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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup almond slices - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins I love the mix of flavors in these clusters. They start with rolled oats, which give a hearty base. I use two cups for a good crunch. Next, I add one cup of chopped pecans. They bring a rich, nutty taste. Almond slices also add a nice texture. A half-cup of almond slices makes it special. Maple syrup is key for sweetness. You need half a cup to balance the oats and nuts. I melt a quarter-cup of coconut oil for the mix. It helps bind everything together and adds a hint of coconut flavor. Vanilla extract and cinnamon enhance the taste. Just one teaspoon of vanilla makes it fragrant. The half teaspoon of cinnamon gives warmth. A pinch of salt, just a quarter teaspoon, brings out the flavors. Finally, I like to add a cup of dried cranberries or raisins. They add a sweet and chewy texture. You can choose either based on your taste. This mix of ingredients makes the best Maple Pecan Granola Clusters. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to set your oven to 325°F (160°C). This heat will make the granola crispy. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step helps the clusters not stick and makes cleanup easy. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup of almond slices. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir these ingredients well. This mix gives your clusters a great flavor and crunch. In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This part adds sweetness and moisture to your granola. Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir everything gently until all the oats and nuts are coated. Use your hands or a spatula to pack the mix tightly into clusters. This step is key for creating those delightful clusters. Spread the packed mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Bake it for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through baking, stir the granola gently. This helps it bake evenly while keeping your clusters intact. You want them golden brown and fragrant. Once baked, take the sheet out of the oven. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling time helps the clusters firm up. After it cools, gently break it into large clusters. Finally, mix in 1 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet touch. Store your granola clusters in an airtight container for later enjoyment. To make sure your clusters are just right, follow these tips: - Pack tightly: When you place the mixture on the baking sheet, pack it down firmly. This helps form those lovely clusters. - Stir gently: While baking, stir only halfway through. Too much stirring breaks the clusters apart. - Watch the color: Bake until golden brown. This gives your granola a nice crunch and flavor. Storing your granola clusters correctly keeps them fresh. Here’s how: - Airtight container: Use a jar or container that seals tightly. This keeps air out and keeps clusters crunchy. - Cool completely: Let them cool fully before putting them in the container. Warm clusters can cause moisture. - Cool, dark place: Store them away from light and heat. A pantry shelf works well! You can swap out some ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Nuts: If you can't use pecans, try walnuts or hazelnuts instead. - Sweetener: If you don't have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup works in a pinch. - Oil: Swap coconut oil for olive oil or any neutral oil for a different flavor. - Dried fruit: Instead of cranberries, raisins or chopped dates add sweetness and texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh nuts and oats will yield the best flavor and texture in your granola clusters. Experiment with Sweeteners: Try using different sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a unique taste. Storage Matters: Store your granola clusters in an airtight container to maintain their crunchiness and freshness. Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to substitute cranberries or raisins with other dried fruits or chocolate chips for variety. {{image_2}} You can make a nut-free version of these clusters easily. Just skip the pecans and almond slices. Instead, use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. These seeds add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also mix in some coconut flakes for extra texture. Want to change up the flavor? You can add dried fruits like apricots or cherries. They add sweetness and chewiness. You can also try spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm twist. For a bit of chocolate, mix in dark chocolate chips after baking. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats. They are just as tasty and still crunchy. Make sure your maple syrup and any add-ins are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious clusters! To keep your maple pecan granola clusters fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars work great. They help seal in flavor and crunch. You can also use plastic containers with tight lids. Always choose containers that are clean and dry before adding granola. When stored correctly, your granola clusters last about two weeks. If you keep them at room temperature, they may lose some crunch over time. For the best taste, eat them within the first week. Always check for any signs of spoilage before you snack. You can freeze your granola clusters for up to three months. To do this, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature. You can also reheat them briefly in the oven for a crunchy treat. Yes, you can use honey instead of maple syrup. Honey adds a sweet taste, too. Just keep in mind that honey is thicker. You may need to adjust the amount. One cup of honey is equal to one cup of maple syrup. To make your granola clusters crunchier, bake them longer. Check every few minutes to avoid burning. Also, make sure to pack your mixture tightly before baking. This helps form larger clusters that are crispier. Lastly, let them cool completely before breaking them apart. Yes, maple pecan granola clusters are quite healthy. They have whole oats, nuts, and dried fruit. Oats provide fiber, which is good for digestion. Nuts add healthy fats and protein. Just watch the portion size because of the sugar in maple syrup. Absolutely! You can change the nuts or add spices. Try walnuts, almonds, or cashews for variety. You can also add different dried fruits or seeds. Experiment with cocoa powder or other extracts for unique flavors. You can enjoy granola clusters in many ways. Serve them with yogurt or milk for breakfast. Sprinkle them on top of pancakes or smoothie bowls. You can also snack on them alone. They make a great topping for ice cream, too! In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for maple pecan granola clusters. We covered each step, from mixing the ingredients to baking and cooling. I also provided tips for storage and variations to fit your tastes. Remember, you can customize this recipe to make it your own. Whether you want it nut-free, gluten-free, or with your favorite flavors, the options are endless. Enjoy your creation, and share it with others who might love it too!

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 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, almond slices, cinnamon, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until every oat and nut is coated evenly.
  • Using your hands or a spatula, pack the mixture tightly into clusters on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown. Halfway through, stir gently to ensure even baking but retain the clusters.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, gently break into large clusters.
  • Mix in the dried cranberries or raisins, and store the granola clusters in an airtight container.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Keyword granola, healthy, snack