This cranberry pecan granola is a wonderful recipe to get your morning going. It is vanilla and honey scented, has good crunch thanks to the pecans, and is not overly sweet. You can replace the pecans with sunflower and sesame seeds to make these nut-free. This is a perfect recipe to use in parfaits for school lunches. In a container with a tight-fitting lid, layer Greek vanilla yogurt, jam and the granola.
Cranberry Pecan Granola Recipes
Cranberry Pecan Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- 1/2 cup cranberries dried
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the rolled oats, pecans, and cranberries in a mixing bowl.
- Bring the honey and butter to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat source and mix in the vanilla extract.
- Pour honey onto the rolled oats and mix till well combined.
- Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet and bake 17-20 minutes or until golden brown. You can rotate the pan once to make sure the granola cooks evenly.
- Let cool.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Stovetop Cranberry Pecan Granola
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sweetener:
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey, coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt over low to medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until the coconut oil is completely melted and the ingredients are well combined. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the honey mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to thoroughly mix everything together. Ensure that the oats, pecans, and cranberries are evenly coated with the sweet mixture.
- Stovetop Cooking:
- Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the granola mixture. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The granola should turn golden brown and become fragrant.
- Cool and Store:
- Once the granola is nicely toasted, remove it from the skillet and let it cool completely. As it cools, it will become crispier. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container or glass jar for storage.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Your homemade stovetop Cranberry Pecan Granola is ready to enjoy! Serve it with yogurt, milk, or as a topping for your favorite desserts.
Tips for making Cranberry Pecan Granola
Cooking Tips
- Even Spreading: When spreading your granola mixture on a baking sheet or in the skillet, make sure it’s in an even layer. This ensures that it toasts uniformly and avoids clumps.
- Low and Slow: When toasting your granola on the stovetop or in the oven, use low to medium heat. High heat can cause it to burn quickly.
- Stir Frequently: Whether you’re baking in the oven or toasting on the stovetop, stir your granola mixture frequently. This prevents it from sticking to the pan and ensures all sides get golden brown.
- Add Fruit After Baking: If you want to include dried fruits like cranberries, add them after baking. Baking them with the granola from the start can make them overly crispy.
- Cool Completely: Allow your granola to cool completely before storing it. It will become crispier as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Bliss: Sprinkle your granola over a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt and top with fresh berries for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast.
- Smoothie Booster: Blend a spoonful of granola into your morning smoothie for an extra crunch and a burst of flavor.
- Ice Cream Topping: Use your granola as a crunchy topping for your favorite ice cream flavors. It adds a delightful contrast in texture.
- Fruit Parfait: Create colorful fruit parfaits by layering granola with fresh fruit and yogurt in a clear glass. It’s visually appealing and delicious.
- On-the-Go Snack: Pack small portions of granola in snack-sized bags for a convenient, energy-boosting snack during your busy day.
- Dessert Garnish: Use your granola as a garnish for desserts like cheesecakes or fruit crisps. It adds a delightful crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cranberry Pecan Granola
- How long does homemade granola stay fresh? Homemade granola can stay fresh for up to two weeks if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Can I freeze homemade granola? Yes, you can freeze homemade granola. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and it should stay good for up to three months.
- Can I substitute other nuts for pecans? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with your favorite nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a unique flavor.
- What can I do if my granola turns out too crispy or burnt? If your granola is overly crispy or burnt, you can salvage it by using it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, where the texture won’t be as noticeable.
- Can I make granola without honey? Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a combination of brown sugar and water for a sweetener.
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