Small Batch Maple Walnut Granola
Start your day off right with a perfectly balanced breakfast treat – this small batch maple walnut granola. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory breakfast options, this granola is the perfect addition to your morning routine. Made with high-quality ingredients and freshly roasted walnuts, this granola is bursting with delicious flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
From the first bite, you’ll notice the rich taste of pure maple syrup, which complements the crunchy texture of the oats and walnuts. This granola is not only delicious but also a great source of energy to fuel your day. So why settle for a boring breakfast when you can indulge in the deliciousness of small batch maple walnut granola? Give this granola a try and treat yourself to a breakfast that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients Needed for this Maple Walnut Granola Recipe
Ingredients
You can make this easy maple walnut granola recipe with simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Any missing ingredients can be picked up at your local grocery or supermarket. Here are the items you’ll need to start your shopping list:
Ingredients List
If you can’t find ground flax at your local grocery store you can find it on Amazon.
Ingredient Notes
Rolled Oats
Rolled Oats are also called old-fashioned oats. These are whole oats that are steamed and flattened. They are commonly used in granola recipes because they hold up well during baking and provide a hearty texture.
Walnuts
This type of nut looks uncannily like a mini-brain. Coincidentally, the omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts are good for the brain, too! They add a crunchy texture and a mildly sweet, nutty flavor to the granola.
Maple Syrup
This natural treat comes from the sap of maple trees. It adds a rich, caramel-like taste to the granola and helps to bind the ingredients together.
Vegetable Oil
Want to know what makes granola crispier and crunchier? The secret is in the oil you add to it. You can use avocado oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or any neutral-tasting oil as a substitute.
Ground Flaxseed
Another superfood, ground flaxseed is a nutritious ingredient. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. It adds a nutty flavor and helps to bind the ingredients together.
Coarse Salt
Adding coarse salt to your granola makes it more flavorful. The salt balances the sweetness of the syrup and nuts and helps the flavors in the granola come together.
Ground Cinnamon
Half a teaspoon of this wonderful spice gives a sweet, smokey, and earthy flavor to your maple nut granola.
Ground Nutmeg
Nutmeg, like cinnamon, levels up this recipe. It adds a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the granola.
Equipment Needed To Make Walnut Maple Granola
You don’t need to have fancy equipment to make this tasty breakfast treat. You’ll need just a few pieces of equipment for this maple walnut granola recipe:
- Medium Bowl
- Small Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
- Sheet Pan or Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Air-Tight Containers or Mason Jars (for storage)
How to Make Maple Walnut Granola
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 300°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large measuring cup or small bowl, combine the oil, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until well blended.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped walnuts, and ground flax.
Step 4: Mix Dry and Liquid Ingredients Together
Pour the maple mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Spread on the Baking Sheet
Spread the granola mixture on the prepared baking sheet into an even layer.
Step 6: Bake the Granola
Bake for 30-40 minutes without stirring until golden brown.
Step 7: Remove from Oven
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely without disrupting the mixture. The less the granola mixture moves while baking and cooling, the more clusters will form.
Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 10 days.
Storage and leftovers
Since this is a small batch meal prep recipe you won’t have many left overs. For any of the leftover maple walnut granola, you’ll want to store it properly to maintain the crunchiness so you can enjoy fresh granola all week.
The best way to store walnut maple granola is in an air-tight container or mason jar. This will prevent air and moisture from getting in, which can cause the granola to become stale and lose its crunchiness.
Store the granola at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life. Just let it come to room temperature before consuming if you store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
You might find yourself snacking on it straight from the jar if you’re like me! So whether you’re enjoying it as a snack or as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls, storing your maple walnut granola properly will ensure that it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Storing Your Walnuts
Though you can find walnuts year-round and make this recipe anytime you like, storing any leftover walnuts is key to this walnut granola recipe’s excellent taste. Keep your shelled or unshelled walnuts inside air-tight containers (like OXO) or a large mason jar to keep them fresh and crunchy.
This step also helps them from absorbing odors from other food items. It stabilizes the oils in the nuts, helping avoid that rancid taste for longer.
Storing Your Rolled Oats
Rolled oats will last in an airtight container for up for one year in your pantry if stored correctly. You use can use these in another granola or breakfast recipe.
Storing Your Maple Syrup
Maple Syrup can last in the fridge for up to 6 months once opened. You can either save your maple syrup for another granola recipe or use it as a sweetener in your coffee or tea. Or use it on top of your breakfast pancakes, waffles, and french toast.
What Can I Do With Granola?
There are so many things you can do with maple cinnamon walnut granola! Here are a few ideas and variations:
- Eat it as a healthy snack: Granola is a great snack you can enjoy straight out of the jar. It’s crunchy and filling and makes for a great on-the-go snack.
- Yogurt Parfaits or smoothie bowl topping: Adding granola to your yogurt or smoothie bowl can add a delicious crunch and texture to your breakfast or snack.
- Add it to your oatmeal: You can top oatmeal with granola for an extra kick and nutrition.
- Make granola bars: Whip up your own granola bars by mixing them with peanut butter and pressing them into a baking sheet. Cut it into pieces, and voila! Maple walnut granola bars!
- Ice cream topping: Want a healthier addition to your ice cream and parfaits? Top it with crumbled granola, and you’ll see the difference.
- Use it in baking: You can use granola in baking recipes such as cookies, muffins, or bread. You can add it to your baked goodies for an extra chunky texture. You can also ground it up as a flour substitute.
- Eat it as cereal: Granola can work as a hearty cereal substitute! Add some milk, let it soak up a bit, and your nutritious maple walnut cereal breakfast is ready.
What else? The options are endless! You can add other ingredients, like unsalted sunflower seeds and nuts. By combining different flavors and combinations, you’re sure to find your favorite way to enjoy granola.
frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Let’s Make Small Batch Maple Walnut Granola
Making this homemade small batch Maple Walnut Granola is a quick and easy breakfast meal prep option that can also be used as a delicious and nutritious snack. Following the simple recipe outlined above, you can create crunchy and flavorful granola perfect for topping yogurt, smoothie bowls, or enjoyed alone.
This combination of sweet maple flavor and crunchy walnuts will surely become one of your favorite go-to breakfast options So, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a healthy breakfast option, this homemade granola recipe is a great choice. We hope you enjoy making and snacking on this delicious crunchy granola as much as we do. Let us know in the comments if you try it!
Did you make this Small Batch Maple Walnut Granola? We want to see how it turned out! Tag us in your social media posts @thesolospoon and use #thesolospoon when you share!
Small Batch Maple Walnut Granola
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Oven
Description
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cups walnuts coarsely chopped
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup ground flax seed
1 tsp coarse salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicon baking mat.
- In a large measuring cup or small bowl, combine the oil, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until well blended.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, and ground flax.
- Pour the maple mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Spread out the mixture on the prepared baking sheet into an even layer.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes without stirring until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely without disrupting the mixture. The less the mixture moves while baking and cooling, the more clusters will form.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days.