Granola Clusters: 7 Irresistible Recipes for Crunchy Snacking

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Granola Clusters have become a staple in my kitchen for their versatility and delightful crunch. This homemade granola recipe delivers a crisp, flavorful blend of oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners. Perfect for breakfast bowls, yogurt parfaits, or as a wholesome snack, this granola is effortless to make and can be customized with your favorite dried fruits. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking healthy granola snacks!

Why You’ll Love This Granola Clusters

You’ll adore these Granola Clusters because they are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are a few reasons to love them:

Rich in fiber, making them a great healthy choice.
Customizable with your favorite nuts and dried fruits.
Perfect for meal prep, storing well for weeks.
Easy to make at home, saving you money.
Gluten-free options available for dietary needs.
They can serve as nutritious breakfast or snack alternatives.
Great as a topping for yogurt or smoothies.

With ingredients like oats and nuts, they fit beautifully into a vegan diet, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious bites!

Ingredients for Granola Clusters

Gather these items:

2 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
¾ cup unsweetened flaked or shredded coconut
½ cup sliced almonds
⅓ cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon fine salt
½ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup avocado oil
2 tablespoons pure honey
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries, chopped figs or apricots, dates, etc.)

How to Make Granola Clusters Step-by-Step

Step 1: Set your oven to 300℉ (150℃) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, coconut, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup, avocado oil, honey, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Evenly spread the granola mixture over the entire surface of the prepared baking sheet, forming a uniform layer for consistent baking.
Step 4: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes, until the granola is lightly browned. Avoid stirring during this time to allow clusters to form.
Step 5: Open the oven door and carefully rotate the baking sheet to ensure even baking. Then close the door and turn off the oven to use the residual heat to finish the process.
Step 6: Allow the granola to sit in the turned-off oven for 30 minutes without stirring. This resting period lets the granola crisp up nicely.
Step 7: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and cool the granola completely. Once cool, sprinkle with your choice of dried fruits if using, and break the granola into clusters.
Step 8: Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 1 month to maintain freshness and crunch.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Granola Clusters

Keep these in mind:

This granola can be customized with your favorite nuts and seeds.
Store in an airtight container for best freshness.
Great as a gift for friends and family.
Try using organic granola clusters ingredients for an extra health boost!
To prevent burning, keep an eye on the granola during the last few baking minutes.

Best Ways to Serve Granola Clusters

Here are some delightful ideas for serving:

Top your morning yogurt with crunchy granola chunks for a nutritious breakfast.
Use them in a trail mix with dried fruits and nuts for a healthy snack.
Incorporate granola nuggets into your smoothie bowls for added texture.

How to Store and Reheat Granola Clusters

To keep your Granola Clusters fresh, follow this simple instruction: transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to one month, making them excellent for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Granola Clusters

What’s the secret to perfect Granola Clusters?

The secret lies in baking them without stirring, allowing those delicious chewy granola clusters to form. The right balance of sticky sweeteners like honey and maple syrup is crucial too!

Can I make Granola Clusters ahead of time?

Absolutely! These clusters can be made a week in advance and stored in an airtight container, making them an ideal addition to your meal prep for quick and healthy snacking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Granola Clusters?

Avoid stirring the mixture while it bakes and ensure the baking sheet is lined to prevent sticking. Keeping an eye on the granola while baking can also help you achieve the perfect golden brown color.

Variations of Granola Clusters You Can Try

Here are some tasty variations to consider:

Replace almonds with walnuts for a nutty granola mix.
Add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to create fruity granola clusters.
For a chocolatey twist, mix in cocoa powder or dark chocolate chips.
Experiment with different seeds for added crunch, such as sunflower or chia seeds.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup or try making Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. If you’re interested in healthy snacks, you might also enjoy Vegetable Mei Fun for a nutritious meal option.