Vanilla Almond Granola Clusters

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup sliced almonds - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Optional Add-ins: 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips To make Vanilla Almond Granola Clusters, you need a few simple ingredients. Each item adds a special touch to the final product. First, rolled oats are the base of the granola. They give it texture and a chewy bite. Sliced almonds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. You can use other nuts if you like, but almonds are my favorite. The sweetener can be honey or maple syrup. Both work well, but honey gives a richer taste. Coconut oil helps bind the mixture and adds a light coconut flavor. Next is vanilla extract. It gives the clusters a warm and inviting aroma. Cinnamon adds a hint of spice, making the granola feel cozy. A touch of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, you can add dried cranberries or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor. These are not needed, but they make the granola even more delicious. You can mix and match to suit your taste. Gather all these ingredients before you start. This helps you stay organized and makes cooking easier. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Baking Sheet First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Mixing Dry Ingredients: Oats, Nuts, and Spices In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of sliced almonds, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well so everything blends evenly. The nuts add crunch, and the cinnamon gives warmth. Combining Wet Ingredients: Oils, Sweeteners, and Flavorings In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure these wet ingredients are fully mixed. They will sweeten and flavor your granola. Spreading and Pressing the Mixture onto Baking Sheet Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated. Then, spread the mixture on the baking sheet, pressing it down firmly. This helps to form nice clusters. Baking and Stirring for Even Cooking Bake your mixture for 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through, give it a stir to ensure even cooking. The granola should turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Cooling and Forming Clusters Once baked, remove the granola from the oven. Let it cool completely. This is key for getting those tasty clusters. If you skip this step, you will end up with loose granola. Adding Optional Ingredients: Cranberries and Chocolate Chips When it's cool, break the granola into clusters. If you like, mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. These add extra flavor and texture to your snack. Importance of Cooling for Cluster Formation Cooling is key for making clusters. When you take the granola out of the oven, it is hot and soft. As it cools, it hardens and sticks together. If you break it apart too soon, you won’t get those nice clusters. Let it cool on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes. This time allows those crunchy bites to form perfectly. How to Achieve the Best Crunch To get that ideal crunch, you need to press the mixture down firmly before baking. This helps the oats and nuts stick together. Bake until golden brown, but be careful not to burn it. Stir halfway through baking for even cooking. The more golden the granola, the crunchier it will be. Enjoying with Yogurt or Milk Granola clusters are delicious on their own, but they shine with yogurt or milk. Pour them over creamy yogurt for a filling breakfast. You can also add fresh fruit for extra flavor. If you prefer, enjoy them with milk for a simple snack. Creative Ways to Present Granola Clusters Presentation matters! Serve granola clusters in small mason jars. This makes a great gift or snack option. You can also layer them with yogurt and fruit in a glass for a stunning dessert. Get creative and make it fun! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your oats and nuts are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your granola clusters. Customize Your Sweetener: Experiment with different sweeteners like agave nectar or brown rice syrup to find your preferred taste. Let It Cool Completely: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet to ensure it forms crunchy clusters. Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness. {{image_2}} Adding Different Nuts or Seeds You can switch up the nuts and seeds in your granola. Try walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds. Each nut brings its own flavor and crunch. This makes your clusters unique. For a twist, mix in chia seeds or flaxseeds. They add extra fiber and nutrients. Using Flavored Extracts Instead of Vanilla While vanilla shines in this recipe, other extracts can add fun flavors. Almond extract adds a nutty aroma. Maple extract gives a sweet touch. Experimenting with these can transform your clusters. Just remember to use them in moderation to avoid overpowering the mix. Substituting Sweeteners: Coconut Sugar or Agave Looking to cut sugar? Coconut sugar or agave syrup works great. Both options have a lower glycemic index. This means they won’t spike your blood sugar as much. They also add a hint of caramel flavor. Just use the same amount as honey or maple syrup. Gluten-Free Option: Using Gluten-Free Oats If you need a gluten-free snack, use certified gluten-free oats. Not all oats are gluten-free due to cross-contamination. So, check the label carefully. This way, you can enjoy your granola without worry. Your clusters remain crunchy and tasty, just like the original recipe. - Airtight Container Recommendations: Store your granola clusters in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight seals work well. Make sure to avoid containers that let in air or moisture. - Optimal Temperature for Storage: Keep your granola at room temperature. A cool, dry place is best. Avoid places that get hot, like near a stove or oven. The right temperature helps maintain flavor and texture. - Duration of Freshness at Room Temperature: Your granola clusters will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. After that, they may lose their crunch and flavor. - Freezing Options: How to Store for Longer: If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great choice. Place the clusters in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or enjoy them straight from the freezer! Yes, rolled oats work great in this recipe. They give a hearty texture. Quick oats can turn mushy, while rolled oats stay firm. Use rolled oats for a better crunch and bite. Store granola clusters in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to two weeks. Avoid moisture to keep them crunchy. Absolutely! Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. This keeps the sweetness while making it plant-based. Coconut oil adds a nice touch, too. Almond granola is packed with nutrients. Almonds provide healthy fats and protein. Oats offer fiber for digestion. Honey or maple syrup gives energy. Dried fruits add vitamins and antioxidants. This snack is tasty and healthy! You learned how to make tasty and healthy almond granola. We covered the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You can customize your granola with different nuts and sweeteners. Remember to cool it for the best clusters. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. These tips will help you enjoy your snack for weeks. Now, you’re ready to bake and share! Enjoy your delicious creation!$

Vanilla Almond Granola Clusters

A delicious and healthy snack made with oats, almonds, and sweetened with honey or maple syrup.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup sliced almonds
0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup dried cranberries (optional)
0.5 cup dark chocolate chips (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, sliced almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and stir until all the dry ingredients are well coated.
Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down firmly to form a compact layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, stirring halfway through for even baking.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely; this is important for clusters to form.
Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and mix in the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips, if using.
Store the granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

Serve in small mason jars for a charming presentation. Enjoy with yogurt, milk, or by themselves.

Keyword granola, healthy, snack