Homemade crunchy maple cinnamon granola

Homemade crunchy maple cinnamon granola is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. This recipe provides the ultimate crunch that you are looking for in your homemade granola.

Why make homemade granola?

This easy homemade crunchy maple cinnamon granola recipe doesn’t take long at all to mix up and it can bake in the oven as you go about your other tasks. Homemade granola makes a great snack when hunger strikes!

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I’ve been making granola for over 10 years. I really struggled in the beginning of my granola making journey and was trying out so many recipes. Each recipe was ok and we ate it, but I just couldn’t seem to find the taste, texture and those amazing little crunchy clusters I was looking for!

Since then, and dozens of granola recipes later, I think I have found what my heart desired! This is my absolute favorite granola recipe so far and I don’t plan on going back to any previous ones. I’m sure you will love this recipe just as much. Follow the ingredients listed and the instruction carefully. Make sure you read the “notes section” on my tips for getting crunchy granola.

This granola recipe makes a large batch. We eat it pretty often plus I like to make sure I always have some on hand and never run out. Homemade granola can also make cute little gifts. Put it into baggies or mason jars and tie some pretty ribbon or fabric around the top!

Another great thing about this recipe is that the children love helping to mix this up. Children love being able to help and working with their own hands. Bring them on in the granola making and they will have so much fun being mama’s helper! Afterwards let them enjoy a health snack of granola and milk! See my other granola post recipe here.

Is maple cinnamon granola good for you?

Yes, there are many health benefits of eating a healthy granola. When you make your own granola, you know exactly the simple ingredients that are going into it and what you will be eating. It is very satisfying to make your own food and watch what your own hands have created. There is no refined sugar or shelf stabilizer preservatives in this recipe.

This recipe is great for a well balanced and healthy breakfast. Stop feeding yourself or your children sugar laden breakfast cereals from the store.

Health benefits of homemade granola

Oats are a whole grain, a complete protein source and contain important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants including manganese, iron, copper, folate, zinc and magnesium. That’s a lot of very important things!

Coconut oil is a health fat that can aid some people in weigh loss due to the increasing of metabolism found in a study, is becoming increasingly common for cooking and has a wonderful mild taste. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are researched to have a good impact on your body.

Maple syrup is known as a wholesome unrefined sweetener but also (excitingly) includes a few vitamins and nutrients for us as well! Zinc, iron and manganese are also found in maple syrup!

Ingredients for crunchy maple cinnamon granola

• quick oats
• whole oats also known as old fashioned oats or rolled oats 
• unbleached flour or flour of choice
• pure maple syrup
• cinnamon
• water 
• melted coconut oil or butter

Optional add ins-

• flax seeds
• sunflower seeds
• pumpkin seeds
• chia seeds
• sliced almonds
• dried cranberries
• coconut
• raisins
• chocolate chips
• maple extract flavoring (for additional maple taste)

Note: Avoid using strong flavored oils like olive oil. It will leave a strong undesirable taste in the finished product. If you are wanting to have the brown sugar taste (even though I can guarantee you will not miss it!) you can add a 1/2 cup into the granola before baking.

This is not an overly sweet granola so if you are looking for something more sweet then add 1 cup sugar or additional maple syrup.

How to make homemade crunchy maple cinnamon granola

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.

Add the wet ingredients and stir well together.

Add any additional goodies from the add-on list. 

Spread on a large jelly roll pan with sides. You can also line with parchment paper if you’d like.

Bake at 325 for about 35-50 minutes, stirring half way in-between and switching the pans out between the top and bottom oven racks. The granola will turn golden brown and might be a little “wet” still but it will continue to bake and dry (harden) as it cools. Watch closely towards the end so it doesn’t over bake. When you remove from the oven- DO NOT STIR! Allow to cool for about 15-30 minutes in the pan. This helps to get the clumpy crunchy granola that everyone loves!

How to store homemade granola?

Store in a sealed airtight container. 

How long will homemade crunchy maple cinnamon granola last?

Homemade granola can last about 4-6 months in an airtight container. Granola can also be frozen to extend its life. I like to store in ice cream pails or large one gallon jars.

How to serve homemade crunchy maple cinnamon granola

There are many easy and tasty ways to serve granola. It is an easy breakfast for busy weekday mornings or Sunday mornings before heading to church. 

• with fresh fruit
• yogurt
• milk (almond milk or other alternatives are great!)
• ice cream
• over a bowl of oatmeal
• with almond butter (or peanut butter)

Granola is the perfect topping to pair with yogurt in my opinion! A spoonful of a good quality or homemade greek yogurt, a drizzle of real maple syrup and some fresh or frozen fruit is superb!

Is this recipe gluten free?

If you use certified gluten free oats then yes it is gluten free. Oats are naturally gluten free but due to processing they become contaminated in the facility. If you want to use gluten free oats in this recipe then please do! Certified gluten free oats are processed in a gluten free facility.

Does maple and cinnamon go together?

Yes, these two compliment each other well as a flavor combo. They are both classic and so good!

How to make granola crunchy

One of the tricks that I have found to getting homemade granola to turn out crunchy is to add flour and water to the granola. (See recipe for details). This help it to bake more cake like and bind together. The second trick is to allow it to cool when you take the pan out of the oven. Do not stir right away and do not remove from the pan. Also, only stir once or twice during baking time.

You might want to consider making a double batch of this granola you will love it so much! 

One of my favorite ways to eat easy maple cinnamon granola is for an afternoon snack with some milk. 

What is your favorite way to eat granola? Let me know in the comments below!

Resources:

Coconut oil

Equipment you will need:

Large mixing bowl

Measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Large baking pan with sides (Jelly roll pan)

Mixing spoons

Links for breakfast recipes!

Kamut pancakes

Crockpot Baked Oatmeal with Pure Maple Syrup

Homemade crunchy coconut almond granola

Check out my meal planners!

Weekly 3 meal daily menu planner

Homesteaders weekly 3 page bundle meal planner

Recipe binder pages 5 page bundle

Shop my beeswax reusable food wraps here

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A little about me!

Hi! I’m Rebecca, wife and mother and I love homemaking and cooking on a daily basis.

Baking healthy desserts and cooking nutritious filled foods is a passion that I have and that is reflected in the recipes I post here!

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