Homemade Granola Clusters (Print Version)

Crunchy clusters of oats and mixed nuts kissed with honey and warm spices.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), coarsely chopped
03 - ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)
04 - ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds
05 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
08 - ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or neutral oil)
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Add-ins (after baking)

10 - ½ cup dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots
11 - ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, mix rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, seeds, cinnamon, and sea salt evenly.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until all components are coated and clusters begin to form.
05 - Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and gently press with a spatula to encourage cluster formation.
06 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the clusters are golden brown.
07 - Remove from the oven and allow the clusters to cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring to set properly.
08 - Once cooled, break into clusters and mix in dried fruit or chocolate chips if desired. Store in an airtight container.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It forms real clusters that hold together instead of crumbling into dust at the bottom of the bag.
  • You control the sweetness and can skip any ingredients you dont like or cant eat.
  • It fills the kitchen with a warm, nutty smell that makes everyone wander in asking whats baking.
02 -
  • Do not stir the granola while it cools or the clusters will fall apart into sad little crumbs.
  • If your granola isnt forming clusters, you probably didnt press it down enough before baking or you used too little honey.
  • Coconut oil solidifies when cold, so if you store this in the fridge it might clump differently, though it still tastes fine.
03 -
  • Use a mix of nuts and seeds instead of all one kind, it makes every bite a little different.
  • Press the granola down hard before baking, thats the only way to get real clusters instead of loose bits.
  • Add dried fruit after baking, never before, or it will turn into hard little pebbles.
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