Looking for a crunchy, healthy snack that satisfies your cravings? These Maple Walnut Granola Clusters are perfect for you! Made with simple ingredients, they pack flavor and nutrition into every bite. I’ll guide you through easy steps to create crunchy clusters that are great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe that combines the rich taste of maple with the wholesome goodness of walnuts!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup walnuts, chopped
– 1/2 cup almond slices
– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/2 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 (optional)
For this recipe, we need simple and healthy ingredients. The base is rolled oats, which provide fiber and a great crunch. Walnuts add healthy fats and a rich flavor. You can also use almond slices and sunflower seeds for added texture.
Maple syrup acts as our sweetener. It gives a nice, natural sweetness and pairs well with the nuts. Coconut oil adds a lovely richness and helps bind everything together.
Vanilla extract and cinnamon give the granola a warm, comforting taste. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors. If you like a fruity touch, add dried cranberries for extra sweetness and color.
These ingredients work wonderfully together. They create a tasty snack that’s crunchy and wholesome. Plus, you can easily customize it to fit your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Bakeware
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Start by setting your oven to the right temperature. This step is key for even baking. The parchment paper helps prevent sticking, making cleanup easy.
Combine Dry Ingredients
– Mix rolled oats, walnuts, almond slices, and sunflower seeds.
In a large bowl, add rolled oats, chopped walnuts, almond slices, and sunflower seeds. Stir these together until they blend well. This mix gives your granola its crunch and flavor.
Mix Wet Ingredients
– Whisk maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, combine maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until everything is mixed well. This blend adds sweetness and richness to your granola.
Combine Mixtures and Bake
– Coat dry ingredients with wet ingredients.
– Spread granola on baking sheet and bake.
Now, pour the wet mix over the dry ingredients. Stir until every piece is coated. Next, spread the granola on your prepared baking sheet. Press it down gently to form clusters. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve
– Cool granola completely before crumbling and adding cranberries.
After baking, let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. It will harden as it cools. Once cool, crumble it into clusters. If you like, mix in dried cranberries for extra flavor. Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy your crunchy snack!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Clusters
To make your granola clusters crunchy and delicious, press the mixture down firmly before baking. This step helps the oats and nuts stick together. The firmer the mixture, the better the clusters. Keep a close eye on your granola while it bakes. Bake it until golden brown, but don’t let it burn. Stir halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Customization Ideas
You can easily customize your granola clusters. Try adding different nuts like pecans or hazelnuts. You can also swap almond slices for pumpkin seeds or chia seeds. If you want to change the sweetener, use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup. For a twist, replace coconut oil with melted butter or vegetable oil.
Serving Suggestions
Granola clusters are great on their own, but you can enjoy them in many ways. Sprinkle them over yogurt for breakfast. Add them to oatmeal for extra crunch. You can snack on them straight from the jar. Mix them into trail mix for a tasty treat. They also work well in baked goods or as a topping for desserts.
Variations
Nut-Free Version
If you want a nut-free granola, you can swap out the nuts. Use seeds instead. For example, you can add more sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These seeds bring a nice crunch and healthy fats. You can also try using oats or puffed rice as a base. This way, you still get that crunchy texture without nuts.
Different Sweeteners
Maple syrup gives a great flavor, but you can use other sweeteners too. Honey works well, adding a different taste. Agave syrup is another option for a milder sweetness. You can also use brown rice syrup for a thicker texture. Each choice will change the flavor a bit, so pick what you like best.
Adding Spices
Spices can really make your granola special. Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth or a bit of ginger for a kick. You might like to try cardamom or cloves for a unique twist. Just remember, a little goes a long way. Play with these flavors to find what you enjoy. Each spice can take your granola to a new level.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your maple walnut granola clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. A glass jar or plastic container works well. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep air out. This helps prevent your clusters from getting stale.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, your granola clusters will stay fresh for up to two weeks. After that, they may lose their crunch and flavor. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Re-storing Tips
To maintain crunchiness after storage, avoid moisture. If your granola gets soft, you can revive it. Simply spread the clusters on a baking sheet. Bake them at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will help restore their crunchy texture. Enjoy your snack at its best!
FAQs
How do I make my granola clusters stick together?
To bind granola clusters well, use enough wet ingredients. Maple syrup and melted coconut oil help. When mixing, ensure all dry ingredients are fully coated. After spreading on the sheet, press down firmly. This creates a solid base for clusters. Bake until golden brown, then let it cool completely. The granola will harden as it cools.
Can I substitute other oils?
Yes, you can use other oils. Olive oil or avocado oil are great options. They both provide healthy fats and a nice flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste may change slightly. Coconut oil adds a sweet note, while olive oil has a more savory profile. Choose based on your taste preference and what you have at home.
What can I do with leftover granola?
Leftover granola is a versatile snack. Sprinkle it over yogurt for a tasty breakfast. Mix it into your smoothie bowl for added crunch. You can also use it as a topping for oatmeal or desserts. Another fun idea is to bake it into cookies or bars. This way, you enjoy every last crumb!
This granola recipe is simple and fun to make. You mix oats, nuts, and seeds, then combine them with syrup and coconut oil. Bake until golden, and enjoy crunchy clusters! Remember, you can add spices or swap ingredients based on what you like. Store your granola well for lasting freshness. With these tips, you’ll create tasty snacks for any time of day. Enjoy your homemade granola and get creative with each batch!
