Simple Maple Nut Granola
Simple to make, and better than any store-bought granola, this sweet crunchy treat is good anytime!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats I like Bob's Red Mill Organic
- 1 cup pecans, walnuts, almonds, or combination chopped fine
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- pinch kosher salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325℉ and line a baking sheet, no larger than 11x17, with parchment paper or non stick foil.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, coconut, brown sugar, and pinch of salt. Stir together with a rubber spatula.
- Melt the coconut oil in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Add the maple syrup, the vanilla bean paste and the almond extract to the melted coconut oil and stir to incorporate. Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the granola mixture onto the baking sheet and flatten out with the rubber spatula into an even, uniform depth. May not completely fill up the pan end to end and that is ok. The main thing is to not let the edges get too thin as they will brown first.
- Place the pan into the preheated oven and set your timer for 15 minutes. The granola is going to bake in one piece; no need to stir. After 15 minutes, turn the pan around to insure even browning; set your timer for another 15 minutes. Everyone's oven cooks differently, but it should be completely done in 30-35 minutes.
- The granola is done when lightly browned and very fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. When cool, break into pieces and serve immediately or place in a glass jar or other storage container. Good for about a week...if it lasts that long! Enjoy!