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Maple Pecan Granola Clusters Crunchy and Tasty Snack

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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut These main ingredients form the base of your granola. Rolled oats give the clusters a nice crunch. Pecans add a rich, nutty flavor. Shredded coconut brings a hint of sweetness and texture. - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/4 cup brown sugar The liquid ingredients hold everything together. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness and helps with clustering. Coconut oil ensures a rich taste and helps with baking. Brown sugar adds depth and caramelization to the mix. - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins Flavor enhancers elevate your granola. Vanilla extract gives it a warm aroma. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Sea salt balances the sweetness. If you like, add dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity touch. They bring extra flavor and chewiness. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. 3. In a large bowl, mix together: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1. In another bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 2. Make sure these ingredients blend well. 1. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. 2. Stir well until all oats and pecans are coated. 3. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Press it down firmly to form clusters. 1. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. 2. Stir the mixture halfway through to ensure even baking. 3. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. 4. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. 5. Once cool, break the granola into clusters. 6. If using, mix in dried cranberries or raisins after cooling. To get those perfect granola clusters, press the mixture down firmly. Use your hands or a spatula. This helps the granola stick together. Make sure to pack it tightly on the baking sheet. When baking, stir the granola halfway through. This helps it bake evenly and gives it a nice crunch. You can boost the flavor by adding spices. Try nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Vanilla and almond extracts can also bring a new taste. If you want something different, swap out pecans for almonds or walnuts. Each nut has its own unique flavor profile. Not all ovens are the same. You may need to adjust the cooking time. Check your granola after 20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. If it’s not ready, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn. The granola should feel firm and dry when done. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of your granola clusters. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with your favorite nuts such as almonds or walnuts for a different taste. Mind the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the granola while baking to prevent it from burning, as ovens can vary in temperature. Experiment with Spices: Try adding other spices like nutmeg or ginger to give your granola a unique flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can switch pecans for other nuts like almonds or walnuts. Almonds add a nice crunch. Walnuts offer a rich, buttery flavor. For seeds, try chia or sunflower seeds. These seeds add healthy fats and extra texture. Honey is a great choice, but maple syrup works too. Maple syrup gives a warm, sweet taste. You can also add cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Spices like nutmeg or ginger can boost flavor too. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins blend well. They add sweetness and chewiness to each bite. You can also add chocolate chips for a treat. Customize your granola based on your diet. This ensures everyone enjoys it! Store your granola clusters in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. Before you store them, let the granola cool completely. This helps avoid moisture buildup. At room temperature, your granola stays fresh for about two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. If your granola gets soft, you can refresh it. Just spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it crunchy again. If you have leftovers, you can use them in yogurt, oatmeal, or even as a topping for desserts. How to make granola clusters stick together? To make granola clusters stick, you need the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients. Use enough honey or maple syrup to coat all the oats and nuts. Press the mixture firmly on the baking sheet. This helps the granola hold together when baking. Bake it until golden brown, but don’t stir it too much during baking. Can I make this granola vegan? Yes, you can make this granola vegan. Simply replace honey with maple syrup. Also, ensure your coconut oil is plant-based. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan. This way, you enjoy a tasty snack without any animal products. Caloric content per serving Each serving of this granola has about 200 calories. This makes it a good snack choice. Protein and fiber content Each serving contains around 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. This helps keep you full and satisfied between meals. Ways to serve with yogurt or milk You can enjoy these granola clusters with yogurt or milk. Add them to your breakfast bowl for extra crunch. They also taste great on top of smoothies. Using granola clusters in recipes You can use these clusters in many recipes. Try mixing them into cookie dough or sprinkle them on salads. They add a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor to any dish. This blog post explored the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making delicious granola. We covered main ingredients like oats and pecans, as well as the right liquid and flavor enhancers. You learned how to mix, bake, and store it for the best clusters. Granola can be a tasty snack or breakfast. With a few twists, you can make it your own. Now, go ahead and enjoy making your perfect granola!

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Are you ready to take snacking to the next level? Maple Pecan Granola Clusters are delicious, crunchy, and simple to make. Packed with wholesome oats, nuts, and a hint of sweetness, they make the perfect treat for any time of day. In this guide, I’ll share easy steps to create these tasty clusters and tips to customize them just for you. Let’s get crunching!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Healthy & Wholesome: This granola is packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, pecans, and coconut, making it a great start to your day.
  2. Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious batch of granola that will keep you satisfied.
  3. Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins like dried fruits or seeds to make it your own.
  4. Perfect for Snacking: These crunchy clusters are not only great with milk or yogurt but also make for a delightful on-the-go snack!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups rolled oats

– 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

These main ingredients form the base of your granola. Rolled oats give the clusters a nice crunch. Pecans add a rich, nutty flavor. Shredded coconut brings a hint of sweetness and texture.

