maple-cardamom-granola

Brunch

Maple Cardamom Granola

October 17, 2019

This post is sponsored by Greek Gods Yogurt. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Browned Butter Blondie possible. […]

This post is sponsored by Greek Gods Yogurt. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Browned Butter Blondie possible.

maple-cardamom-granola

From the looks of all the baked donuts and sweet breads I post here on the blog, you might not guess that I’m a granola fanatic. Yep. I love it. But not just any granola will do. Homemade granola is the only way to go and don’t try to tell me otherwise. Granola is not only super easy to make from scratch, but it’s the perfect way to start the day as the weather starts to cool off. And the flavor possibilities are endless. This maple cardamon granola is comfort food at it’s finest with all it’s cozy spices and toasted nuts. And the best part is, one batch will last for weeks…well, if you can stop yourself from eating the whole batch at once that is.

maple-cardamom-granola

This homemade granola is salty and sweet, chewy and crunchy and it makes for the most delicious, healthy breakfast or snack on the go. The ingredient list is so simple. All you need is oats, nuts, seeds and spices. The clusters are sweetened with a generous dollop of almond butter and maple syrup and then we toast them all up to perfection. This recipe is seriously so easy you have no excuse not to make it. And just look at that golden brown goodness!

maple-cardamom-granola

My favorite way to eat granola is on top of smooth and creamy yogurt. I’m reaaaallly picky about my yogurt because I don’t like that tangy aftertaste. And it’s a hard no to any added preservatives or artificial sweeteners in my yogurt. Hey, I am trying to start the day off on the right foot after all. But since I pretty much wake up with a sweet tooth, I do want my breakfast to feel indulgent and taste delicious. Honey Vanilla Greek Yogurt from Greek Gods checks ALL the boxes and then some. The flavor is amazing and the texture is thick and creamy….just like yogurt is supposed to be. It’s the perfect, healthy breakfast to top off with a scoop {or two!} of my favorite granola. Healthy never looked so good!

maple-cardamom-granola

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE GRANOLA

To make a batch of this maple cardamom granola we start with a batch of nuts and seeds which we coarsely chop and combine with coconut flakes. I realize that coconut can be a polarizing ingredient so feel free to omit if you aren’t a fan. Next we add the spices and then drizzle with creamy almond butter and maple syrup. Stir it all together in one bowl, sprinkle with a dash of salt and then spread the granola evenly across a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pro-tip: don’t forget the parchment paper…it will make your life much easier when it’s time to clean up. We bake it low and slow for about 30 minutes and then allow the granola to cool. As it cools the granola will form those crispy little clusters which are so irresistibly snack-able.

maple-cardamom-granola

TIPS FOR THE BEST HOMEMADE GRANOLA

If you are new to making granola or just looking for some pointers before making your next batch, here are a few tips to make the perfect homemade granola every time:

  1. Oats matter. Always use large flaked/whole oats. Quick oats or steel cut oats are not as hearty as whole oats and will not form those delicious little granola clusters we can’t get enough of. If you prefer to use gluten free oats, feel free!
  2. Keep it smooth. Be sure to use a smooth (not chunky) almond butter that has a runny consistency. You don’t want to use a thick almond butter that is difficult to spread. Look for the kind you can pour out of the jar.
  3. Go nuts. You can use any combination of nuts and seeds you like in this granola. Don’t like pecans? No problem. Not a fan of pumpkin seeds? No biggie. You do you and throw in whatever nuts you like. The possibilities are endless!
  4. Let it chill. When the granola first comes out of the oven your kitchen will smell heavenly and you’ll be dying to dig in to all that warm granola goodness. But leave the granola to cool for at least 30 minutes. The granola will form little crunchy clusters as it cools.
  5. Keep it fresh. For best results, store your freshly baked maple cardamom granola in a jar in your pantry. It will stay fresh for weeks and you can enjoy it day after day with yogurt, fruit or just by the handful for an afternoon snack.

maple-cardamom-granola

aannnd now I’m hungry for some more of this irresistible granola. Time to sign off but promise me you’ll make this crispy and delicious maple cardamom granola. And if you do, be sure to leave me a comment below. I love hearing from you! And for more fall baking inspiration, be sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Happy Baking!

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maple-cardamom-granola

Maple Cardamom Granola

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  • Author: Browned Butter Blondie
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Breakfast

Description

This light and crunchy granola is made with simple ingredients and pairs perfectly with your favorite breakfast yogurt. Loaded with healthy nuts and seeds, this granola is a delicious way to start your day.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cup whole oats (gluten free if preferred)
  • 1/3 cup almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup coconut flakes, optional
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup smooth, pourable almond butter
  • 2 1/2 TBSP coconut oil, in liquid form

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix together oats, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds and coconut. Add salt, cinnamon and cardamom. Toss to combine.
  4. In a separate small bowl, stir together almond butter, coconut oil and maple syrup until well combined.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients on to the dry ingredients and gently stir until well coated.
  6. Spread the granola evenly across the baking sheet, gently pressing down with your hands to level.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes until granola is golden brown.
  8. Remove from oven and allow granola to cool completely before transferring to a jar.
  9. For a delicious, healthy breakfast in a hurry, serve on top of Honey Vanilla Greek Yogurt by Greek Gods.

Notes

Store granola tightly wrapped.

*Greek Gods Honey Vanilla Yogurt can be purchased online or at your local market. 

**Granola flavor inspired by Choosing Chia.

  • Reply
    Marie
    January 29, 2021 at 5:48 pm

    Hi, I want to send this granola to my son in Oregon. I live in California. What is the best way to package it for freshness before I mail?

    • Reply
      Heather Mubarak
      January 29, 2021 at 11:04 pm

      What a great idea! It should keep well in a ziplock bag. Hope he loves it!!

  • Reply
    Anita
    October 17, 2019 at 11:06 pm

    I’m here for the clusters!! and the toasty pecans. yum, yum, yum!! Love everything about this Heather. Now I’ll be adding some cardamom to my next batch! – Anita

    • Reply
      Heather Mubarak
      October 18, 2019 at 6:08 pm

      Thanks Anita! I adore cardamom and cinnamon flavors in the fall. And this granola is such a cozy treat on a chilly morning.

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