Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

$To make Maple Pecan Granola Clusters, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Rolled oats serve as the base. They give the clusters a chewy texture. Chopped pecans add crunch and a nutty taste. Shredded coconut brings a mild sweetness, and sunflower seeds add more texture. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. The wet ingredients, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract help bind everything together. Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness, while coconut oil gives a lovely hint of tropical flavor. For a personal touch, feel free to add some extras. Optional add-ins can enhance taste and nutrition: - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins - Chocolate chips - Other nuts or seeds Dried cranberries or raisins can add a fruity burst. Chocolate chips can satisfy sweet cravings. You can mix and match to find your favorite combination! If you follow a special diet, you can adjust the recipe easily. Here are some ideas: - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats. - Nut-Free: Swap pecans for seeds like pumpkin or more sunflower seeds. - Vegan: This recipe is already vegan since it uses maple syrup. These swaps make the granola fit various diets without losing flavor. Enjoy crafting your unique version! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the granola bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easy later. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, and salt. Make sure to combine these well. In another bowl, whisk the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and blended. Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to stir until every piece is coated. Spread the granola mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Press it down firmly with the spatula. This helps the clusters stick together when baking. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to cook evenly. Look for a golden brown color to know it’s done. Once you take it out, let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial for forming clusters. When cool, break the granola into clusters. If you like, mix in dried cranberries or raisins at this point. Finally, store your granola in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two weeks for the best taste. Enjoy your crunchy and delicious maple pecan granola clusters! To get those perfect clusters, press your granola mixture down tightly on the baking sheet. This helps it stick together while baking. A spatula works well for pressing. Bake the granola until it is golden brown, usually around 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. Let it cool fully on the sheet before breaking it up. Cooling lets the clusters form nicely. You can swap ingredients based on what you have. If you don't have pecans, use walnuts or almonds instead. For a nut-free version, try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Instead of coconut oil, olive oil works as a good substitute. You can also use honey if you want a different sweetener. Any dried fruit can replace cranberries or raisins, like apricots or figs. One common mistake is not pressing the mixture down enough. This can lead to crumbly granola instead of clusters. Another mistake is baking at too high a temperature. Keep it at 350°F to avoid burning. Stirring too much can break your clusters, so be gentle. Lastly, avoid skipping the cooling step; this is vital for great clusters. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure your nuts, oats, and seeds are fresh. Stale ingredients can lead to a less enjoyable granola experience. Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet granola, start with 1/3 cup and add more if needed. Press it Down: Pressing the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet helps create larger clusters. Don’t skip this step if you love those crunchy bites! Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like chocolate chips, seeds, or other dried fruits for added flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless! {{image_2}} You can tweak the flavor of your Maple Pecan Granola Clusters. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A pinch of these spices can give a warm touch. You can also mix in other nuts, like almonds or walnuts. They add a nice crunch and different tastes. If you love chocolate, adding cocoa powder is a fun option. You can play with the sweetness of your clusters. If you like it less sweet, use less maple syrup. Start with a third of a cup instead of half a cup. You can also add a bit of honey for depth. If you want it sweeter, add more maple syrup. This will enhance the maple flavor as well. Get creative with add-ins for your granola. You can mix in chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Try using dark chocolate for a richer taste. Seeds like chia or flax can boost nutrition. You can also add dried fruits, like raisins or apricots. These will make the clusters even more chewy and yummy. To keep your maple pecan granola clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help prevent moisture from making them soggy. I recommend using glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you can, avoid opening the container too often to keep air out. These granola clusters last for up to two weeks at room temperature. If stored properly, they stay crunchy and tasty. If you notice them losing their crunch, it may be time to enjoy them or think about freezing them. To freeze your granola clusters, follow these steps: - Allow the clusters to cool completely. - Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. - Label the bag with the date. - You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just take out the amount you want. Let them sit at room temperature for a bit. They will taste great even after freezing! Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Just use certified gluten-free oats. They are safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Be sure to check the labels on your ingredients. Some brands may contain gluten. To keep your granola clusters crunchy, let them cool completely before breaking them apart. Cooling allows the clusters to harden. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents moisture from making them soft. Yes, you can use honey instead of maple syrup. Honey adds a nice flavor, too. Just remember that honey is sweeter than maple syrup. You may want to use a little less if you prefer less sweetness. This granola is packed with nutrients. Here are some benefits: - Rolled oats provide fiber and keep you full. - Pecans are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. - Coconut offers healthy fats and adds flavor. - Sunflower seeds add protein and vitamin E. - Maple syrup gives a natural sweetness with some minerals. This granola makes a tasty and healthy snack or breakfast option. In this post, we explored how to make delicious maple pecan granola clusters. You learned about key ingredients, optional add-ins, and dietary modifications. We provided step-by-step instructions and tips for perfect clusters. Check out the various flavors and storage tips too. Final thought: These clusters are easy, customizable, and fun to make. Enjoy every bite!$

Delicious and crunchy granola clusters made with oats, pecans, and a hint of maple syrup.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup pecans, chopped
0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
0.25 cup sunflower seeds
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, and salt. Mix well to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, stir until all dry ingredients are evenly coated.
Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Press it down firmly with the spatula to help it stick together.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet; this will help the clusters form.
Once cooled, break into clusters and mix in the dried cranberries or raisins if desired.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

Allow the granola to cool completely to form clusters.

Keyword granola, healthy, snack