Liquid Ingredients

– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

– 1/4 cup brown sugar

The liquid ingredients hold everything together. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness and helps with clustering. Coconut oil ensures a rich taste and helps with baking. Brown sugar adds depth and caramelization to the mix.

Flavor Enhancers

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

– Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Flavor enhancers elevate your granola. Vanilla extract gives it a warm aroma. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Sea salt balances the sweetness. If you like, add dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity touch. They bring extra flavor and chewiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup.

3. In a large bowl, mix together:

– 2 cups rolled oats

– 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together:

– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

– 1/4 cup brown sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

2. Make sure these ingredients blend well.

Assembling the Granola

1. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients.

2. Stir well until all oats and pecans are coated.

3. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Press it down firmly to form clusters.

Baking Process

1. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

2. Stir the mixture halfway through to ensure even baking.

3. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

4. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet.

5. Once cool, break the granola into clusters.

6. If using, mix in dried cranberries or raisins after cooling.

Tips & Tricks

Techniques for Perfect Clusters

To get those perfect granola clusters, press the mixture down firmly. Use your hands or a spatula. This helps the granola stick together. Make sure to pack it tightly on the baking sheet. When baking, stir the granola halfway through. This helps it bake evenly and gives it a nice crunch.

Enhancing Flavor

You can boost the flavor by adding spices. Try nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Vanilla and almond extracts can also bring a new taste. If you want something different, swap out pecans for almonds or walnuts. Each nut has its own unique flavor profile.

Cooking Time Adjustments

Not all ovens are the same. You may need to adjust the cooking time. Check your granola after 20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. If it’s not ready, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn. The granola should feel firm and dry when done.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of your granola clusters.
  2. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with your favorite nuts such as almonds or walnuts for a different taste.
  3. Mind the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the granola while baking to prevent it from burning, as ovens can vary in temperature.
  4. Experiment with Spices: Try adding other spices like nutmeg or ginger to give your granola a unique flavor profile.

Variations

Nut and Seed Substitutes

You can switch pecans for other nuts like almonds or walnuts. Almonds add a nice crunch. Walnuts offer a rich, buttery flavor. For seeds, try chia or sunflower seeds. These seeds add healthy fats and extra texture.

Sweeteners and Flavor Profiles

Honey is a great choice, but maple syrup works too. Maple syrup gives a warm, sweet taste. You can also add cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Spices like nutmeg or ginger can boost flavor too.

Add-In Options

Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins blend well. They add sweetness and chewiness to each bite. You can also add chocolate chips for a treat. Customize your granola based on your diet. This ensures everyone enjoys it!

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

Store your granola clusters in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. Before you store them, let the granola cool completely. This helps avoid moisture buildup.

Shelf Life

At room temperature, your granola stays fresh for about two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay good for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating or Refreshing

If your granola gets soft, you can refresh it. Just spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it crunchy again. If you have leftovers, you can use them in yogurt, oatmeal, or even as a topping for desserts.

FAQs

Common Questions

How to make granola clusters stick together?

To make granola clusters stick, you need the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients. Use enough honey or maple syrup to coat all the oats and nuts. Press the mixture firmly on the baking sheet. This helps the granola hold together when baking. Bake it until golden brown, but don’t stir it too much during baking.

Can I make this granola vegan?

Yes, you can make this granola vegan. Simply replace honey with maple syrup. Also, ensure your coconut oil is plant-based. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan. This way, you enjoy a tasty snack without any animal products.

Nutritional Information

Caloric content per serving

Each serving of this granola has about 200 calories. This makes it a good snack choice.

Protein and fiber content

Each serving contains around 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. This helps keep you full and satisfied between meals.

Alternative Serving Suggestions

Ways to serve with yogurt or milk

You can enjoy these granola clusters with yogurt or milk. Add them to your breakfast bowl for extra crunch. They also taste great on top of smoothies.

Using granola clusters in recipes

You can use these clusters in many recipes. Try mixing them into cookie dough or sprinkle them on salads. They add a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor to any dish.

This blog post explored the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making delicious granola. We covered main ingredients like oats and pecans, as well as the right liquid and flavor enhancers. You learned how to mix, bake, and store it for the best clusters.

