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Looking for a healthy granola recipe that’s actually good for you? This maple pecan granola is nutrient-rich, perfectly crunchy, and just 200 calories per serving.
When my son started eating yogurt with granola every morning, I took a closer look at the nutrition labels of store-bought granola. Most granolas marketed as “healthy” had lots of sugar, oils, and preservatives. As someone who cares deeply about nutrition while still wanting food to taste amazing, I set about to create a healthier granola recipe.
After countless test batches in our kitchen (and many taste tests by Alex and our kids!), I can confidently say this maple pecan granola is genuinely wholesome without sacrificing flavor. It’s become such a staple in our home that we haven’t used another recipe in years—seriously! It still delivers that perfect granola crunch and sweetness we all crave.
What Makes This Granola Actually Healthy?
I’ve studied many granola recipes and nutrition labels to identified three key problems that make most granolas less healthy than they claim to be: there’s lots of sugar, excessive oils, and each serving has a high calorie density.
Here’s how I solved these problems while creating a truly healthy granola:
- Strategic use of puffed rice: I incorporate puffed rice cereal to add volume and crunch without the calories. It’s actually a minimally processed whole food—just rice that’s been puffed until crunchy!
- Balanced nut ratio: I use just enough pecans to provide protein, healthy fats and delicious flavor, but not so many that the calorie count gets out of control.
- Reduced oil and maple syrup: I’ve carefully tested the minimum amounts needed for flavor and texture, and this recipe has significantly less than traditional recipes.
How to Make Healthy Granola— Step by Step
Making homemade granola is incredibly simple, and the results are so worth it! Here’s my foolproof method:
Step 1: Mix the wet and dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the neutral oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add the cinnamon and allspice (the allspice is optional, but I find it adds a warm depth). Add the oats, puffed rice cereal, and pecans ands tir.
Pro tip: Measure the oil first, then use the same measuring cup for the maple syrup—it will slide right out without sticking!
Step 2: Bake to perfection
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (this makes cleanup so much easier!). Spread the granola mixture in an even layer. Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Important note: The granola should be lightly golden but will still feel slightly soft when you remove it from the oven—it will crisp up as it cools.
Step 4: Cool completely
This might not sound like a step since you’re not doing anything, but allow the granola to cool on the baking sheet. This cooling period is crucial for getting the perfect crunch!
Delicious Ways to Enjoy It
This versatile granola has become a staple in our kitchen because there are so many wonderful ways to use it:
- Yogurt parfait: Layer with plain Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a protein-packed breakfast like these yogurt bowls or a yogurt parfait. I like to swirl a tiny bit of maple syrup into the yogurt first.
- With milk or plant milk: Serve like cereal with your favorite milk (my personal preference is oat milk because it has the best flavor and creamy texture).
- Smoothie bowl topper: Sprinkle over acai bowls or smoothie bowls for added crunch and nutrition.
- Baked good upgrade: Sprinkle on muffin batter before baking for a crunchy topping—works wonderfully on my banana blueberry muffins!
- Quick apple crisp: Make sauteed apples with cinnamon, top with granola, and add a dollop of maple-sweetened Greek yogurt for a healthier dessert.
- DIY gift: Package in a mason jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade present!
Make It Your Own—Easy Flavor Variations
While I love the maple pecan combination, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace the allspice with pumpkin pie spice and add pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
- Almond Joy: Use sliced almonds instead of pecans, add unsweetened coconut flakes, and mix in a small handful of dark chocolate chips after cooling.
- Orange Cranberry: Add orange zest to the wet ingredients and fold in dried dried cranberries after baking.
Storing leftovers
Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container. I store ours in a large glass jar on the counter, where it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks (though it rarely lasts that long in our house!).
Dietary notes
Vegetarian, gluten free, plant-based, dairy-free, vegan, naturally sweet, and has no refined sugar.
Healthy Granola Recipe
Want a healthy granola recipe that’s actually good for you? Here’s the only recipe you need! The maple pecan flavor is nutrient rich and 100% delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings (about 7 cups) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ¼ cup neutral oil
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cups old fashioned organic rolled oats
- 3 cups puffed rice (substitute rolled oats if you can’t find puffed grains!)
