Spiced Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

$Here are the main ingredients you need: - 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries These ingredients come together to create a tasty and healthy snack. The oats form a base, while pecans add crunch. You can customize your granola with these options: - Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts for a different taste. - Use sunflower seeds instead of pumpkin seeds. - Add chocolate chips for a sweet treat. - Try honey instead of maple syrup for added sweetness. These substitutions keep it fun and fresh. You can mix and match to create your perfect granola. Each ingredient in your granola offers health perks: - Rolled oats: High in fiber, they help keep you full. - Pecans: Pack healthy fats and protein for energy. - Pumpkin seeds: Rich in magnesium and zinc, they support health. - Shredded coconut: Provides healthy fats and adds flavor. - Cinnamon and nutmeg: Add warmth and may help regulate blood sugar. - Salt: Enhances taste but use it sparingly. - Maple syrup: A natural sweetener with antioxidants. - Coconut oil: Contains medium-chain fats for quick energy. - Vanilla extract: Adds flavor with some health benefits. - Dried cranberries or cherries: Provide vitamins and antioxidants. These ingredients not only taste great but also nourish your body. Enjoy these granola clusters as a healthy snack. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to blend the flavors. The spices add warmth and depth to the granola. You want a good mix so every bite has flavor. In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. This mixture will sweeten and bind the granola. Once smooth, pour the wet mix over the dry ingredients. Stir well until every piece is coated. This step ensures that the clusters form nicely during baking. Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Press it down gently to form clusters. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to promote even browning. Keep an eye on your granola; it should be golden brown and smell amazing. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will harden, forming those lovely clusters. Finally, break the granola into pieces and mix in the dried cranberries or cherries. Enjoy your homemade snack! To make great clusters, start with the right mix. Use three cups of rolled oats and one cup of chopped pecans. Adding a bit of salt helps bind the mix. When you spread the granola on the baking sheet, press it down firmly. This step is key to forming good clusters. Bake it until golden brown, then let it cool completely. The cooling process helps the clusters firm up nicely. Spices can really change your granola's taste. I use half a teaspoon of cinnamon and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg in this recipe. If you want a bolder flavor, add more cinnamon or try cardamom. You can also experiment with other spices like ginger or cloves. Mixing in a bit of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Don't be afraid to play with spice amounts until you find your perfect mix. To keep your granola fresh, store it in an airtight container. This keeps out moisture and air, which can make it stale. I recommend keeping it at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Just place the clusters in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for about three months in the freezer. {{image_2}} You can swap pecans for other nuts. Almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well. If you want more crunch, add sunflower seeds or hemp seeds. Each nut brings a unique flavor and texture. This keeps your granola exciting and fresh. Maple syrup shines in this recipe, but other sweeteners can work too. Honey adds a different taste. Agave syrup is another choice if you want something milder. You can even try brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor. Just remember, each sweetener changes the taste a bit. You can change the spices based on the season. For fall, add pumpkin spice. In spring, try a hint of lemon zest or fresh ginger. Seasonal fruits also add fun. Swap dried cranberries for dried apricots or figs when they are in season. This way, your granola stays vibrant all year long. To keep your spiced maple pecan granola clusters fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and helps maintain crunch. Place the container in a cool, dark spot, like a pantry or cabinet. Avoid direct sunlight and heat, as they can make the granola go stale. Your granola clusters will stay fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature. Check for signs of freshness. If you notice a stale smell or soft texture, it's time to toss them. The clusters should be crunchy and fragrant. If they lose their crunch, they are no longer at their best. To keep your granola clusters for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled clusters in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature. Enjoy your tasty snack anytime! Yes, you can make granola clusters vegan easily. Just replace the honey with maple syrup. Use a plant-based oil, like coconut oil, instead of butter. This keeps the same great taste without any animal products. To get crunchier granola, bake it longer. Stir it halfway through to ensure even crisping. Press the mixture down firmly on the baking sheet before baking. This helps form those tasty clusters! Granola clusters are versatile. You can enjoy them as a snack, topping for yogurt, or in smoothie bowls. Try adding fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor. You can even use them as a crunchy layer in dessert parfaits. You can swap nuts for seeds if you have nut allergies. Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version. If you need a low-sugar option, reduce the maple syrup or try a sugar substitute. Always check labels for allergens in other ingredients. This blog post covered how to make delicious spiced maple pecan granola clusters. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect clusters. I discussed fun variations to try and how to store them for freshness. Granola clusters are easy to customize and can fit many diets. Making your own lets you choose flavors and adjust ingredients. Enjoy your tasty treats and share them with others!$

Spiced Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

Satisfy your snack cravings with these delicious Spiced Maple Pecan Granola Clusters! This easy recipe combines hearty oats, crunchy pecans, and a hint of warm spices, creating the perfect treat for any time of day. Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re ideal for topping yogurt or enjoying on their own. Click to discover the full recipe and bring these delightful clusters to your kitchen! #GranolaClusters #HealthySnacks #MaplePecan #HomemadeGranola

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Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries

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, chopped pecans, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer, pressing down gently to help form clusters.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on the granola; it should be golden brown and fragrant.

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will harden as it cools, forming clusters.

Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and mix in the dried cranberries or cherries.

Store the granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 35 mins | 8 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the granola clusters in a clear glass jar for a rustic look, or enjoy them as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls. For added flair, sprinkle some extra dried fruit and nuts on top when serving!