Maple Brown Butter Granola

If you’re looking for a homemade granola recipe that combines the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the sweet, caramelized notes of maple syrup, look no further! Maple Brown Butter Granola is a game-changer when it comes to breakfast or snacking, delivering a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and depth of flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home! Whether you’re enjoying it with yogurt, sprinkling it over smoothie bowls, or simply eating it by the handful, this homemade granola will quickly become a pantry staple.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make Maple Brown Butter Granola, share some tips for perfect granola every time, and suggest variations to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Maple Brown Butter Granola

Here’s what you’ll need to make this maple brown butter granola:

• Rolled oats – Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for granola as they hold their shape during baking.
• Nuts (optional) – We love pecans in this granola, but you could also use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for an added crunch. You can skip this if you prefer a nut-free version.
• Unsalted butter – The key ingredient for browning, which imparts a rich, nutty flavor to the granola.
• Maple syrup – Choose real maple syrup for the best flavor, and avoid imitation maple syrup or pancake syrup.
• Brown sugar – Light brown sugar enhances the caramelization of the oats, adding sweetness and depth.
• Cinnamon – For a warm, comforting spice flavor.
• Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the richness of the brown butter.
• Vanilla extract – For a hint of vanilla warmth.

Equipment:

• Baking sheet – Line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
• Large mixing bowl – To combine all the ingredients.
• Small saucepan – To brown the butter.
• Rubber spatula – For mixing and stirring.

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Maple Brown Butter Granola

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures your granola won’t stick and allows it to bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and fine sea salt. You can use your favorite combination of nuts instead of pecans here depending on your preferences. Stir to combine and ensure that everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Brown the Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Continue to cook the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter begins to foam and then turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. This should take about 5 minutes. Be careful to not let it burn.

Once the butter is browned, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the maple syrup and vanilla until well combined. You’ll be left with a luscious, sweet, and nutty butter-syrup mixture that will coat your granola beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour the browned butter mixture over the oats and pecan mixture, and stir to coat all the dry ingredients. You want every oat and nut to be well-covered with the maple syrup-butter mixture. This will help the granola crisp up in the oven.

Step 5: Bake the Granola

Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, stirring every 10minutes to ensure even baking. The granola should turn a golden brown and become crisp around the edges. Keep a close eye on it toward the end to avoid burning.

Step 6: Let the Granola Cool

Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crunchy texture. As the granola cools, it will crisp up and form delicious clusters.

Step 7: Break Apart Granola Clusters

Once the granola is fully cooled, gently break into clusters.

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Maple Brown Butter Granola Tips for Success

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your granola in the oven. It may look slightly soft when you first pull it out, but it will continue to crisp up as it cools. Overbaking can lead to burnt bits, which will affect the flavor.
• Use real maple syrup: For the best flavor, always use pure maple syrup instead of artificial or pancake syrup. The real deal has a depth and richness that makes all the difference in this granola.
• Customize your nuts and seeds: You can substitute any nuts or seeds you like. Pecans and almonds are particularly delicious, but pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds work well too.
• Store properly: Store your cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

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Delicious Variations of Maple Brown Butter Granola

While this basic Maple Brown Butter Granola recipe is fantastic on its own, here are some fun variations to customize the flavor and texture:

1. Coconut Maple Brown Butter Granola

Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) to your dry ingredients for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and extra crunch.

2. Spiced Maple Granola

For a deeper flavor profile, add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the cinnamon in your dry ingredients. This will give the granola a lovely spiced aroma and taste.

3. Maple Cinnamon Apple Granola

Add 1/2 cup freeze-dried apple pieces to the granola after it’s cooled. The tart apple pairs perfectly with the sweet maple and cinnamon flavors, offering a unique twist on the classic recipe.

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Maple Brown Butter Granola is an irresistible breakfast or snack that is both satisfying and full of flavor. By following these simple steps and using high-quality ingredients, you’ll be able to create a batch of granola that is crunchy, sweet, and totally addictive. Whether you enjoy it in your morning yogurt, sprinkled over a smoothie bowl, or eaten by the handful, this granola will soon become your go-to recipe.

Happy granola-making!