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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup almond slices - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins I love using rolled oats for this recipe. They give the granola a hearty texture. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and rich flavor. Almond slices bring a bit of sweetness and chew. The maple syrup acts as the main sweetener and binds everything together. Coconut oil makes it all crisp and tasty. I use pure vanilla extract for a warm note. Ground cinnamon gives warmth and depth, while sea salt balances the sweetness. Dried cranberries or raisins add chewy bits that pop in your mouth. If you want to switch nuts, try walnuts or hazelnuts. You can also skip nuts for a nut-free version. For sweeteners, honey or agave syrup work well. You can use canola oil or olive oil instead of coconut oil if you prefer. Just remember that each change can alter the taste a bit, so choose what you love! One serving of granola has about 200 calories. It contains healthy fats from nuts and oil. You'll get fiber from oats and dried fruit, which helps your digestion. The pecans offer protein, which keeps you full longer. Maple syrup provides quick energy without refined sugar. This granola is not just tasty but also good for you! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, almond slices, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Make sure they are evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. This creates a smooth liquid mixture. Now, it's time to mix the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold everything together. Make sure all the oats and nuts get coated. To form the clusters, use clean hands or the spatula. Pack the mixture tightly into clusters on the baking sheet. This helps them stick together during baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes. They should turn a lovely golden brown. Halfway through, gently stir the clusters. This step keeps them baking evenly while still keeping their shape. Once the granola is baked, remove the sheet from the oven. Let the granola cool completely on the sheet. Cooling is important because it helps the clusters firm up. After cooling, carefully break the mixture into large clusters. You want them crunchy and tasty. Finally, fold in the dried cranberries or raisins. This adds sweetness and a nice chewy texture. Store your granola clusters in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy. To get those crunchy clusters, pack the mixture tightly. Use your hands or a spatula to form clumps. When they bake, they stick together better. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes. Stir the clusters halfway through to help them brown evenly. Watch them closely to avoid burning. You can boost flavor by adding spices. Try nutmeg or ginger for warmth. These spices add depth to the taste. You can also experiment with extracts like almond or orange. A touch of almond extract can brighten the flavor profile. Granola clusters pair perfectly with yogurt or milk. Serve them in bowls, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also sprinkle them on salads for crunch. Use clusters in trail mixes for a snack on the go. They add sweetness and texture to many dishes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh nuts and spices for the best flavor and crunch. Stale ingredients can dull the taste of your granola. Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out nuts or dried fruits based on your preference. Try adding chocolate chips or coconut flakes for a different twist. Cluster Formation: When forming clusters, ensure they are tightly packed. This helps them hold together better while baking and results in chunkier granola. Storage Tips: Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh for up to two weeks! {{image_4}} You can switch up the nuts in this recipe. Try walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts for new flavors. Each nut adds its unique taste and crunch. If you want a nut-free version, use seeds like sunflower or hemp. They still give you that satisfying crunch without the nuts. Dried fruits can change the taste of your granola. Consider using dried apricots, figs, or mango. Each fruit adds a sweet touch. You can mix different fruits to keep things exciting. Dried cranberries pair well with the maple flavor. Raisins add a nice chewy texture too. If you love chocolate, add dark chocolate chunks to the mix. They melt slightly and create a decadent treat. You can also add seeds like chia or pumpkin. These seeds boost nutrition and add fun textures. Mix and match these options to create your perfect granola clusters. Store your maple pecan granola clusters in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. Before you store them, let the clusters cool completely. If they are warm, moisture can form inside the container, leading to sogginess. These granola clusters stay fresh for about two weeks at room temperature. After that, they may lose their crunch. Watch for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or changes in texture. If they feel soft or stale, it’s best to discard them. You can freeze your granola clusters to keep them longer. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them nice and crunchy for your next snack! You can enjoy granola clusters in many ways. They make a tasty breakfast or snack. Try them with yogurt and fresh fruit for a healthy start. You can also use them in smoothies. Just blend a handful into your favorite smoothie for added crunch and nutrition. They add a nice texture and flavor. Yes, you can make this recipe vegan. Use maple syrup as your sweetener. Replace the coconut oil with a vegan butter or another oil. For the almond slices, you can use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead. This way, you keep the crunch while making it plant-based. To make this recipe nut-free, skip the pecans and almond slices. Instead, use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. For a gluten-free version, choose certified gluten-free rolled oats. This way, you can enjoy the clusters without worrying about allergens. Always check labels to ensure safety. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious granola clusters. We explored the ingredients needed, options for substitutions, and the health benefits of key components. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, baking, and storing your granola. Tips for perfecting clusters and enhancing flavor can help you customize your recipe. Finally, we discussed variations, storage tips, and answered some common questions. Enjoy making your granola clusters and share them with friends for fun and healthy snacks!

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

A delicious and crunchy granola made with oats, pecans, and sweet maple syrup, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 2 cups almond slices
  • 1 2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, almond slices, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until evenly distributed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniformly blended.
  • Gradually pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients, using a spatula to gently fold and combine until all oats and nuts are thoroughly coated.
  • With clean hands or a spatula, form the mixture into compact clusters on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are tightly packed for better clustering during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the granola is a lovely golden brown. Remember to gently stir the clusters halfway through to promote even baking while keeping them intact.
  • Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the sheet. Once cooled, carefully break the mixture into large, crunchy clusters.
  • Gently fold in the dried cranberries or raisins to incorporate sweetness and chewy texture. Store your delicious granola clusters in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Notes

Serve your granola clusters in small bowls topped with a dollop of yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup for a delightful breakfast treat.
Keyword breakfast, granola, healthy, snack