Homemade Honey Pecan Granola
A delightful dish combining crunchy pecans with sweet honey, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Homemade granola allows customization of flavors and ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups 3 cups (300 g) certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats Hearty and nutty, serving as the base for the granola.
- 1 1/4 cups 1 1/4 cups (135 g) pecans, roughly chopped Adds rich flavor and delightful texture.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Infuses warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon fine salt Enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup (115 g) honey Brings natural sweetness to the mix.
- 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter Provides richness and helps ingredients clump together.
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons (25 g) packed light brown sugar Adds extra sweetness and caramel flavor.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup (65 g) dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates Introduces bursts of sweetness and color.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and fine salt.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, unsalted butter, and light brown sugar. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until smooth and melted, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm honey mixture over the oat and pecan blend, folding with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin layer and press lightly with a spatula.
Baking
- Bake for 24-28 minutes, stirring edges halfway through and pressing down lightly again.
- Once baked, let the granola cool completely on the pan for at least 35 minutes.
Finishing
- Break the cooled granola into clusters and stir in your choice of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates.
Notes
To make the granola clumpier, press the mixture down firmly before baking and extend baking time until edges are crisp. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.