Granola can be a tasty snack or breakfast. With a few twists, you can make it your own. Now, go ahead and enjoy making your perfect granol

- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut These main ingredients form the base of your granola. Rolled oats give the clusters a nice crunch. Pecans add a rich, nutty flavor. Shredded coconut brings a hint of sweetness and texture. - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/4 cup brown sugar The liquid ingredients hold everything together. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness and helps with clustering. Coconut oil ensures a rich taste and helps with baking. Brown sugar adds depth and caramelization to the mix. - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins Flavor enhancers elevate your granola. Vanilla extract gives it a warm aroma. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Sea salt balances the sweetness. If you like, add dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity touch. They bring extra flavor and chewiness. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup. 3. In a large bowl, mix together: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1. In another bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 2. Make sure these ingredients blend well. 1. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. 2. Stir well until all oats and pecans are coated. 3. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Press it down firmly to form clusters. 1. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. 2. Stir the mixture halfway through to ensure even baking. 3. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. 4. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. 5. Once cool, break the granola into clusters. 6. If using, mix in dried cranberries or raisins after cooling. To get those perfect granola clusters, press the mixture down firmly. Use your hands or a spatula. This helps the granola stick together. Make sure to pack it tightly on the baking sheet. When baking, stir the granola halfway through. This helps it bake evenly and gives it a nice crunch. You can boost the flavor by adding spices. Try nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Vanilla and almond extracts can also bring a new taste. If you want something different, swap out pecans for almonds or walnuts. Each nut has its own unique flavor profile. Not all ovens are the same. You may need to adjust the cooking time. Check your granola after 20 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. If it’s not ready, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn. The granola should feel firm and dry when done. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of your granola clusters. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with your favorite nuts such as almonds or walnuts for a different taste. Mind the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the granola while baking to prevent it from burning, as ovens can vary in temperature. Experiment with Spices: Try adding other spices like nutmeg or ginger to give your granola a unique flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can switch pecans for other nuts like almonds or walnuts. Almonds add a nice crunch. Walnuts offer a rich, buttery flavor. For seeds, try chia or sunflower seeds. These seeds add healthy fats and extra texture. Honey is a great choice, but maple syrup works too. Maple syrup gives a warm, sweet taste. You can also add cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Spices like nutmeg or ginger can boost flavor too. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins blend well. They add sweetness and chewiness to each bite. You can also add chocolate chips for a treat. Customize your granola based on your diet. This ensures everyone enjoys it! Store your granola clusters in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. Before you store them, let the granola cool completely. This helps avoid moisture buildup. At room temperature, your granola stays fresh for about two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. If your granola gets soft, you can refresh it. Just spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it crunchy again. If you have leftovers, you can use them in yogurt, oatmeal, or even as a topping for desserts. How to make granola clusters stick together? To make granola clusters stick, you need the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients. Use enough honey or maple syrup to coat all the oats and nuts. Press the mixture firmly on the baking sheet. This helps the granola hold together when baking. Bake it until golden brown, but don’t stir it too much during baking. Can I make this granola vegan? Yes, you can make this granola vegan. Simply replace honey with maple syrup. Also, ensure your coconut oil is plant-based. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan. This way, you enjoy a tasty snack without any animal products. Caloric content per serving Each serving of this granola has about 200 calories. This makes it a good snack choice. Protein and fiber content Each serving contains around 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. This helps keep you full and satisfied between meals. Ways to serve with yogurt or milk You can enjoy these granola clusters with yogurt or milk. Add them to your breakfast bowl for extra crunch. They also taste great on top of smoothies. Using granola clusters in recipes You can use these clusters in many recipes. Try mixing them into cookie dough or sprinkle them on salads. They add a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor to any dish. This blog post explored the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making delicious granola. We covered main ingredients like oats and pecans, as well as the right liquid and flavor enhancers. You learned how to mix, bake, and store it for the best clusters. Granola can be a tasty snack or breakfast. With a few twists, you can make it your own. Now, go ahead and enjoy making your perfect granola!

Crunchy Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

A delicious and healthy snack made with oats, pecans, and a hint of sweetness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleaning.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Mix until evenly distributed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt until well combined.
  • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, and stir thoroughly until all the oats and pecans are evenly coated.
  • Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down firmly to form clusters.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring gently halfway through, until golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  • Once out of the oven, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into clusters. If you’re adding dried cranberries or raisins, mix them in once the granola is cooled.
  • Store your granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

Serve the granola clusters in a mason jar for a rustic look, and enjoy with yogurt, milk, or as a snack on their own!
Keyword granola, healthy, snack

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