Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

$To make Maple Pecan Granola Clusters, you will need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon These ingredients create a simple yet tasty treat. The oats provide a great base, while pecans add crunch. Coconut gives a nice flavor, and maple syrup adds sweetness. You can customize your granola by adding: - 1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips - Dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins - Chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrition These add-ins can enhance the taste and make your clusters more fun to eat. Feel free to mix and match as you like. This recipe yields about ten servings. Each serving contains: - Calories: Approximately 200 - Protein: 3g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Fat: 12g - Sugar: 8g These granola clusters offer a balance of healthy fats and carbs. They make a great snack or breakfast option. Enjoy them with yogurt or milk! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warm heat will help our granola crisp up nicely. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This keeps the granola from sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a big bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats. Then, toss in 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans and 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. Don't forget to add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Use a spoon to mix everything well. You want the dry ingredients evenly spread so each bite has flavor. In another bowl, take 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil and mix it with 1/2 cup of maple syrup. Whisk them together until they are fully blended. This sweet and rich mix will coat the dry ingredients nicely. Now, pour the wet mix over the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is coated. Spread the mix on the lined baking sheet, pressing it down firmly. Bake this in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Check it often to avoid burning. When it turns golden brown, take it out and let it cool completely on the sheet. This cooling time helps the granola stick together in clusters. Once cool, break it into pieces with your hands. If you like chocolate, mix in 1/2 cup of mini dark chocolate chips. Store your delicious clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To stop your granola from burning, keep a close eye on it while baking. Set a timer for 20 minutes and check every few minutes after that. If the edges start to brown too fast, take the baking sheet out. You can always put it back in if needed. To get those perfect clusters, press the granola down firmly on the baking sheet before baking. The more you press, the better the clusters will stick together. Let it cool completely on the sheet after baking. This step is key for great clusters! Serve your granola clusters in clear jars or bowls. This way, you show off the pretty layers. You can add a sprinkle of extra pecans on top for a nice touch. Pair it with yogurt or milk for a tasty breakfast or snack. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh oats and nuts for the best flavor and texture in your granola clusters. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap pecans for other nuts like almonds or walnuts to suit your taste preferences. Keep an Eye on Baking: Ovens vary, so check your granola often to avoid burning, especially towards the end of the baking time. Experiment with Flavors: Add spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor in your granola clusters. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your granola easily. Swap out pecans for your favorite nuts. Almonds or walnuts work great too. Add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots for sweetness. You can also try adding seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch. Each swap gives a new twist to your clusters. If you need nut-free granola, use seeds instead of nuts. Sunflower seeds are an excellent choice. For a vegan version, skip the chocolate chips or use dairy-free ones. You can also replace the maple syrup with agave syrup. This keeps it sweet without using animal products. Maple syrup is sweet and rich, but other sweeteners work too. Honey adds a nice floral note. If you prefer a lighter sweet taste, use agave syrup. You can even try brown rice syrup for a different flavor. Each sweetener changes the taste and texture of your granola. To keep your Maple Pecan Granola Clusters fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Ensure the container is cool and dry. Store it away from sunlight and heat. When stored properly, your granola clusters last up to two weeks. After this time, they may lose their crunch. Check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. You can freeze Maple Pecan Granola Clusters for longer storage. Place clusters in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. They stay good for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Yes, you can use quick oats. However, the texture will change. Quick oats cook faster and may make your granola less chewy. Rolled oats give a nice crunch. For the best results, I recommend sticking with rolled oats. You can use butter or any neutral oil. Olive oil works fine too. These options will change the flavor slightly. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegetable oil or canola oil. Skip the chocolate chips. You can add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries instead. These add sweetness and chewiness. You can also add more nuts or seeds for a crunchier texture. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Just ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free. Some oats can be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing. Always check the packaging for safety. Maple pecan granola clusters are easy and fun to make. We covered essential ingredients, mixing methods, and baking steps. I shared tips to avoid burning and ensure perfect clusters. You can also play with flavors and substitutions. Don’t forget how to store your granola for freshness. With these tips, you can enjoy a tasty snack anytime. Try this recipe and savor the deliciousness!$

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

A delicious and crunchy granola made with oats, pecans, and a hint of maple syrup, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
0.5 cup maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
0.5 cup mini dark chocolate chips (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, shredded coconut, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and maple syrup until they are fully combined.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated. The mixture should stick together slightly.
Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down firmly to create a compressed layer of granola.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Be sure to check occasionally to prevent burning.
Once out of the oven, allow the granola to cool on the baking sheet completely—this will help it cluster together.
After cooling, break the granola into clusters using your hands and mix in the mini dark chocolate chips, if using.
Store the granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Serve in glass jars or bowls with yogurt or milk for a delightful breakfast or snack!

Keyword breakfast, granola, healthy, snack