This post was sponsored by the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers.

IMG_8964

When I buy a bag of granola, I always eat the big clumps first.  I’m left with a bag of sad little oatmeal flakes.  So when I set out to craft a basic granola recipe, I knew one thing:  it had to be SUPER CLUMPY.

IMG_8962

The secrets to super clumpy granola are:  you need a strong binder (such as egg whites) and you need to cook the granola low and slow with NO STIRRING.  Many granola recipes will instruct you to stir, stir, stir, but if you like clumps, you don’t want to do that at all.  So resist the urge to stir!

 

You can customize this recipe to include your favorite flavors.  I made many iterations while testing out the basic recipe, including granola with dried blueberries (YUM!), salty sunflower seeds, and chopped cashews.  It was all delicious, but I must admit – I liked the bare bones recipe the most.  The natural flavors of the 100% pure Canadian maple syrup really shine through.

 

Super Clumpy Maple Syrup Granola

 

Ingredients:

 

  1. 2 cups rolled oatmeal (not instant)
  2. 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  3. 1/4 cup coconut oil
  4. 1/4 cup maple syrup
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 2 egg whites

 

Directions:

 

  1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees and grease a cookie sheet.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Melt coconut oil in the microwave.  In the same bowl, combine the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and egg whites.
  4. Pour liquid over oatmeal and stir thoroughly.
  5. Spread out on cookie sheet.  You create clumps by baking the granola close together, so don’t leave spaces.  Definitely let it overlap a lot.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes, rotate cookie sheet (NO STIRRING), and bake for another 15 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and allow to thoroughly cool before breaking up the granola and storing in an air-tight container.

IMG_8957

For more fun maple syrup recipes, check out:  Coco-Nut Cups.

And an All-Natural Homemade Sports Drink.

This post was sponsored by the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers.  For more healthy maple syrup recipes, check out the FIT Maple website.

{ 13 comments }

 

  • Maryea {happy healthy mama} March 11, 2014, 10:35 am

    I totally agree with granola analysis. Gotta have clumps!

  • Elizabeth {Positively Healthy} March 11, 2014, 11:06 am

    I love the clumps in the granola, to have it all clumps is awesome! Can’t wait to try this out!

  • Tara March 11, 2014, 12:02 pm

    I am making this tonight! I love clumpy granola and I love that there is coconut oil in there too. I have a 3 year old who is going to love snacking on this!

  • Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork March 11, 2014, 12:39 pm

    Thanks for reminding me about the sports drink! I’ll need to make that concoction soon! I also love that you’re featuring a product close to my heart (maple syrup!) as I have family in Quebec that have maple farms. I know I’m spoiled that I’m able to get the real stuff all the time. We actually ran out and I loathed having to buy some at the grocery store.

  • Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs March 11, 2014, 12:59 pm

    Nothing better than clumpy granola — the clumps are the best part! 🙂

  • Ali March 11, 2014, 2:49 pm

    I’m totally with you on the clumpy granola! I’m always left with the sad flakes at the end too.

  • Meagan March 11, 2014, 4:23 pm

    I make something very similar and it’s SO DELICIOUS. My version is paleo / oat free and just has lots of nuts and seeds. Your version looks great – I like how you have an equal ratio of coconut and oats. Coconut is delish. And I agree with the stirring, NO STIRRING FOR CLUMPS!

  • Abi@AbsofSteel March 11, 2014, 6:04 pm

    mhmmm, I love my granola clumpy. This recipe sounds great!

  • Caroline Combs March 12, 2014, 4:23 am

    This looks easy enough and yummy too. It will be fun experimenting with this recipe. 🙂

  • Danielle Hughes March 12, 2014, 6:21 am

    This is great. Can I make it with some clumps and a little bit broken up? Just stir now and again right? Just not too much? looks simple enough to make. Good nibbles and also a great quick breakfast with Plain yoghurt.

  • Colleen March 12, 2014, 9:05 am

    smitten kitchen has something very similar in her cookbook – I make a big batch on Sunday and it lasts me all week, fills 3 large mason jars. I love adding walnuts and dried cranberries. never thought of the blueberries.

  • Anne Schwalbe March 24, 2014, 1:54 pm

    Last week I made this with dried blueberries and walnuts. Today I’m trying dried apples and cinnamon. So good! Thanks for the recipe! This reminds me of a maple recipe in the book “Paleo Indulgences”. Just cover walnuts and coconut flakes with maple syrup and bake it. It turns into a delicious hard toffee type candy!

  • Lorrie Muphy December 27, 2014, 8:38 am

    I was never much of a granola lover – until I tried this recipe that my daughter used for Christmas brunch. It is now on my “favorites” list.

Healthy Tipping Point