola cool completely on the baking sheet to develop maximum crispness and allow natural hardening.
  • Flavor Boost Hack: Toast pecans briefly before mixing to intensify their nutty essence and add deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating Cinnamon Maple Pecan Crunch

  • Refrigerator Storage: Seal the granola in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight to preserve its texture and flavor.
  • Room Temperature Revival: If the granola loses its crisp, spread it on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. This quick trick restores the delightful crunch and revives the warm, aromatic spices.
  • Freezer Option: Extend the shelf life by freezing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pairing Cinnamon Maple Pecan Crunch with Drinks

  • Brew Rich Maple Coffee Companion: Pair this crunchy granola with a medium-roast coffee featuring maple or caramel undertones, enhancing the maple syrup notes and creating a harmonious breakfast experience.
  • Create Creamy Yogurt Parfait Delight: Layer the cinnamon pecan granola between Greek yogurt and drizzle with extra maple syrup, offering a textural contrast and complementing the warm spice profile.
  • Craft Smoothie Bowl Topping Adventure: Sprinkle this granola over a smoothie bowl made with banana, cinnamon, and almond milk, adding delightful crunch and amplifying the recipe's nutty, sweet characteristics.
  • Design Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve alongside a chai tea with milk, where the spices in the tea mirror the cinnamon and nutmeg in the granola, creating a warming and satisfying mid-day snack.
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Cinnamon Maple Pecan Crunch Recipe

Cinnamon Maple Pecan Crunch Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cinnamon maple pecan crunch brings sweet Canadian woodland magic to breakfast tables. Crisp maple-glazed pecans and warm cinnamon notes create a delightful morning experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (750 ml) rolled oats
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) pecan halves, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) hemp hearts

Sweeteners and Binding Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter
  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons (90 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) ground flax seed
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) unsweetened coconut (flakes or chips)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch allspice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C), ensuring precise temperature for optimal granola texture and even baking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine rolled oats, hemp hearts, chopped pecans, ground flax seeds, and coconut flakes, ensuring uniform distribution of dry ingredients.
  3. Create a flavor-packed liquid base by whisking together melted butter, maple syrup, water, vanilla extract, sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a separate container until well blended.
  4. Gently cascade the aromatic wet mixture over the dry ingredients, folding carefully to coat every morsel completely and create a uniform texture.
  5. Transfer the granola mixture onto one or two large baking sheets, spreading it in a thin, consistent layer to promote even browning and prevent clumping.
  6. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, pausing at the 10-minute mark to stir and rotate the granola, ensuring golden-brown coloration without burning.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet, which helps develop its signature crispy texture and allows flavors to settle.
  8. Once fully cooled, break into clusters and transfer to an airtight container for storage, preserving its crunch and flavor for future enjoyment.

Notes

  • Precision matters when preheating the oven to 350°F for consistent granola texture and even golden-brown coloring.
  • Mixing dry ingredients thoroughly ensures each bite delivers balanced flavors and nutritional benefits from oats, hemp hearts, and pecans.
  • Whisking wet ingredients creates a harmonious maple-cinnamon syrup that coats and infuses the granola with rich, warm spices.
  • Stirring at the 10-minute baking mark prevents burning and promotes uniform crunchiness across the entire batch.
  • Allowing complete cooling on the baking sheet transforms the mixture into a crispy, delectable snack with perfect texture.
  • Storing in an airtight container maintains the granola’s crunch and preserves its delightful maple-spiced flavor for extended enjoyment.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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