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To make these tasty clusters, you need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup almonds, coarsely chopped - 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips These ingredients blend together to create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Feel free to customize your granola! You can add: - Other nuts like walnuts or pistachios - Seeds such as chia or pumpkin seeds - Dried fruits like apricots or raisins - Different sweeteners like agave syrup or brown sugar These choices let you make the recipe your own and explore new flavors. Each key ingredient brings great health benefits: - Rolled oats: Great for fiber and heart health. - Almonds and pecans: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. - Coconut: Provides energy and helps keep you full. - Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that add flavor without refined sugar. - Cranberries: High in antioxidants and good for urinary health. - Dark chocolate: Contains beneficial flavonoids for heart health. These ingredients make a tasty snack that can nourish your body while satisfying your sweet tooth. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your ingredients. You will need rolled oats, chopped nuts, and coconut. Measure each item carefully. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure the granola bakes evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the granola come off easily later. In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chopped almonds, pecans, and shredded coconut. Stir this mixture well. In another bowl, whisk together honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix until it’s smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything until the oats and nuts are well coated. Fold in the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips gently. Make sure they are spread out evenly. Now, spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Press down firmly with the spatula. This helps form nice clusters. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check halfway and stir gently for even cooking. When the edges turn golden brown, it’s ready. Take it out and let it cool on the sheet. This cooling time is key for those tasty clusters. Once cool, break the granola into clusters of your choice. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh. To get those perfect granola clusters, start by pressing the mixture down tightly on the baking sheet. This compact layer helps the granola stick together. Bake it until the edges turn golden brown. The cooling process is just as important! Let it cool completely on the baking sheet to form those delicious clusters. One common mistake is not mixing the wet and dry ingredients well. Make sure every piece gets coated. Also, don’t skip the pressing step before baking. If you spread the mixture too loosely, it will not clump together. Lastly, avoid overbaking; this can make your clusters hard instead of crunchy. Serve your granola clusters in a stylish glass jar or bowl. They pair well with yogurt or milk for breakfast. You can also snack on them straight from the jar. For added flair, top with extra cranberries and chocolate chips. This makes your treat both tasty and visually appealing! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, high-quality nuts and dried fruits to enhance the flavor and texture of your granola clusters. Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your granola while baking to prevent burning; the edges should be nicely golden brown but not overly dark. Press for Clusters: Pressing the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking will help form those delicious clusters you desire. Cool Completely: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve the best cluster formation; warm granola will crumble easily. {{image_4}} You can easily make a nut-free version of these granola clusters. Just swap out the almonds and pecans. Instead, use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch without nuts. This keeps the clusters tasty and safe for nut allergies. Get creative with flavors! You can add spices to change the taste. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for warmth. You can also mix in dried fruits like raisins or apricots. Want more sweetness? Add mini marshmallows or coconut flakes. Each change gives a new twist to your clusters. Honey and maple syrup both work well in this recipe. Honey gives a rich sweetness and chewy texture. Maple syrup, on the other hand, adds a unique flavor profile. You can even mix both for a balanced taste. If you prefer a vegan option, stick with maple syrup. Just remember, the choice of sweetener affects the final flavor. To keep your cranberry chocolate granola clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method prevents moisture from getting in. Choose a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing them near heat sources, as this can make them go stale faster. Homemade granola clusters last about two weeks when stored correctly. You can enjoy their crunchy goodness for this time. If you notice any signs of moisture or softness, it's best to toss them out. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before snacking. To extend the life of your granola clusters, consider freezing them. Place the clusters in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them, just take out what you need. Let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes, and they will be ready to eat! Yes, you can use other nuts. Try walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts. Each nut adds a unique taste and texture. Just keep the total amount of nuts at about two cups. To make this recipe vegan, replace honey with maple syrup. This change keeps it sweet while ensuring it is plant-based. Use dark chocolate that is dairy-free to stay true to vegan standards. I recommend using airtight glass jars or plastic containers. These containers keep the granola fresh and crunchy. If you have a vacuum sealer, that works great too! Yes, you can make this granola gluten-free. Ensure the rolled oats are certified gluten-free. Check all other ingredients for gluten as well, like chocolate and sweeteners. This blog post covered how to make tasty cranberry chocolate granola clusters. We explored the essential and optional ingredients that add flavor and nutrition. You learned step-by-step instructions from prep to baking and cooling. I shared tips to help achieve perfect clusters and avoid common mistakes. We also discussed serving ideas and ways to customize your granola. Remember, with a few simple changes, you can store and enjoy this snack for longer. Now, go ahead and make your own delicious granola!

Cranberry Chocolate Granola Clusters

A delicious and nutritious granola made with oats, nuts, cranberries, and chocolate, perfect for snacking or breakfast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release of the granola.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, pecans, and shredded coconut. Stir the mixture thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, and gently stir with a spatula until all the dry ingredients are well coated.
  • Carefully fold in the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
  • Spread the granola mixture out evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down firmly with the spatula to form a compact layer for better clusters.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are a rich golden brown. Remember to check midway through baking and give it a gentle stir to promote even cooking.
  • Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the sheet. This cooling step is crucial for achieving those delicious clusters!
  • After the granola has cooled, break it apart gently into clusters of your desired size. Store the clusters in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Notes

Serve in a stylish jar or bowl, pairs well with yogurt or milk.
Keyword breakfast, granola, healthy, snack