Maple Brown Sugar Granola Crunchy and Healthy Snack

October 7, 2025September 29, 2025 by Emma Smith

Are you ready to enjoy a crunchy, sweet snack that’s also good for you? This Maple Brown Sugar Granola is your answer! Packed with oats, nuts, and seeds, it’s a treat that satisfies your cravings. I’ll guide you through easy steps to make your own batch, from mixing ingredients to perfect baking tips. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that adds a wholesome crunch to your day!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This granola recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, making it perfect for busy mornings or quick snacks.
Customizable: You can easily swap out nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with rolled oats, nuts, and seeds, this granola provides a nutritious start to your day without sacrificing flavor.
Deliciously Sweet: The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar gives this granola a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with yogurt or milk.

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

– 2 cups rolled oats

– 1 cup nuts (such as almonds and walnuts), roughly chopped

– 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

– 1/2 cup maple syrup

– 1/4 cup brown sugar

– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon cinnamon

– 1 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins)

To make maple brown sugar granola, you need simple yet tasty ingredients. This recipe brings together oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut for a crunchy base.

The sweeteners, like maple syrup and brown sugar, give it a rich flavor. Coconut oil helps bind everything together and adds healthy fats.

For spices, I use vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. These enhance the taste and make your kitchen smell amazing.

Lastly, don’t forget the dried fruit! It adds a chewy texture and bursts of sweetness. You can use cranberries or raisins, but feel free to switch it up with your favorites.

This mix of ingredients not only makes a great snack but also packs nutrition. Each bite is full of energy and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This helps the granola cook evenly.

2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the granola from sticking.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, and shredded coconut. Stir well to mix all the dry ingredients together.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. This creates a sweet mixture for the granola.

Baking the Granola

1. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

2. Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Press it down gently with a spatula for even baking.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure it bakes evenly and turns golden brown.

Cooling and Storing

1. Let the granola cool on the baking sheet after baking. Cooling is key for crispness.

2. Once cool, mix in the dried fruit. This adds a nice chew to your granola.

3. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Your granola stays fresh for up to two weeks.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To get that perfect crunch in your granola, aim for an even golden color. Start by spreading your granola thinly on the baking sheet. This helps it bake evenly. Stir it halfway through the baking time. This step ensures that all parts get that lovely golden hue.

Enhancing Flavor

Don’t be afraid to play with flavors! You can add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm taste. Try using different nuts and fruits too. Almonds and walnuts work great, but hazelnuts or pecans can add a nice twist. For fruit, cranberries and raisins are classics, but feel free to explore dried apricots or cherries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Watch the time closely when baking. Overbaking can lead to burnt granola, while underbaking makes it chewy. After baking, let your granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is key for it to become crisp. If you skip this, you might end up with soggy granola.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your nuts and dried fruits are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your granola.
Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like pecans or hazelnuts to create your own unique blend.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the granola as it bakes; it can go from golden to burnt quickly if left unattended.
Storage Matters: Store the granola in an airtight container to maintain its crispness and prevent it from becoming stale.

Variations

Nut-Free Maple Brown Sugar Granola

You can easily make this granola nut-free. Simply replace the nuts with more seeds. Try using an extra half cup of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These additions keep the crunch and add good nutrients. Adjust the texture by adding more coconut or oats. Both give the granola a nice bite.

Additional Flavor Profiles

Want to spice things up? Adding dark chocolate chips gives a sweet twist. Mix in a few tablespoons of cocoa powder for a rich taste. You could also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth. Protein powders are great too! They boost nutrition without changing the flavor much. Vanilla or chocolate protein works best.

Seasonal Variations

Granola can change with the seasons. In fall, mix in chopped apples or pears with cinnamon. During winter, try dried cranberries or figs for a festive touch. In summer, add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. Each season brings new flavors to enjoy. Just remember to adjust the baking time if you add fresh fruit.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storage

Store your granola in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the lid seals tightly. Keep your granola in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with heat or moisture, like near the stove.

Shelf Life

Your granola will stay fresh for about two weeks at room temperature. After that, it may lose its crunch and flavor. Watch for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks stale, it’s time to toss it.

Freezing Granola

You can freeze granola for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. To thaw, just take it out and leave it at room temperature for a few hours. This way, you can enjoy your snack later without losing its taste!

FAQs

How to make granola cluster together?

To make granola cluster together, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, use enough liquid ingredients, like maple syrup and coconut oil. These help bind the oats and nuts. Next, press the mixture down firmly on the baking sheet before baking. This helps create clumps. Bake it at a lower temperature, around 325°F. Stir it only halfway through baking, and let it cool completely on the sheet. This cooling step is key. As it cools, it hardens and forms clusters.

Can I use other sweeteners besides maple syrup?

Yes, you can use other sweeteners besides maple syrup. Honey is a popular choice. It adds a nice flavor, too. Agave nectar is another option. You can also use brown rice syrup for a vegan choice. If you want less sugar, try unsweetened applesauce. Just remember to adjust the wet ingredients, so the texture stays right. Each sweetener will add its own taste, so choose what you like best.

What are the health benefits of granola?

Granola offers many health benefits. The oats provide fiber, which helps with digestion. Nuts like almonds and walnuts add healthy fats and protein. Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals. Coconut adds healthy fats, too. Dried fruits like cranberries offer natural sweetness and antioxidants. Together, these ingredients create a balanced snack that fuels your day. It’s a great way to start your morning or have a quick snack.

How do I customize my granola recipe?

