Go Back
- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins The main ingredients form the heart of your granola clusters. Rolled oats give it that classic chewy texture. You can choose your favorite nuts for taste and crunch. I love using almonds, but pecans or walnuts work well too. Sunflower seeds add extra nutrition and a nice bite. The additional ingredients make your granola sweet and flavorful. Unsweetened shredded coconut brings a bit of tropical flair. Maple syrup is my go-to sweetener for a rich taste, while melted coconut oil helps bind it all together. Vanilla extract and cinnamon add warmth and depth, making each bite feel like a cozy hug. If you want to add a fruity touch, consider the optional ingredients. Dried cranberries or raisins can bring natural sweetness and color. They can also make your granola even more enjoyable. You can mix and match these ingredients to fit your taste! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the granola cook evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine these base ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup chopped nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts) - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) Then, add the spices and salt: - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Stir the mixture well to ensure all the dry ingredients are blended together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. You’ll need: - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix until it’s smooth and combined. Pour this wet mixture over the dry ingredients in your large bowl. Stir everything together until all dry ingredients are well-coated. This step is key for flavor. Now, transfer the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly and press down firmly to form clusters. Bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir the granola halfway through. Look for a golden brown color; this means it's almost done. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let the granola cool completely. Cooling is crucial because it helps form crunchy clusters. Once cool, break it into clusters of your desired size. If you want, mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy your tasty snack! To make perfect granola clusters, you need to press down the mixture firmly before baking. This helps the granola stick together. Use a spatula or your hands to pack it tightly on the baking sheet. For even baking, spread the mixture in a thin layer. This way, each piece gets the right amount of heat. Stir halfway through the baking time to ensure all parts get golden brown. You can change the flavor of your granola easily. For spice variations, try adding nutmeg or ginger. These spices give a warm kick. If you want it sweeter, add a little more maple syrup. Just remember, too much sweetness can make it sticky. Granola clusters pair well with yogurt or fresh fruits. Serve it in a mason jar for a fun look. You can layer yogurt, granola, and fruits for a tasty treat. Or, sprinkle it on top of smoothie bowls for extra crunch. Get creative with your presentations to make your snack fun! {{image_2}} If you want to make nut-free granola, you have great options. You can use seeds instead of nuts. Sunflower seeds are a fantastic choice. They add crunch and nutrients. Pump up the texture with pumpkin seeds too. You can also add crispy rice for more crunch. If you prefer, you can swap maple syrup for honey or agave syrup. Just keep in mind that honey is sweeter. You might want to reduce the amount a bit. Agave syrup has a milder taste and works well too. Test different sweeteners to find your favorite level of sweetness. For a fun twist, add chocolate chips to your granola. They melt slightly and make it extra enjoyable. You can also play with spices. Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor. In the fall, pumpkin spice is a hit. It gives a warm, cozy taste to the granola. To keep your granola fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. These containers block air and moisture. This helps maintain crunchiness. Always store your granola in a cool, dry place. Granola lasts about two weeks in the pantry. If you notice it smells off or tastes stale, it’s best to toss it. Check for any signs of mold or odd colors as well. Yes, you can freeze granola! It stays fresh for up to three months in the freezer. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice and crunchy. You can also leave it out at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying. Using quick oats can change your granola's texture. Quick oats are thinner and cook faster. They absorb moisture differently than rolled oats. This can lead to a softer granola instead of the crunchy clusters you want. Rolled oats give a nice chew and hold the clusters better. If you only have quick oats, use them. Just know the final result will be different. To help your granola clusters stick, press the mixture firmly on the baking sheet. This creates a stronger bond as it bakes. Use a spatula to flatten it evenly. Don't stir it too much while baking. Let it bake undisturbed until golden brown. Once it cools, it will harden and form nice clusters. This granola packs a punch of nutrients. Rolled oats are great for fiber and help with digestion. Nuts add healthy fats and protein, which keep you full. Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin E. Maple syrup gives natural sweetness without refined sugars. Each ingredient adds its own health benefits, making this snack both tasty and good for you. Yes, you can add protein powder! It boosts the protein content, making your snack more filling. However, be careful with the amount. Too much protein powder can affect the texture. It may make your granola dry or crumbly. Start with a small scoop and mix it well with the dry ingredients. Adjust the wet ingredients if needed for balance. You now know how to make tasty granola. We discussed the main ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, and seeds. I shared steps for mixing and baking. You also learned tips for perfect clusters and flavor twists. Remember to store your granola well to keep it fresh. Enjoy serving it with yogurt or fruit. Feel free to experiment with different flavors or add-ins. Making granola is an easy fun way to enjoy a healthy snack. Now, go try making your own!

Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters

Indulge in the delicious crunch of Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters! This easy recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds, all sweetened with pure maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these clusters are simple to make and oh-so-satisfying. Ready to make your own? Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy a heartwarming treat that’s great for the whole family!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts), chopped

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (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 nuts, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir to mix well.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.

        Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure all of the dry ingredients are evenly coated.

          Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer. Press down firmly to create clusters.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Look for a golden brown color, being careful not to burn it.

              Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely. It will harden as it cools.

                Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and mix in the dried cranberries or raisins, if using.

                  Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 10-12

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the granola clusters in a mason jar or bowl topped with yogurt and fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast or snack.