Maple Walnut Granola(Diabetic Approved)
Maple Walnut Granola offers a delightful crunch with natural sweetness from dates and a rich nutty flavor, enhanced by maple and vanilla. Ideal for breakfast or snacking, it's perfect for those seeking a nutritious, low-cholesterol option that combines wholesome ingredients with delicious taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the chopped dates in hot water while preparing other ingredients.
- Combine the apple juice concentrate, vanilla, and maple flavoring and process in a blender until smooth.
- Place the rolled oats, walnuts, slivered almonds, and shredded coconut in a large bowl.
- Add the blended ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Spread the mixture on cookie sheets.
- Bake at 200°F for 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally until crisp and dry.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier granola, ensure to bake it longer, checking frequently to avoid burning. You can substitute walnuts with pecans or sunflower seeds if desired. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg. For a vegan twist, use maple syrup instead of apple juice concentrate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Maple Walnut Granola with yogurt or milk for a wholesome breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with Pink Stuff!(Salad) for a delightful brunch spread. For an energy boost, enjoy it as a snack on its own or mix it into smoothies for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer, where it can last for several months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 250°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple Walnut Granola(Diabetic Approved) contains roughly 4408 calories, with 96g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 388g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (191% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (187% of the Daily Value), and iron (148% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 52g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this granola?
Absolutely! You can customize the granola by using any nuts you prefer, such as pecans, hazelnuts, or even peanuts. Just keep in mind that different nuts may have varying roasting times and flavors, so adjust accordingly.
How can I make this granola gluten-free?
To make this granola gluten-free, ensure that you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Most oats are processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains, so it's important to check the packaging.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar content in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar content by using less apple juice concentrate or substituting it with unsweetened applesauce. Additionally, you can skip the maple flavoring entirely if you prefer a less sweet granola.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).