Welcome to the cozy flavors of fall with our irresistible Brown Butter Pecan Maple Quinoa Autumn Harvest Granola! This delightful recipe combines the rich nuttiness of brown butter, the crunch of pecans, and the sweetness of maple syrup, creating a mouthwatering granola that’s perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack. Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of freshly baked granola, ready to be enjoyed with yogurt, milk, or even straight from the jar! With just 35 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your mornings and embrace the harvest season with this delicious treat!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Allow it to cook until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
- Once the butter is browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and rinsed quinoa. Pour the brown butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to press it down gently to help it clump together as it bakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. The granola should be golden brown and fragrant when done.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the pan. It will continue to harden as it cools.
- If desired, stir in the dried cranberries once the granola has cooled. This adds a nice tartness and a pop of color to the mix.
- Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage. It can be enjoyed as a snack, a topping for yogurt, or with milk as a breakfast cereal.
Tips
- Perfectly Browned Butter: Keep a close eye on the butter as it melts. Stir it occasionally and watch for that golden color and nutty aroma. This step is crucial for achieving the rich flavor that makes this granola special.
- Customize Your Nuts: While pecans are a star ingredient, feel free to mix in other nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size for even roasting.
- Don’t Skip the Press: When spreading the granola on the baking sheet, press it down gently. This helps create those delicious clumps that everyone loves, making it more satisfying to eat.
- Stir for Even Baking: Remember to stir the granola halfway through baking. This ensures it browns evenly and prevents any parts from burning.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to a container. It will harden as it cools, giving you that perfect crunchy texture.
- Add Dried Fruit for Extra Flavor: If you like a touch of tartness, toss in some dried cranberries or your favorite dried fruit after the granola has cooled. They add a lovely burst of flavor and color.
- Storage Tips: Store your granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It makes for a great snack on the go or a delicious topping for yogurt or oatmeal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
