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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) To make these tasty maple pecan granola clusters, you need a mix of simple ingredients. The rolled oats serve as the base. They give the granola a good crunch. Chopped pecans add a nutty flavor and healthy fats. Unsweetened shredded coconut brings a hint of sweetness and chewiness. Sunflower seeds add a nice crunch too. Pure maple syrup is the star of this recipe. It sweetens and binds everything together. Coconut oil helps with the texture and adds a slight coconut flavor. Pure vanilla extract gives a warm, inviting taste. Ground cinnamon adds spice, while sea salt enhances all the flavors. You can add dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness, but it is optional. Each ingredient plays a role in making this snack both healthy and delicious. - Caloric content per serving: About 200 calories - Breakdown of macronutrients: - Fats: 10 grams - Carbohydrates: 27 grams - Protein: 4 grams Each serving packs about 200 calories, making it a great snack. The healthy fats come mainly from pecans and coconut oil. Carbohydrates provide energy, while protein helps keep you full. This balance makes these clusters a smart choice for any time of day. The taste of maple pecan granola clusters is a delightful mix. You get a sweet and nutty flavor from the maple syrup and pecans. The coconut adds a hint of tropical sweetness. The sunflower seeds give a crunch that contrasts with the softness of the oats. The texture is crunchy on the outside and slightly chewy inside. Each bite is satisfying and full of flavor. The warm cinnamon rounds out the taste, making it feel cozy and comforting. This granola is not just a snack; it’s a treat you’ll want to enjoy every day. 1. First, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). 2. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps to prevent sticking. 3. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well to combine. 4. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and pure vanilla extract until smooth. 1. Carefully pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. 2. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir. Make sure all dry ingredients are coated with the wet mixture. 1. Spread the granola mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. 2. Press down gently to form clusters. This will help make them nice and crunchy. 3. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to promote even browning. 4. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning. 5. Once it is golden brown, remove it from the oven. Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. 6. As it cools, it will harden into lovely clusters. If you added dried cranberries or raisins, fold them in now. 7. When cool, break the granola into your desired cluster size. Store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Pressing the granola mixture is key to making great clusters. When you press it down firmly, you create those nice, crunchy bites. Use your hands to make sure it’s compact on the baking sheet. This step is just as important as the baking time. Baking time affects the granola’s crispness. I suggest baking for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep a close eye on it towards the end. You want a golden brown color, not burnt. If you notice the edges browning too fast, take it out! Many skip the stirring halfway through baking. Stirring helps the granola brown evenly. If you don’t stir, some parts may burn while others stay soft. Set a timer to remind yourself to do this step. Cooling time is also vital. When you take the granola out, let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Don’t rush this part. If you break it apart too soon, it might not stick together well. Granola clusters are so versatile. You can eat them as a snack or breakfast. Try them over yogurt for a tasty treat. Add fresh fruit on top for extra flavor and nutrients. You can even mix them into smoothies for a healthy boost! {{image_4}} You can switch out nuts or seeds in this recipe. Try walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds. Each nut brings a unique flavor and texture. You can also use different sweeteners like honey or agave syrup if you want a change. This keeps the granola tasty and fun. Adding spices or extracts can boost your granola's taste. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom for a warm flavor. You can also add vanilla or almond extract for a sweet touch. If you love chocolate, mix in dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs. Dried fruits like apricots or mango can add a chewy texture and fruity flavor. If you need gluten-free options, use certified gluten-free oats. This keeps your granola safe for those with gluten issues. For a vegan option, make sure to use maple syrup and avoid honey. You can also make a nut-free version by using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts. To keep your granola clusters fresh, use airtight containers. Glass jars work great. They protect flavors and keep the clusters crunchy. Plastic containers are fine too, just ensure they seal well. Store your granola in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, as these can cause the oils to turn rancid. Homemade granola can last up to two weeks when stored properly. Check for signs of spoilage like a strange smell or off taste. If it feels soft or loses its crunch, it may be past its prime. Toss any granola that looks or smells bad to stay safe. Yes, you can freeze granola! Freezing extends its shelf life to about three months. To freeze, place clusters in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature. You can also pop it in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crunch. To make these tasty clusters, follow these simple steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. 3. In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. 4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated well. 5. Spread the mixture on the baking sheet and press down to form clusters. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. 7. Let it cool completely, then break into clusters and store in an airtight container. Yes, you can easily make this granola gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Check that the other ingredients, like coconut and seeds, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without the gluten! You can add many things to boost flavor. Consider these options: - Chocolate chips or chunks for sweetness. - Different nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch. - Seeds like pumpkin or chia for added nutrition. - Dried fruits like apricots or figs for a fruity touch. - Spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm flavor. To keep your granola clusters crunchy, follow these tips: - Make sure to press the mixture down before baking. This helps form firm clusters. - Stir the granola halfway through baking to avoid sogginess. - Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet after baking. This allows it to harden. - Store it in an airtight container to keep moisture out. Making maple pecan granola clusters is simple and fun. You learned about the key ingredients, including oats, pecans, and coconut. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. You now know tips to avoid common mistakes and how to store your granola properly. In the end, homemade granola gives you control over flavor and health. Enjoy your creation with yogurt or fresh fruit. Experiment and make it your own. Happy munching!

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

Indulge in the delicious flavors of homemade Maple Pecan Granola Clusters that offer the perfect crunch for your breakfast or snack time! Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, pecans, and a touch of maple syrup, these clusters are easy to prepare and are sure to please. Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for making these tasty treats that will elevate your mornings and keep you satisfied all day!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While it's heating up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix these dry ingredients well, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

      In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and pure vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture.

        Carefully pour the wet mixture over your dry ingredients. Use the wooden spoon to gently stir and ensure all dry ingredients are fully coated with the sticky mixture.

          Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Use your hands to press it down gently to form compact clusters, which will help create that delightful crunchy texture.

            Bake the granola in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Remember to stir it halfway through the baking time to promote even browning. Keep a close watch towards the end to prevent any burning.

              Once golden brown and fragrant, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will harden further into clusters.

                If you opted for dried cranberries or raisins, fold them into the granola as soon as it has cooled completely. This will preserve their chewy texture.

                  Once cooled, break the granola into your desired cluster size and transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored for up to 2 weeks, but we doubt it will last that long!

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40-50 minutes | Servings: 8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve your granola clusters in a clear glass jar for a beautiful display, and enjoy them as a snack on their own or over yogurt with fresh fruit for a wholesome breakfast!