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To make your Maple Pecan Granola Clusters, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or your favorite dried fruit) Using these ingredients, you will create a tasty and healthy snack. Each item plays a key role in flavor and texture. Rolled oats give the clusters a hearty base. Pecan nuts add a nice crunch and rich taste. Coconut brings a sweet flavor and chewy texture. Sunflower seeds add a bit of nutty goodness. Maple syrup and almond butter bind everything together. They also add sweetness and depth. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. Cinnamon and salt balance the sweetness perfectly. Finally, dried cranberries or your favorite fruit add a pop of color and extra taste. You can mix and match these ingredients based on what you love. This flexibility makes the recipe fun and personal. Enjoy making your Maple Pecan Granola Clusters! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. 2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, and 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds. Stir well to blend the ingredients. 3. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of almond butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until it’s smooth and combined. 4. Combine wet and dry ingredients Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until every piece is coated. It should feel sticky and well mixed. 1. Spread the mixture on the baking sheet Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly. Press it down firmly to form clusters. 2. Bake and stir for even cooking Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir the mixture halfway through to ensure even cooking. Look for a golden brown color. 3. Cooling and breaking into clusters Once baked, take it out and let it cool on the sheet. It will harden more as it cools. When cool, break it into clusters. You can add in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries at this stage for a sweet touch. To make great clusters, pressing the mixture is key. After spreading it on the baking sheet, use your hands to press it down firmly. This helps the granola stick together. If you skip this step, you may end up with loose granola instead of nice clusters. Baking time can change based on your oven type. If you have a convection oven, check your granola a bit earlier. They tend to bake faster. Always stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. Watch for a golden color. This is your cue that it’s almost ready. You can easily boost flavor by adding spices or other nuts. Try a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ginger for warmth. You can also mix in walnuts or almonds for different textures. This will make your clusters even more exciting. If you want to change the sweetener, maple syrup is great, but honey or agave nectar works too. Each sweetener gives a unique flavor. Choose what you like best to make this recipe your own. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh nuts and dried fruits to enhance the flavor and texture of your granola clusters. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your taste preference, or substitute with honey or agave syrup for different flavors. Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor, or try different nut butters for a unique twist. Store Properly: Keep your granola clusters in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness for longer. {{image_2}} You can switch pecans for other nuts, like walnuts or almonds. Walnuts add a rich flavor and a bit of crunch. They also bring healthy fats and protein. Almonds offer a sweet touch and nice texture. You can chop them or use slivered almonds for a different look. Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts. This keeps your snack fun and interesting. You can easily boost flavor with tasty add-ins. Chocolate chips bring sweetness and a hint of richness. If you love fruity flavors, try adding dried fruits like apricots or blueberries. They can add a chewy texture and fruity notes. You can also mix in seeds like pumpkin or chia for added crunch and nutrition. Experiment with these add-ins to create a unique twist on your maple pecan granola clusters. To keep your maple pecan granola clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent air from getting in and making them stale. You can use glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids. It’s best to wait until the clusters cool completely before you store them. This avoids moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess. Your granola clusters can stay fresh for up to two weeks. To maintain that fresh taste, avoid opening the container too often. Each time you open it, air enters, which can affect the texture. If you want to extend the shelf life, consider freezing the clusters. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to use freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. To make chewy clusters, use more almond butter or add an extra drizzle of maple syrup. This keeps the mixture moist. If you want crunchy clusters, add more oats or bake a bit longer. Just watch closely to avoid burning. Stir halfway through to bake evenly. Yes, you can use peanut butter or even sunflower seed butter. Each will add a different flavor. If you want a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works well. Just ensure it's smooth to mix properly. You can enjoy these clusters with yogurt, milk, or plant-based alternatives. They also make a great topping for smoothie bowls. For a quick snack, eat them on their own. You could even add fresh fruit for a tasty twist. Your granola is done when it turns golden brown. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. It should smell nutty and sweet. If it feels soft, let it cool. It will harden as it cools. You now have a clear path to making delicious granola clusters. We covered the key ingredients, showed you step-by-step instructions, and shared tips for better flavor and texture. Don't hesitate to try different nuts or add-ins to make it your own. Store your clusters in an airtight container for lasting freshness. Enjoy creating tasty snacks that are both healthy and fun. With practice, you’ll master this simple recipe and all its variations. Get started now and delight in your homemade treats!

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

A delicious and healthy snack made with oats, pecans, and maple syrup, perfect for breakfast or as a treat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or your favorite dried fruit)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and sunflower seeds.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
  • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until all the dry ingredients are well coated. It should be sticky.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Press down firmly to create clusters.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring halfway through for even baking.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will continue to harden as it cools.
  • Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and mix in the dried cranberries.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Notes

Serve in small bowls or mason jars for a rustic touch, and garnish with a sprinkle of extra pecans or coconut on top. Enjoy with yogurt or as a snack on its own!
Keyword granola, healthy, snack