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To make Maple Pecan Granola Clusters, you need a few simple ingredients. Here they are: - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup sliced almonds - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) These ingredients work together to create a crunchy and tasty snack. The oats provide a hearty base, while the nuts add crunch and flavor. Maple syrup gives sweetness, and coconut adds a tropical touch. You can mix in dried fruit if you like. Each ingredient plays an important role in making this granola a delightful treat. 1. Preheating the Oven Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting that perfect crunch. 2. Preparing the Baking Sheet Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. 1. Combining Oats and Nuts In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds. This mix forms the base of your granola. 2. Adding Coconut, Cinnamon, and Salt Next, add 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to combine all the dry ingredients evenly. 1. Whisking Together Maple Syrup and Coconut Oil In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of maple syrup and 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. This mixture adds sweetness and helps bind the granola. 2. Infusing with Vanilla Extract Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet mix. This step enhances the flavor and aroma of your granola. 1. Pouring Wet into Dry Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. This step is crucial for flavor distribution. 2. Ensuring Even Coating Stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are well coated. This ensures every bite has great flavor. 1. Spreading Mixture on Baking Sheet Spread the granola mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Press it down into a compact layer for even baking. 2. Baking Time and Stirring Guidelines Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Stir the granola halfway through for even cooking. 1. Importance of Cooling for Crunchiness After baking, remove the sheet and let the granola cool completely. Cooling helps it become crunchy. 2. Breaking into Clusters Once cool, break the granola into clusters. If you want, mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for added flavor. Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Organic ingredients are often fresher. They also have fewer chemicals. This means a better taste and health benefits. Fresh nuts and oats bring out the best in your granola. Try to buy your oats whole and your nuts from a trusted source. This ensures they are crunchy and full of flavor. To make great granola clusters, you must press the mixture firmly. When you press down, you help the ingredients stick together. This creates those tasty clusters we all love. For even crispness, use the right baking techniques. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Stir halfway through baking to avoid burning. This ensures every bite is crunchy and golden. Feel free to customize your granola. You can add different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Optional add-ins like chocolate chips also work well. Adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup or honey. If you like spice, try adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg. This way, you can create a flavor that fits your taste. {{image_2}} You can make a nut-free version of these granola clusters. Simply swap the pecans and almonds for seeds. Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They add great crunch and nutrition! To keep it crunchy, adjust the baking time. Make sure to stir often. This helps every piece get golden. Want a chocolate twist? Add cocoa powder to your mix! Start with two tablespoons. It gives a rich taste that you will love. You can also play with spices. Try adding nutmeg for a warm flavor. Just a pinch goes a long way! If you follow a vegan diet, use maple syrup and coconut oil as your sweetener. They fit perfectly in this recipe. For a gluten-free option, check your oats. Make sure they are marked gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty snacks! - Ideal Container Options: Use an airtight container. Glass jars work well. They keep the granola fresh. You can also use plastic containers with tight lids. Avoid using paper bags, as they let air in. - Important Storage Conditions: Store your granola clusters in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard is perfect. Keep it away from sunlight and heat. This helps maintain crunchiness. - How Long Granola Clusters Last: If stored properly, these clusters last about two weeks. After that, they may lose their crunch. - Signs of Freshness and Spoilage: Fresh granola smells sweet and nutty. If it smells stale or has a weird odor, toss it. Clusters should be crunchy, not soft. Any sign of moisture means it’s time to discard it. - Steps for Freezing Granola Clusters: To freeze, let the granola cool completely. Then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out all the air before sealing. This prevents freezer burn. - Thawing Tips for Best Texture: When ready to eat, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. This helps keep the clusters crunchy and tasty. You can use other oils like canola, olive, or avocado oil. Each oil changes the taste and feel of the granola. Canola oil has a light flavor, while olive oil adds a fruity note. Avocado oil gives a rich taste. Coconut oil is solid at room temp, so using liquid oils may make the clusters a bit softer. To help the clusters stick, press the mixture down firmly on the baking sheet. This creates a compact base. Sweeteners play a key role in binding. Maple syrup and honey help hold everything together. They create a sticky texture that clumps the oats and nuts. Yes, you can add protein powder. Use a small amount to avoid changing the taste too much. Adding about 1/4 cup should work well. Adjust the wet ingredients slightly to balance it out. This ensures the granola stays crunchy and tasty. In this blog post, I shared a simple granola recipe rich in flavor and nutrition. We covered essential ingredients, easy steps for prep and baking, and tips for perfect clusters. You learned about storage best practices and creative variations to customize your granola. Remember, using quality ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Enjoy making this versatile snack that you can adjust to fit your preferences. Trust me, it's a treat you'll want to share!

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

Indulge in the delightful crunch of homemade Maple Pecan Granola Clusters! This easy recipe combines wholesome oats, pecans, and coconut, drizzled with maple syrup for a naturally sweet touch. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these clusters are simple to make and packed with flavor. Click through to discover how to create your own delicious granola that’s sure to impress! Enjoy it alone or with yogurt for a perfect treat!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

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, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt.

      In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

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

          Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down into a compact layer.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remember to stir the granola halfway through for even cooking.

              Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely; it will become crunchy as it cools.

                Once cool, break the granola into clusters and mix in the dried cranberries or raisins if using.

                  Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the granola clusters in decorative jars or bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of coconut and a few extra pecans on top for a rustic look. Enjoy with yogurt or simply as a snack!