Cinnamon Maple Granola Crunch

Cinnamon Maple Granola Crunch is the kind of easy homemade breakfast that fills the kitchen with warmth and cozy aromas. It comes together with just a handful of kitchen staples and the end result is irresistibly crunchy clusters that are perfect with milk, yogurt, or straight out of the jar by the handful.

This recipe instantly became my favorite way to get the house smelling like a bakery. I made my first batch for a Sunday brunch and everyone loved snacking on it before the meal even started.

Ingredients

• Old fashioned oats: The hearty base for structure and chew Opt for thick cut for best texture always check for fresh grains with a toasty scent
• Ground cinnamon: Warms up the granola and brings comfort Choose a fragrant spice for real flavor impact
• Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and helps clusters stick together Use soft moist sugar that packs when squeezed
• Pure maple syrup: Sweetens naturally and brings a distinctive taste Go with real maple the amber or dark grade is especially rich
• Vegetable oil: Ensures the granola gets nicely toasted and crispy Neutral oils like sunflower or canola work best here
• Vanilla extract: Enhances everything with a mellow aromatic touch Always use pure vanilla for genuine depth not imitation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Set your oven to 163 C and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking

Mix Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl combine the oats cinnamon light brown sugar maple syrup vegetable oil and vanilla extract Stir well ensuring every oat flake is evenly coated this is important so the flavors meld and everything toasts uniformly

Pack and Shape:

Dump the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet Spread it out and use your hands or the back of a flat spatula to press it firmly into an even layer Pressing is key for those coveted big crunchy clusters

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Slide the tray into the center rack and bake for 35 to 40 minutes Watch for it to turn an even golden color Rotate the pan halfway through if your oven has hot spots but avoid stirring as this disrupts cluster formation

Cool Without Touching:

Once baked remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the tray for at least 45 minutes Do not stir or move it during this time as cooling untouched is when the magic happens and those clusters set

Break and Store:

Gently break the cooled granola into big or small clusters according to your preference Store in an airtight container at room temperature where it stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks

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One of my favorite parts is breaking up the granola after it cools—the sound is so satisfying and it always reminds me of Sunday mornings with my sister sneaking bites off the baking tray before anyone else woke up

Storage Tips

Granola stays crisp at room temperature in a tightly sealed container for two weeks. For even longer storage pop it in the freezer where it will stay fresh for about three months. Always make sure it is completely cool before sealing so no moisture gets trapped.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want less sweetness skip the brown sugar and add a few more tablespoons of oats in its place. Swap maple syrup for honey if preferred just note this makes it no longer vegan. Swirl in some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein.

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Serving Suggestions

Top yogurt bowls parfaits or smoothie bowls for texture. It also makes a crunchy garnish for roasted fruit or ice cream. My favorite is with cold milk and sliced bananas for breakfast or straight from the jar for a pick me up snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I achieve large crunchy clusters?

Firmly press the oat mixture onto the baking sheet and avoid stirring while cooling so clusters stay intact.

→ Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

Old fashioned oats provide the best texture, but quick oats may result in a finer, less crunchy mixture.

→ How can I store granola for freshness?

Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, then keep at room temperature for up to two weeks.

→ Is it possible to reduce the sweetness?

Try decreasing the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to adjust the sweetness to your preference.

→ Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

You can stir in nuts before baking and add dried fruit after baking and cooling for extra flavor and texture.