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the oil, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Add the rolled oats, puffed rice, and pecans. Stir with wooden spoon to evenly coat.
- Spread onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake around 25 to 30 minutes until golden and toasted, stirring once.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely: the granola becomes crispy as it cools. Store in airtight container.
This is a delicious granola recipe! I added a trick I learned from Epicurious: I followed your recipe and then beat an egg white into the wet ingredients before mixing in the dry. It creates a nice crispy glaze (and adds a little extra protein!)
I love this recipe and make it weekly. I vary the puffed cereal variety and what nuts I use. I cut the maple syrup back some and it still tastes great!
The best granola ever! I have it every morning with my Greek yogurt. It has become my favorite meal of the day. Thanks so much for the recipe. I have loved every recipe I’ve tried from your website.
Scrumptious! I make this recipe often. My husband loves to sprinkle it on homemade yogurt. It’s not too sweet or salty, plus it’s way more economical than the bags of Kind granola we used to buy. We double bag it and freeze so it stays fresh for months. Another great recipe 👍
I’ve made this recipe many times, usually subbing the oil for butter (I’m very sensitive to oily tastes, and it’s such a small amount anyway), and the maple syrup for honey. It’s outstanding! Crunchy and light at the same time. I usually enjoy just a small amount at a time (maybe 1/4 cup) with greek yogurt and berries as an afternoon snack. A bakery near me makes granola with puffed kamut, honey, pepitas, and cardamon – this recipe allowed me to recreate it at home and save so much money. Thank you!
Indian grocery stores sells puffed rice, are these same ones?
Yes, that should work!
I had to leave a comment because this granola is AMAZING! I’ve never finished a pack of granola from the store, so I was shocked at how delicious and healthy this granola was. I devoured it in a couple of weeks with greek yogurt as a healthy afternoon snack. It was also ridiculously simple to make. It is definitely a new staple. Thank you!
So glad you enjoy it! Thanks for making :)
You’re right, this is the perfect granola. I love the flavor, not too sweet, but richly flavored. I especially love the texture. I used crispy puffed rice and it made the granola have a nice, light crunch with every bite. I appreciate that there’s no refined sugar in it. That’s important to me. I added hemp and flax seeds for a little added nutrition. Thank you for this great recipe. I’ll be making this again and again!
So glad to hear this! Thanks for making :)
I love this healthy granola recipe and have been making it forever with a few changes.
I don’t add the oil and I add sunflower seeds and pepitas and it’s delicious
Thanks for your brilliant recipes
So glad you enjoy it! You’re welcome :)
Does this have to have oil? I have greatly reduced my oil intake, and would rather not add it if the recipe will work without it.
Hi there! We haven’t tried without oil. We think it would probably work, though the ingredients will not toast as well. It will likely need less bake time so watch it while baking. Let us know how it goes!
Can you use almonds instead of pecans?
Yes!
Cinnamon and pecan is my absolute favourite combination for granola – I just love it! I can’t wait to give this a go. I love the idea of giving it as a gift (although I will definitely be in danger of eating it all myself or using it for baking).
Haha yes it’s hard not to eat it all yourself! Let us know if you try it!
I’m having a hard time finding puffed rice anywhere! All I can find are rice krispy-type cereal— would this work? Or any suggestions on where to find puffed rice? Thanks !
Hi! We can usually find it in bags in our cereal aisle. Check a health food store if not at your regular grocer! I think a rice-krispy type would work as long as it isn’t sweetened.
This was delicious! Simple but flavourful and so quick to make. My 4 year old approves!
Oh we are SO glad to hear this!!! It’s always a huge win if the kiddos approve too – yay!
So many intresting Facts about granola. I Love making things at home compared to shop brought because of all the nasty aditives. Your recipe here is awesome, Healthy granola that is actually healthy! Suprising how many people think that certain foods straight from the shop are instantly healthy! Cant beat home made :) Thanks for sharing, looking forward to giving this recipe a go :)
Totally! It’s funny how something with a healthy reputation can sometimes be loaded with sugars or additives. Let us know if you try this one out!
Hello. Do you think this recipe would turn out well with puffed amaranth in place of the rice krispies? I always have that around the house but not puffed rice cereal. Thanks!
Yes, we think puffed amaranth would work great! Let us know if you try it.