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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) Choose rolled oats that are whole and not quick-cooking. They give a great texture. For pecans, look for fresh, crunchy ones. They add a rich taste. Unsweetened coconut is best to keep sugar low. Sunflower seeds should be raw or lightly toasted. This keeps them healthy. Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. It tastes better and is healthier. Always check for quality in your vanilla extract. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Rolled oats are rich in fiber, which helps digestion. Pecans provide healthy fats and protein, keeping you full. Shredded coconut adds healthy fats, too. Sunflower seeds are packed with vitamins and minerals. Maple syrup gives natural sweetness and some antioxidants. Coconut oil supports heart health. Cinnamon can help control blood sugar. Dried fruits like cranberries add fiber and natural sweetness. These ingredients together make a healthy snack option. First, gather your ingredients. You will need rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and optional dried fruits. 1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. 3. In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, pecans, coconut, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well. Now, let’s make the granola. 1. In another bowl, whisk melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. 2. Pour this wet mix over the dry ingredients. Stir until all is coated. 3. Spread the mix on the baking sheet. Press it down gently to form clusters. 4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway. Watch it closely to avoid burning. Once the granola is golden brown, it's time to cool it. 1. Remove it from the oven and let it cool on the sheet. 2. As it cools, it will harden into clusters. 3. If you use dried cranberries or raisins, stir them in now. 4. Break the granola into clusters. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Now you have a tasty, healthy snack ready to enjoy! To make perfect granola clusters, use the right amount of wet ingredients. The maple syrup and coconut oil help bind the oats and nuts. You want them moist but not soggy. When mixing, ensure every piece gets coated. Press the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet. This step helps form those delightful clusters. One common mistake is overbaking. Keep an eye on your granola. It can go from golden to burnt quickly. Stir it halfway through baking for even browning. Another mistake is not letting it cool completely. The granola needs time to harden. If you break it apart too soon, it won’t form clusters. To boost flavor, try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. These add warmth and depth. You can also mix in different nuts or seeds for crunch. For extra sweetness, consider adding a drizzle of honey. If you like fruity bites, mix in dried cranberries or raisins after baking. This way, they stay chewy. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe. Use different nuts like almonds or walnuts. You can swap the sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds. If you don’t like coconut, leave it out. You can also add more oats or use a mix of grains. Try adding flaxseeds or chia seeds for extra nutrition. Want a twist on flavor? Add some cocoa powder for a chocolatey taste. You can mix in spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth. Try using honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness. Experiment with dried fruits like cherries or apricots for a fruity kick. Making this granola fit your diet is easy. To keep it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. For nut-free options, skip the pecans and use seeds instead. You can also replace coconut oil with vegetable oil for a different fat source. Always check labels to avoid hidden allergens. To keep your Maple Pecan Granola Clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents air and moisture from getting in. I recommend using glass jars or sturdy plastic containers. Always place the container in a cool, dry spot, like a pantry. Your granola will stay fresh for up to two weeks. After that, it may lose some crunch. To check if it’s still good, look for any off smells or signs of moisture. If it smells or feels soft, it’s time to toss it. For longer storage, you can freeze the granola. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Your granola can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it at room temperature. Enjoy it crunchy and fresh! Yes, you can make this granola vegan. Just replace the honey with maple syrup. The other ingredients are already plant-based. Use coconut oil, oats, and nuts. This keeps the recipe simple and tasty. Homemade granola lasts up to two weeks. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. In the freezer, it stays fresh for up to three months. If you do not have maple syrup, you can use agave nectar or honey. Both work well in this recipe. They add sweetness and help the granola stick. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference. In this blog post, we explored the ingredients, steps, and tips for making granola. You learned how to choose the best ingredients, bake perfectly, and store your granola for freshness. Remember, it's easy to adjust flavors and make your granola fit your diet. Keep these tips in mind to avoid common mistakes. With practice, you’ll create delicious, personalized granola that meets your needs. Enjoy this healthy snack anytime!

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Maple Pecan Granola Clusters! This easy recipe combines wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, pecans, and coconut, all sweetened with maple syrup for a tasty snack or breakfast. Perfect for meal prep, these crunchy clusters are packed with flavor and nutrition. Click through to discover the full recipe and learn how to make your own today! Enjoy a healthy treat that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix them thoroughly until well distributed.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.

        Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.

          Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down gently to form compact clusters.

            Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

              Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet – it will harden as it cools.

                If using dried cranberries or raisins, mix them in once the granola is cool.

                  Break the granola into clusters and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40-50 minutes | Servings: 8