Customizing your granola is easy and fun! Start by changing the nuts or seeds. You can use pecans, hazelnuts, or pumpkin seeds. Add different dried fruits, like apricots or figs, for variety. For spices, try nutmeg or ginger for a new flavor. You can even mix in some chocolate chips or coconut flakes. Just keep the basic ratios the same for the best results. This way, you can make a granola that fits your taste perfectly.

You learned how to make granola with simple ingredients, from oats to spices. The step-by-step guide makes the process easy, ensuring a crunchy treat. I shared tips on achieving the perfect texture and avoiding common mistakes. You can vary your granola with flavors and adapt it to your taste. Remember to store it well for freshness. Making granola is fun and lets you enjoy a healthy snack your way. Try it today and savor your creatio

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup nuts (such as almonds and walnuts), roughly chopped - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins) To make maple brown sugar granola, you need simple yet tasty ingredients. This recipe brings together oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut for a crunchy base. The sweeteners, like maple syrup and brown sugar, give it a rich flavor. Coconut oil helps bind everything together and adds healthy fats. For spices, I use vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. These enhance the taste and make your kitchen smell amazing. Lastly, don’t forget the dried fruit! It adds a chewy texture and bursts of sweetness. You can use cranberries or raisins, but feel free to switch it up with your favorites. This mix of ingredients not only makes a great snack but also packs nutrition. Each bite is full of energy and flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This helps the granola cook evenly. 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the granola from sticking. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, and shredded coconut. Stir well to mix all the dry ingredients together. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. This creates a sweet mixture for the granola. 1. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Mix until everything is evenly coated. 2. Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Press it down gently with a spatula for even baking. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure it bakes evenly and turns golden brown. 1. Let the granola cool on the baking sheet after baking. Cooling is key for crispness. 2. Once cool, mix in the dried fruit. This adds a nice chew to your granola. 3. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Your granola stays fresh for up to two weeks. To get that perfect crunch in your granola, aim for an even golden color. Start by spreading your granola thinly on the baking sheet. This helps it bake evenly. Stir it halfway through the baking time. This step ensures that all parts get that lovely golden hue. Don’t be afraid to play with flavors! You can add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm taste. Try using different nuts and fruits too. Almonds and walnuts work great, but hazelnuts or pecans can add a nice twist. For fruit, cranberries and raisins are classics, but feel free to explore dried apricots or cherries. Watch the time closely when baking. Overbaking can lead to burnt granola, while underbaking makes it chewy. After baking, let your granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is key for it to become crisp. If you skip this, you might end up with soggy granola. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your nuts and dried fruits are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your granola. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like pecans or hazelnuts to create your own unique blend. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the granola as it bakes; it can go from golden to burnt quickly if left unattended. Storage Matters: Store the granola in an airtight container to maintain its crispness and prevent it from becoming stale. {{image_2}} You can easily make this granola nut-free. Simply replace the nuts with more seeds. Try using an extra half cup of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These additions keep the crunch and add good nutrients. Adjust the texture by adding more coconut or oats. Both give the granola a nice bite. Want to spice things up? Adding dark chocolate chips gives a sweet twist. Mix in a few tablespoons of cocoa powder for a rich taste. You could also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth. Protein powders are great too! They boost nutrition without changing the flavor much. Vanilla or chocolate protein works best. Granola can change with the seasons. In fall, mix in chopped apples or pears with cinnamon. During winter, try dried cranberries or figs for a festive touch. In summer, add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. Each season brings new flavors to enjoy. Just remember to adjust the baking time if you add fresh fruit. Store your granola in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the lid seals tightly. Keep your granola in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with heat or moisture, like near the stove. Your granola will stay fresh for about two weeks at room temperature. After that, it may lose its crunch and flavor. Watch for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks stale, it’s time to toss it. You can freeze granola for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. To thaw, just take it out and leave it at room temperature for a few hours. This way, you can enjoy your snack later without losing its taste! To make granola cluster together, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, use enough liquid ingredients, like maple syrup and coconut oil. These help bind the oats and nuts. Next, press the mixture down firmly on the baking sheet before baking. This helps create clumps. Bake it at a lower temperature, around 325°F. Stir it only halfway through baking, and let it cool completely on the sheet. This cooling step is key. As it cools, it hardens and forms clusters. Yes, you can use other sweeteners besides maple syrup. Honey is a popular choice. It adds a nice flavor, too. Agave nectar is another option. You can also use brown rice syrup for a vegan choice. If you want less sugar, try unsweetened applesauce. Just remember to adjust the wet ingredients, so the texture stays right. Each sweetener will add its own taste, so choose what you like best. Granola offers many health benefits. The oats provide fiber, which helps with digestion. Nuts like almonds and walnuts add healthy fats and protein. Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals. Coconut adds healthy fats, too. Dried fruits like cranberries offer natural sweetness and antioxidants. Together, these ingredients create a balanced snack that fuels your day. It’s a great way to start your morning or have a quick snack. Customizing your granola is easy and fun! Start by changing the nuts or seeds. You can use pecans, hazelnuts, or pumpkin seeds. Add different dried fruits, like apricots or figs, for variety. For spices, try nutmeg or ginger for a new flavor. You can even mix in some chocolate chips or coconut flakes. Just keep the basic ratios the same for the best results. This way, you can make a granola that fits your taste perfectly. You learned how to make granola with simple ingredients, from oats to spices. The step-by-step guide makes the process easy, ensuring a crunchy treat. I shared tips on achieving the perfect texture and avoiding common mistakes. You can vary your granola with flavors and adapt it to your taste. Remember to store it well for freshness. Making granola is fun and lets you enjoy a healthy snack your way. Try it today and savor your creation!$