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This pumpkin pecan maple granola is quick, nutritious, and simply delicious! Try this new fall-favorite protein granola recipe for breakfast or as a snack!
Nuts for nuts!
This protein granola recipe provides excellent sources of heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber, thanks to oats, quinoa, and yes, pecans! Love pecans? Or almonds, peanuts, or cashews? Don't be shy! These little gems are tiny but mighty! They provide adequate sources of protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. In all honesty, a handful (the recommended portion size) is difficult to maintain, but having more than a handful won't be the end of the world! Research may show that nut consumption can benefit your heart health. Some studies suggest that they can lower your bad (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a risk factor in clogging your arteries. Nuts are excellent sources of unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated also known as the MUFA's and the PUFA's) which can help reduce inflammation (leading to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes).
You're Sweet Enough!
As my father always says when I order unsweetened iced tea! Another plus to making homemade granola is that you can make it with less added sugar. It is recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans that we consume no more than 10% of our calories from added sugars; based on a 2,000-calorie diet that would be 50 grams of added sugar in a day. On the Nutrition Food Label, added sugars less than 5% of our daily value are considered low sources of added sugar. A daily value of 20% or more would be considered a high source of added sugar. Store-bought versions can easily exceed the 20% daily value (high source) of added sugar per day!
Protein Granola recipe...
This was my first time making granola, and it will not be my last! Talk about simple! Basically, toss your ingredients in a large mixing bowl, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes. Voila!
What I love about this recipe and granola, in general, is that it is so versatile! If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seeds can be a delicious substitute. Gluten-sensitive? This recipe is gluten-free, thanks to the oats and quinoa ingredients! Vegan-preferred? Omit the butter in this recipe and try using coconut oil for some richness. I promise it is just as delicious!
Resources:
nuts and their nutrition benefits
PrintProtein Granola Recipe
This gluten-free protein granola recipe uses crunchy pecans, fiber-rich oats, quinoa, and much more!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: breakfast, snacks
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
½ cup white quinoa, uncooked
½ cup pitted dates, chopped
1 cup unsalted pecans, chopped
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons pumpkin-pie spice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set aside a parchment-lined baking sheet.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together all of the ingredients until fully combined. Spread the granola mix evenly onto the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until slightly browned.
Notes
If you prefer a vegan recipe, substitute coconut oil for butter. If gluten sensitive, use oats that are certified gluten-free.
Enjoy the granola with yogurt (I also topped it with fresh pomegranate seeds!).
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