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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup almond slices - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/3 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries (optional) This recipe makes about eight servings. Each serving has roughly: - Calories: 200 - Protein: 4g - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 25g - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 5g - Rolled oats are great for heart health. They help lower cholesterol and provide energy. - Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They support brain health and reduce inflammation. - Almonds add protein and vitamin E. They help with skin health and keep you full. - Coconut contains healthy fats. It may boost energy and support weight loss. - Maple syrup is a natural sweetener. It has antioxidants and can boost your mood. - Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar. It also adds a warm flavor that many love. - Dried fruits add sweetness and fiber. They are good for digestion and add nutrients. These ingredients not only taste great but also support your health. Enjoy your tasty snack! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This helps the granola bake evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy later. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, almond slices, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is combined. In another bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Make sure these ingredients mix well. Pour this wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently until every piece is coated in the sweet mix. Now, press the mixture firmly onto the prepared baking sheet. You want a flat, compact layer. This helps form nice clusters later. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch closely for golden edges. You don’t want it to burn, so check it often. Take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the granola cool completely. This step is key for forming clusters. Once cool, break the granola into clusters with your hands. If you want, toss in dried cranberries or cherries for added flavor. Store your granola in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to two weeks. To make perfect clusters, press the granola mix firmly. This step is key. When you press the mixture down on the baking sheet, it helps the granola stick together. Aim for a flat, compact layer. This ensures the clusters hold their shape after baking. Let the granola cool completely on the sheet. Cooling is essential for forming those crunchy pieces. To boost flavors, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. These spices give your granola a warm kick. You can also swap maple syrup for honey or agave syrup for a twist. If you enjoy extra sweetness, toss in a bit of brown sugar. For a nutty taste, try adding a splash of almond extract. This gives your clusters a lovely depth of flavor. One mistake is not mixing the wet and dry ingredients well. Make sure everything is coated evenly. Another pitfall is opening the oven too often. This can lead to uneven baking. Also, don't skip the cooling step. If you break the granola too soon, it won't form clusters. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can make your clusters hard and dry. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your nuts and oats are fresh for the best flavor and texture. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize your granola clusters. Press Firmly: Pressing the mixture firmly into the baking sheet will help form larger clusters once baked. Store Properly: Keep granola in an airtight container to maintain its crunch and freshness for longer. {{image_2}} You can switch up the nuts in your clusters. If you want more crunch, try pecans or hazelnuts. Cashews add a creamier taste. Each nut brings a new flavor. You can mix and match for fun. Just keep the total nut amount the same. Dried fruit adds sweetness and texture. Instead of cranberries, use raisins or chopped dates. For a tropical twist, try dried mango or pineapple. You can even skip the fruit if you prefer a nut-only granola. The choice is yours! Feel free to get creative with flavors. Add cocoa powder for a chocolatey touch. A dash of nutmeg or ginger can spice things up. You could also mix in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. This adds extra crunch and nutrition. Explore different combinations to find your favorite! To keep your Maple Walnut Granola Clusters fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars work well for this. Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid heat and moisture, as they can make your clusters soggy. Your granola can last up to two weeks when stored properly. To check for freshness, look for any signs of moisture or changes in smell. If they start to feel soft, it’s best to toss them. For extra crunch, you can toast them in the oven for a few minutes. Freezing is a great way to keep your granola longer. Place the clusters in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready, just let them thaw at room temperature. Enjoy your tasty snack anytime! Granola clusters are tasty bites made from oats, nuts, and sweeteners. They stick together to form crunchy bites. In this recipe, I use oats, walnuts, and maple syrup to create delicious clusters. The magic happens when you bake the mixture, helping it bond. You get a blend of flavors and textures that is hard to resist. Yes, you can make this recipe vegan! The main ingredients are already plant-based. Just ensure you use maple syrup, which is vegan-friendly. The coconut oil also fits well in a vegan diet. You can skip the optional dried cranberries if they contain any animal products. Enjoy your vegan snack! Customizing the recipe for allergies is simple. First, check for common allergens in the ingredients. If you have a nut allergy, you can swap walnuts for seeds, like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. If gluten is a concern, use gluten-free oats. Always read labels to ensure safety. You can adjust flavors too, adding your favorite spices or sweeteners. This blog post covered everything you need to know about making granola clusters. We discussed the ingredients and their health benefits. You learned the proper steps for preparation, baking, and cooling. Also, I shared tips for making perfect clusters and avoiding common mistakes. You got ideas for variations and the best ways to store your clusters, too. Now, you can enjoy your tasty, homemade granola clusters. Have fun experimenting with flavors and ingredients!

Maple Walnut Granola Clusters

A delicious and crunchy granola made with oats, walnuts, and maple syrup, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 2 cup almond slices
  • 1 2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 cup dried cranberries or cherries (optional)

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 walnuts, almond slices, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
  • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Press the mixture firmly onto the prepared baking sheet into a flat and compact layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. This will help it form clusters.
  • Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and toss in dried cranberries or cherries if using.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Notes

Serve in a glass jar or bowl topped with fresh yogurt and a drizzle of honey for an attractive breakfast option. Add a sprinkle of extra walnuts or oats on top for added texture.
Keyword granola, healthy, snack