Go Back
To make Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Each component plays a key role in the final taste and texture. - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup chopped nuts (choose from almonds, pecans, or walnuts) - 1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (substitute with butter if preferred) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup chopped dried fruits (options: raisins, cranberries, or apricots) Rolled oats form the base of this granola. They give a hearty texture and absorb flavors well. Choose your favorite nuts for added crunch and healthy fats. I love almonds, but walnuts also work great. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower add a nice crunch and a boost of nutrition. Ground cinnamon gives warmth and sweetness. Sea salt enhances all the flavors, making each bite pop. Pure maple syrup is the star sweetener here. Its rich flavor complements the cinnamon perfectly. Melted coconut oil helps bind everything together while adding a hint of tropical taste. If you prefer, you can swap it for butter. Pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavors. Finally, add chopped dried fruits for a chewy contrast. Raisins, cranberries, or apricots are all great choices. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a delicious batch of granola clusters! 1. Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This step ensures your granola bakes evenly. 2. Mixing Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, mix 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped nuts, and 1/2 cup of seeds. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir the dry ingredients well. 3. Whisking Wet Ingredients In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth. 4. Combining Ingredients Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently stir until everything is well coated. This step is key for great flavor. 5. Spreading and Pressing Mixture on Baking Sheet Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread it out evenly and press down lightly. This helps form those tasty clusters we all love. 1. Baking Time and Temperature Bake your mixture in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. This gives it a nice golden color. 2. Stirring for Even Browning Halfway through baking, stir the mixture. This ensures all parts brown evenly and become crunchy. 3. Cooling and Clustering Process Once baked, take it out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will harden into delicious clusters. After cooling, break it apart and mix in 1 cup of chopped dried fruits. Enjoy your snack! Using Right Proportions To make great clusters, you need the right mix of dry and wet ingredients. Use three cups of rolled oats and one cup of chopped nuts. This mix gives a solid base. The nuts add crunch and flavor. Also, add half a cup of seeds for more texture. The sweet part comes from half a cup of pure maple syrup. This binds everything together. Make sure you use enough coconut oil too. A quarter cup of melted coconut oil helps with crispness. If you want a buttery taste, you can use butter instead. Baking Techniques for Crunchiness Baking at the right temperature is key. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Press it down lightly to help form clusters. Stir halfway through baking for even browning. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When golden brown, it’s ready! Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step is vital. It allows the clusters to harden. If you skip this, your granola may crumble. Adding Spices You can spice up your granola easily. Besides cinnamon, try nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A pinch of cardamom adds a unique flavor. Feel free to mix and match spices. This is a great way to make your granola special. Using Different Sweeteners While maple syrup is excellent, other sweeteners work too. Honey gives a floral note. Agave nectar is a vegan option. Brown sugar can add a deeper flavor. Experiment with what you like best! {{image_4}} Nuts and Seeds Alternatives You can switch up the nuts and seeds to match your taste. If you prefer, use cashews or hazelnuts instead of almonds, pecans, or walnuts. For seeds, sunflower seeds can replace pumpkin seeds. This adds fun textures and flavors to your granola clusters. Sweetener Options If you want to change the sweetener, try honey or agave syrup. Both options give a nice sweetness. You can also use brown sugar if you want a richer taste. Just keep the same amount for a great result. Pairing with Yogurt or Milk Granola clusters pair perfectly with yogurt or milk. Pour them over a bowl of yogurt for a hearty breakfast. You could also enjoy them with almond milk for a tasty snack. This combination boosts flavor and nutrition. Creative Ways to Serve Granola Clusters Serve your granola clusters in fun ways. You can put them in mason jars for a cute look. Try using them as a topping for smoothies or ice cream. They also make a great snack on their own. To keep your Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters fresh, use airtight containers. This helps prevent air from making your granola stale. Glass jars or plastic bins with tight seals work well. Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. - Shelf Life: Your granola stays fresh for up to two weeks. After that, it might lose crunch and flavor. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Granola can last for three months in the freezer. Sometimes, granola can get a bit hard. If that happens, don’t worry! You can easily revive your clusters. - Tips for Reviving Stale Granola: 1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). 2. Spread the stale granola on a baking sheet. 3. Bake for about 5-10 minutes. This will bring back some crunch. 4. Let it cool before you enjoy it again. With these tips, you can enjoy your granola clusters for longer! You should store homemade granola in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. I recommend using glass jars or plastic bins with tight lids. If stored correctly, your granola will last up to two weeks. Yes, you can easily customize this recipe. For nut allergies, skip nuts or use seeds instead. You can also use maple syrup alternatives like honey or agave nectar. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients meet your dietary needs. The original recipe is gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Make sure to check the packaging. Oats can sometimes be processed in facilities with gluten. So, look for those labels for safety. Making Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters takes about 35 minutes total. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 25 minutes baking. It’s a quick and rewarding recipe that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters. We covered the ingredients you need, like oats, nuts, and dried fruits. I outlined easy steps for preparation and baking. You also learned tips for perfect clusters and flavor tricks. With variations, you can customize your granola to fit your needs. Remember to store it properly to keep it fresh. Enjoy making your own tasty granola, and feel free to experiment with flavors! These clusters are easy and fun. Happy baking!

Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters

Indulge in the delightful crunch of homemade Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters! This easy recipe combines wholesome oats, nuts, and dried fruits with a touch of maple syrup for a sweet, satisfying treat. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these clusters are simple to make and store beautifully. Get ready to enjoy a healthy choice that’s both delicious and nutritious. Click through to explore how to create your own delicious granola!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

3 cups rolled oats

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

1/2 cup seeds (pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup melted coconut oil (substitute with butter if preferred)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup chopped dried fruits (options: raisins, cranberries, or apricots)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the dry ingredients are well integrated.

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

        Drizzle the wet mixture over the dry ingredient blend. Gently stir to coat all components evenly, ensuring that the oats and nuts are fully covered.

          Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Press down lightly to form clusters for a satisfying texture.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring the mixture halfway through the baking time to promote even browning. The granola should turn a lovely golden brown and emit a delicious aroma.

              Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the granola will harden into delightful clusters.

                After the mixture has cooled, break it apart into clusters and gently stir in the chopped dried fruits.

                  Store your delicious granola clusters in an airtight container to maintain freshness, where they will keep for up to two weeks.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

                      - Presentation Tips: Consider serving your granola clusters in mason jars for a rustic look or on a decorative serving platter. Pair with yogurt or milk for a wholesome breakfast or snack option!