The Best Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola Recipe
I can’t wait for you to make The Best Homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola Recipe!! It’s loaded with nuts and crunchy bits, is just the right amount of sweet, and also highly adaptable based on what you have in your pantry. And, bonus, it’s so much cheaper to make (and tastes loads better!) than store-bought granola. If you need some savory in the morning, serve this granola with this spinach sausage mushroom frittata, these cheesy herb baked eggs or this flavorful Shakshuka.
My husband isn’t much of a breakfast guy unless it’s granola…..or egg white bites. I haven’t tackled making homemade egg white bites just yet, but I have spent loads of time perfecting my granola recipe.
My recipe testing has gone through loads of different phases (sort of like the jeans in my closet….from skinny to boyfriend to wide-legged…but I digress!), and this is my husband’s favorite (and mine, too!). I’ve taken flavor inspiration from some of our favorite granolas we’ve had in our go-to restaurants. And speaking of go-to restaurants, I’m still dreaming of the incredible granola we had a couple of years ago in London at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House.
It was massively crunchy, not overly sweet, with loads of gorgeously toasty brown clusters and bits of delightfully chewy dried fruit. Even though this version comes incredibly close, I’m still trying to convince my husband I need another trip back to London, so I give that granola another taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- EASY — I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again…..this homemade maple cinnamon granola is such an easy recipe. All the ingredients are mixed in one bowl and then spread out onto a sheet pan and baked. That’s it! Sounds pretty easy, right?
- YOU ALREADY HAVE THE INGREDIENTS – This recipe uses pantry staples you should already have on hand, so no need to run to the grocery store. Making this the perfect recipe for a spur of the moment granola craving.
- MINIMAL CLEANUP — Between us, one of my biggest hangups with baking is all the cleanup. Mixers, multiple bowls, spatulas…..it can be overwhelming to clean up after baking. With this recipe, the best part is you’ll have everything cleaned up in minutes, not hours.
- DELICIOUS — the combination of cinnamon and vanilla, the crunchy nuts, sweet maple syrup and honey make this granola over the top when it comes to flavor.
Ingredient List
Rolled Oats – a great foundation for granola that easily binds together with all the other ingredients, lending a delicious chewiness.
Shredded Coconut – using unsweetened coconut gives you all the sweet, natural flavor of the coconut without being overly sweet.
Almonds – add crunch and a subtly sweet flavor.
Pecans – like almonds, pecans add crunch, but also a different nutty flavor to the granola. They have a rich, buttery flavor with a background of caramel that adds another layer of complexity to the granola.
Pumpkin Seeds – since we’re going “all in” on crunch, we can’t leave out pumpkin seeds. They don’t taste like pumpkin at all, but are another crunchy element that provides this recipe with extra texture.
Chia Seeds – these small little power houses are another way to add crunch.
Hemp Seeds – they have a nutty, earthy flavor with a grassy quality that adds another layer of flavor to the granola.
Dark Brown Sugar – this mixes together and adds a hint of toffee-like sweetness and rich molasses flavor which adds depth to the granola.
Maple Syrup – this natural sweetener works together with the brown sugar to add a deep, rich, indulgent sweetness.
Olive Oil – the fat in the olive oil binds all the ingredients together and helps the granola get golden brown and crispy.
Honey – yep, we’re adding in one more sweetener. Why? Because together with the brown sugar and maple syrup, honey helps bind granola ingredients together, creating those delicious, crunchy clusters. It also adds an irresistible subtle, caramelized flavor when baked.
Cinnamon – a delicious warming spice that will not only make your kitchen smell amazing but will make your crunchy cinnamon granola taste out of this world delicious.
Apple Pie Spice – I love the one from SpiceWalla — it lends even more warming, cozy vibes to your granola.
Vanilla Extract – this adds a subtle sweetness that enriches the overall flavor of your homemade granola.
Maldon Salt – salt is the conductor in the orchestra that is your food, and helps everything work in harmony. Cheesy description, but true! The crunchy bits of salt add crunch and flavor and will bring you back for bite after bite.
Dried Cherries – they add a chewy, slightly sweet, slightly tangy flavor to the granola.
Let’s Make This Step by Step!
Step One: Add oats, coconut, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds to a large mixing bowl. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Step Two: In a small bowl or measuring pitcher, add brown sugar, maple syrup, olive oil, honey, cinnamon, vanilla and Maldon salt. Whisk to thoroughly combine.
Step Three: Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
Step Four: Spread granola in a single layer on a parchment-lined large baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and then bake at 325 degrees for 35-45 minutes.
Step Five: Stir every 10 minutes.
Step Six: When golden brown on all sides, remove from oven to a cooling rack. Press down firmly with a spatula.
Step Seven: Let cool to room temperature for 30 minutes – 1 hour. This is the hardest part!
Step Eight: Once cool, if you’re adding dried fruit, add it now.
Step Nine: Store in a large mason jar or glass Pyrex dish.
Serving Ideas
- One of my favorite ways to enjoy this is in a bowl topped with greek yogurt (or your favorite yogurt) and fresh fruit.
- Make yogurt parfaits and alternate a layer of yogurt with a layer of granola
- Double or triple the batch to make as hostess gifts. Pour into small mason jars, tie with a ribbon and attach a thank you note the next time you go to a friend’s house for dinner.
- Mix in almond butter or your favorite nut butter for a tasty afternoon snack
Substitutions and Additions
- OTHER NUTS: Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, cashews…..the skies the limit! I would recommend using whole nuts instead of silvered, to ensure the nuts don’t burn.
- Coconut Flakes – if you prefer larger bits of granola, add coconut flakes. But, and this is important, add them after the granola is fully baked, Because they are larger than shredded coconut, if you add them to the granola while it’s baking you risk them burning before the granola is done.
- Light Brown Sugar — if you don’t have dark brown sugar, light brown sugar will work. It will give a more subtle molasses flavor, but still be delicious.
- Cardamom – A cozy, warm spice that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and lends a cozy flavor.
- Nutmeg – If you’re not ready to leave the warmth of the holidays behind, by all means add some freshly ground nutmeg. It’s nutty, warming, spicy and a perfect winter spice to add to your granola.
- Sunflower seeds – if you crave even more crunch, add some sunflower seeds
- Dried fruit – cranberries, mango, pineapple, apple — any dried fruit would work and add a delightful chewy texture.
Troubleshooting and Extra Tips
- Creating clusters — In my humble opinion, one of the best things about granola is the clusters. If you feel the same way, be sure to press down on the granola after each time you stir it while it’s baking. Then gently press it down right when you take it out of the oven and put it on the cooling rack. As it cools, the clusters will form.
- Stir the ingredients completely before spreading the granola on the sheet pan. You want to be sure all the ingredients, especially the syrup, brown sugar, olive oil and honey, mix together completely. This ensures your granola will get golden brown all over, and every bite is crispy, crunchy and loaded with flavor.
- Letting your homemade maple cinnamon granola cool is imperative if you want clusters. I know it’s hard to wait….trust me!! But if you dig in too early, and your granola hasn’t had a chance to cool, it won’t have a chance to set which means you won’t get those delectable clusters.
- Don’t raise your oven temperature — Baking your granola at a low temperature is the way to go, or you risk burning your nuts and your granola. And you also don’t want the natural sweeteners – the brown sugar, maple syrup, and honey — to crystalize too early.
How to Store and Tips for Leftovers
Your homemade maple cinnamon granola will last up to two weeks in an airtight storage container……although, with my husband, I’m lucky if it lasts 4 days!
