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For the Maple Pecan Granola Clusters, you will need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes - 1/4 cup chia seeds - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These main ingredients come together to create a crunchy and tasty snack. You can also add some fun extras to your granola: - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins These add a sweet touch and chewy texture. You can mix and match to find your favorite combos. This granola is not just delicious; it offers great nutrition. Here are some highlights: - Rolled oats provide fiber and help with digestion. - Pecans are rich in healthy fats and protein. - Chia seeds offer omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. - Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and minerals. These ingredients make it a healthy choice for breakfast or snacks. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need rolled oats, chopped pecans, coconut flakes, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and optional dried cranberries. This recipe is easy and fun to make. 1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for baking. 2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a big bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped pecans, coconut flakes, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to blend. 3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until they are smooth. 4. Mix Together: Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir until every piece is coated. 5. Add Extras: If you want, fold in dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness. This makes the clusters even tastier. 6. Spread the Mixture: Place the granola mix on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press the mix down gently to form clusters. Bake the granola for 15-20 minutes until it turns golden brown. Stir halfway through to ensure even baking. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will harden and form nice clusters. When it’s cool, break the granola into clusters and store them in an airtight container. Enjoy your crunchy treat! To get those perfect crunchy clusters, you must press the granola mix firmly on the baking sheet. This helps the oats stick together while baking. Make sure to spread it evenly, but do not overmix or stir once it's on the sheet. Halfway through baking, gently stir to ensure even browning, but avoid breaking the clusters apart. Store your maple pecan granola clusters in an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly to keep the granola fresh. You can also use resealable bags if you prefer. Always label your containers with the date to track freshness. You can enjoy these clusters in many ways. Top your yogurt with granola for a tasty breakfast. Add them to smoothie bowls for extra crunch. They also make a great snack on their own. For something sweet, mix in some dark chocolate chips or fresh fruit. These clusters can brighten any meal! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, high-quality oats and nuts to enhance the flavor and crunch of your granola. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your preference or experiment with other natural sweeteners like honey or agave. Clusters Formation: Press the mixture down firmly on the baking sheet to achieve well-formed clusters; this helps them stick together while baking. Storage Tips: Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness and freshness for up to two weeks. {{image_2}} You can switch out pecans for other nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts work great too. Each nut brings its own flavor and texture. If you prefer, try using a mix of nuts. This adds variety and crunch to your granola. Just chop them roughly, like you do with pecans. Want to amp up the flavor? You can add a few extras! Try mixing in some seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch and healthy fats. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins also fit well here. They bring sweetness and chewiness to every bite. You can even toss in some dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist. If you want to change the sweet taste, you can use different sweeteners. Agave nectar or honey can replace maple syrup. They bring a different flavor but still taste great. You can also try using brown sugar for a richer taste. Just be sure to adjust the amounts so the granola stays sticky and clumpy. To keep your maple pecan granola clusters fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars work well, but plastic containers are fine too. Make sure the clusters cool completely before you store them. This prevents moisture and keeps them crunchy. If you want to keep them extra fresh, add a piece of parchment paper inside the container. This helps absorb any moisture. Stored properly, your granola clusters will last about two weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place the clusters in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. If you want to enjoy warm granola clusters, you can reheat them. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the clusters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until warm. This will help restore some crunch, making them taste fresh again. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soft and chewy. Yes, you can use quick oats in this recipe. Quick oats will make your granola softer. Rolled oats give a chewier texture. If you choose quick oats, adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. To make clusters stick, you need enough moisture. Ensure you mix the wet ingredients well. The maple syrup and coconut oil help bind the oats and nuts. When spreading the mixture, press it down firmly on the baking sheet. This helps create bigger clusters as it bakes. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Just ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they may be processed in facilities with gluten. Check for certified gluten-free oats to be safe. Otherwise, all other ingredients are gluten-free. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious granola clusters. We covered key ingredients and optional add-ins, highlighting nutritional benefits. I shared step-by-step instructions for baking and cooling. You learned tips for perfect clusters, storage, and serving ideas. We discussed tasty variations and answered common questions. To sum up, making granola clusters is easy and fun. It allows you to customize flavors and textures. Enjoy your granola creations for snacks or breakfast!

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

A delicious and healthy granola recipe featuring maple syrup and pecans, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 4 cup chia seeds
  • 1 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, coconut flakes, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.
  • If desired, fold in the dried cranberries or raisins for an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down gently to form clusters.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet; it will harden as it cools.
  • Once cooled, break it into clusters and store in an airtight container.

Notes

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