Looking for a snack that's crunchy and downright addictive? Then, this easy granola clusters recipe is the answer. Whether you're sprinkling them over yogurt, enjoying them straight from the jar, or adding them to a trail mix, these golden clusters are a real treat.
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of perfectly crisp and clumpy granola quickly. The best part is that you can customize the mix with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
This homemade granola is fresher, tastier, uses fewer ingredients than a store brand, and is more budget-friendly.
Ingredients
With just a few ingredients, you can make perfectly crisp granola clusters that use quality ingredients and are simply delicious. Here's what you'll need:
- Quick oats
- Walnuts
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Allspice
- Ginger
- 100% pure maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes
Instead of using 100% pure maple syrup, you can opt for honey or agave.
How to Make Granola Clusters
This recipe is easy and relies on a simple technique - pressing the mixture firmly and letting it bake then allowing it to cool to form those perfect clusters. I'll guide you through every step, so it comes out just right.
- Add oats and chopped walnuts in a mixing bowl and set aside.
- Add the maple syrup, brown sugar, spices, and vanilla extract to a pot over medium heat.
- Gently stir until the brown sugar dissolves.
- Pour the maple syrup mixture into the bowl with the oats and gently stir until dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Press the oat mixture firmly into a baking dish lined with parchment paper - making sure to pack it tightly
- Bake it for 20 minutes then allow it to cool completely.
- Once the granola has cooled, break it into clusters with your hands.
Storage
To keep your granola clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container, a ziploc storage baggie, or a mason jar at room temperature. Your clusters will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Tips
- Ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or agave help bind the oats together and form clusters. Don't skimp on these.
- Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press the granola mixture tightly into the baking dish before baking. For better results, dampen your fingers by running them under water and shaking off the excess. Then, use your damp fingers to press the mixture firmly into place. (The moisture prevents the ingredients from sticking to your hands as you press.)
- Allow the granola to cool fully in the baking dish before breaking it into clusters. Breaking it while warm can cause it to crumble which isn't bad and can still be used as a topping.
- If you'd like to add chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top after baking to prevent them from melting.
- Keep your granola in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
📖 Recipe
Easy Granola Clusters Recipe
Easy Granola Clusters RecipeEquipment
- Mixing bowl
- measuring cup to measure dry ingredients
- measuring cup to measure wet ingredient
- Measuring spoons to measure spices
- Spoon for combining all ingredients
- Saucepan for warming maple syrup mixture on stove-top
- Baking dish or baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick oats
- 2 cups chopped walnuts (You can also do a mix of 1 cup chopped walnuts and 1 cup chopped pecans)
- ½ cup 100% pure maple syrup (organic blue agave or honey)
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In a bowl, add quick oats and chopped walnuts (and other add-ins) gently mix and set aside.
- Place a saucepan over medium, add brown sugar, 100% maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and ginger. Stir until brown sugar has melted and all ingredients are incorporated. Then, add liquid ingredients to the bowl of quick oats and walnuts, and stir until evenly coated.
- Scoop combined ingredients into a small pan or baking sheet. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press the granola mixture tightly into the baking dish before baking. For better results, dampen your fingers by running them under water and shaking off the excess. Then, use your damp fingers to press the mixture firmly into place. (The moisture prevents the ingredients from sticking to your hands as you press.)
- Bake in your preheated oven for 17-20 minutes. Let granola cool in the pan or baking sheet for 10 - 15 minutes. When the granola has cooled completely, cut or break it apart into clusters using a butter knife or your hands and enjoy.
Notes
- Ingredients like honey, maple syrup, or agave help bind the oats together and form clusters. Don't skimp on these.
- Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press the granola mixture tightly into the baking dish before baking. For better results, dampen your fingers by running them under water and shaking off the excess. Then, use your damp fingers to press the mixture firmly into place. (The moisture prevents the ingredients from sticking to your hands as you press.)
- Allow the granola to cool fully in the baking dish before breaking it into clusters. Breaking it while warm can cause it to crumble which isn't bad and can still be used as a topping.
- If you'd like to add chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top after baking to prevent them from melting.
- Keep your granola in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For the most accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information using the specific ingredients and brands you use.
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