Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with a delightful twist? Dive into the world of wholesome goodness with our Maple Cinnamon Crunch Quinoa Granola! This gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free recipe is not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor and nutrition. Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, as you prepare a crunchy granola that’s perfect for topping your favorite yogurt or enjoying by the handful. With just a few ingredients and 40 minutes of your time, you can create a scrumptious snack that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Vegan, Refined Sugar Free
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup nuts (your choice)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating, then drain completely and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, almond butter, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, well-integrated mixture.
- Add the rinsed and dried quinoa to the maple mixture, stirring carefully to ensure each grain is evenly coated.
- Chop the selected nuts into roughly uniform pieces to ensure even toasting and add them to the quinoa mixture.
- Spread the coated quinoa and nut mixture in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring no clumping occurs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning and promote even browning.
- Remove from oven when the quinoa is golden brown and crispy, with a fragrant cinnamon aroma.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet, which will help it become extra crunchy.
- Once cooled, mix in the dried fruit of your choice and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip the rinsing step! Thoroughly rinsing the quinoa under cold water helps to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste if not washed away.
- Customize Your Nuts and Dried Fruit: Feel free to get creative with your choice of nuts and dried fruits. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work beautifully, while cranberries, raisins, or dried apricots can add a burst of sweetness.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Since oven temperatures can vary, keep a close watch on your granola during the last few minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t burn. You want it golden brown and fragrant!
- Cool for Crunch: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before mixing in the dried fruit. This cooling step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunchy texture.
- Storage Tips: Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure it's in a freezer-safe container!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
