Get ready to embark on a delicious food adventure, my fellow flavor enthusiasts! I’m about to show you how to transform ordinary granola into an EPIC, crunchy masterpiece that’s going to blow your mind. These Crunchy Maple Pecan Granola Bites are the ultimate snack that’s perfect for any time of day – whether you’re craving a satisfying breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a sweet treat to curb those pesky cravings. Trust me, this recipe is so insanely good, you’re going to want to make a massive batch and keep it on hand at all times!
Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Maple Pecan Granola Bites
Prepare to have your taste buds taken on a wild, flavor-packed ride! These granola bites are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and oh-so-satisfying crunch. The maple syrup adds a delectable caramelized sweetness, while the toasted pecans bring a rich, nutty flavor and an epic textural contrast. Plus, the bit of sea salt sprinkled on top takes this snack to the next level of crave-worthy. Whether you enjoy them on their own, sprinkled over yogurt, or as a topping for your favorite smoothie bowl, these granola bites are about to become your new favorite addiction. Get ready to smash through that bag, my friends, because these babies are dangerously addictive!
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is that it calls for just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. All you need is old-fashioned oats, pecans, maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Seriously, that’s it! Get ready to turn these basic elements into something truly legendary.
- 4 cups (400g) – Old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (120g) – Raw pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon – Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon – Sea salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Nuts: Feel free to swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts. The nutty flavor and crunch will still be epic.
- Sweetener: If you’re looking for a dietary swap, you can use honey, brown sugar, or even a sugar-free maple syrup in place of the regular maple syrup.
How to Make Crunchy Maple Pecan Granola Bites
Alright, let’s get down to business and transform these humble ingredients into something truly sensational! First, we’ll start by preheating the oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, we’ll combine the oats, pecans, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl, and then drizzle in the melted coconut oil and maple syrup, stirring everything together until the mixture is perfectly coated.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup until well combined. Pour the maple-coconut mixture over the oat-pecan mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to press it down gently to create some clusters. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the granola bites from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break the granola into bite-sized pieces and transfer to an airtight container.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flaky Sea Salt: For an incredible sweet-and-salty contrast, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the granola bites after they’ve cooled.
- Mix-Ins: Get creative and experiment with different add-ins like shredded coconut, dried fruit, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
- Granola Cups: Press the granola mixture into a greased muffin tin before baking to create individual granola cups – perfect for on-the-go snacking!
- Chunkier Granola: For larger, more satisfying granola clusters, try pressing the mixture down firmly onto the baking sheet before popping it in the oven.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Yogurt, oatmeal, smoothie bowls, or enjoy on their own as a satisfying snack.
Storage: Store the cooled granola bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheat: No need to reheat – these granola bites are perfect for snacking straight from the container.
Make-Ahead: This recipe is a fantastic make-ahead option. Bake a big batch and have a steady supply of crunchy, flavor-packed granola bites on hand whenever the craving strikes.
Nutrition Information
These Crunchy Maple Pecan Granola Bites are not only insanely delicious, but they’re also packed with wholesome, nourishing ingredients. Each serving is a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, thanks to the oats and pecans. The maple syrup provides a natural sweetener, while the cinnamon and sea salt add amazing flavor without any artificial additives. Indulge in this epic snack guilt-free, my friends – your taste buds and your body will thank you!
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 34 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your nut of choice, such as walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts. Just keep the overall quantity the same.
How long do these granola bites last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these granola bites will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks. They also make a great make-ahead snack or breakfast option.
Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit a vegan or gluten-free diet. For a vegan version, simply use a plant-based oil instead of coconut oil. And to make it gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
How can I make the granola bites chunkier?
To achieve larger, more satisfying granola clusters, try pressing the mixture down firmly onto the baking sheet before popping it in the oven. You can also try baking the granola in a single layer on the sheet, rather than spreading it out.
Can I add any other mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Get creative and customize this recipe to your heart’s content. Some tasty additions could include shredded coconut, dried fruit, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
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Crunchy Maple Pecan Granola Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Crispy Kingdom
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crunchy maple pecan granola bites are a delightful snack that combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans, perfect for a quick energy boost.
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, chopped pecans, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and maple syrup.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bites.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
These bites can be customized with your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: granola, snacks, healthy, maple, pecans