Cardamom Maple Pecan Granola — Oil-Free Homemade Recipe

Cardamom Maple Pecan Granola with Pumpkin Seeds. A versatile, crunchy granola you can tailor with your favorite spices and seeds. No refined sugar or oil—vegan and gluten-free. Jump to Recipe

Snacking between meals can be tricky—light enough not to spoil your next meal, but satisfying enough to curb hunger. Homemade granola and granola bars are perfect for those moments. Making granola at home gives you control over sweeteners and lets you skip added oils if you prefer.

This granola is delicious over vegan yogurt, porridge, chia pudding, smoothie bowls, or straight from the jar. The combination of maple and pecans creates a buttery, caramel-like note; cardamom adds a warm aromatic lift. Use pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or a mix; swap in other nuts and spices to suit your taste. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients for Crispy Maple Pecan Granola

• Old-fashioned oats, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, pecans, and shredded coconut form the base. Mix and match nuts and seeds as you like.
• A flax “egg” and maple syrup act as the wet binders to create clusters without oil.
• Ground cardamom plus pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon provide warm, aromatic flavor. Substitute other spice blends if preferred.
• Optional additions: dried cranberries, currants, chopped dates, or apricots for extra sweetness and texture.

Step Pictures for the Maple Pecan Granola

Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine flax seed meal with water and let it sit for 2 minutes to thicken.

Stir the flax mixture into the dry ingredients along with about half the maple syrup. Press and mix well so everything is evenly coated. Add the remaining maple syrup one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired clumpiness—more syrup gives bigger clusters.

Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking dish. Bake until golden and crisp, stirring partway through for even toasting. Cool fully to set the clusters, then transfer to a glass jar for storage.

More Granola Ideas

• Date Caramel Granola — a no-oil, no-refined-sugar option.
• Sunbutter Granola Bars — great for portable snacks.
• Lentil Cranberry Granola — an adventurous, savory-sweet version.
• Sour Cream & Onion Granola — a savory snack twist.
• Sriracha Orange Quinoa Peanut Granola — spicy-sweet and crunchy.
• Quinoa Chivda — an Indian-style trail mix.

Gifts for Holidays

• Mac and Cheese Mix in a Jar — an easy savory gift.
• Cowboy Cookies in a Jar — a crowd-pleasing cookie mix.
• Kitchari Mix in a Jar — instant-pot or stovetop kitchari mix.
• Chocolate Pumpkin / Sweet Potato Cake Mix in a Jar — small-batch cake mix.
• Gingerbread Cake in a Jar for One — single-serve baking mix.
• Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar — gluten-free cocoa mix.
• Brownie Mix in a Jar — available single-serve or multi-serve.
• Gluten-free Vegan Brownie Mix — for those avoiding gluten.