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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) Gathering the right ingredients is key for making tasty Maple Pecan Granola Clusters. Rolled oats form the base and give a hearty texture. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and rich flavor. Pumpkin seeds bring extra nutrients and a bit of variety. Cinnamon gives warmth and a hint of spice. Salt balances the sweetness from the maple syrup. Pure maple syrup is a must for that sweet, sticky goodness. Melted coconut oil not only binds the mixture but also adds a hint of coconut flavor. The vanilla extract rounds it all off with a lovely aroma. If you want a fruity touch, consider adding dried cranberries or raisins. They add sweetness and a chewiness that complements the clusters. With these ingredients, you set yourself up for a delicious and satisfying treat! - Calories per serving: About 200 calories - Macronutrients: - Protein: 4 grams - Fats: 10 grams - Carbohydrates: 28 grams The health benefits shine through in this recipe. Rolled oats are great for heart health and provide fiber. Pecans are full of healthy fats and antioxidants. Pumpkin seeds add protein and minerals like magnesium. Maple syrup, though sweet, also offers some vitamins and minerals. This granola is not just tasty; it packs a nutritional punch! Enjoy it as a snack or a topping. It fits easily into a healthy diet while still being a treat. 1. Preheating the oven: First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Preparing the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. 1. Combining dry ingredients in a bowl: In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. 2. Whisking together wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the liquids blend perfectly. 1. Spreading the mixture on a baking sheet: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until all oats and nuts are coated. Spread this mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Press down firmly to form clusters. 2. Baking time and stirring guidelines: Bake for 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to help with even browning. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. 3. Cooling the granola clusters: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling time helps the clusters stick together. To get those perfect clusters, you need to press down the mixture. When you spread the granola on the baking sheet, use your hands to pack it tightly. This helps the clusters stick together. If you skip this step, you might end up with loose granola. Also, avoid overbaking. Check your granola around 25 minutes. It should be golden brown and smell great. If it gets too dark, it can taste burnt. You can add spices for more flavor. Cinnamon works great, but try nutmeg or ginger for a twist. You can also mix in different ingredients. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins add sweetness. For crunch, consider adding seeds like sunflower or chia. You can even toss in some dark chocolate chips after baking for a sweet treat. The best mixing bowls are big and sturdy. A glass or stainless steel bowl works well for mixing. For baking, use a rimmed baking sheet. This helps keep everything in place. A silicone mat or parchment paper makes cleanup easy. Plus, it prevents sticking. {{image_2}} You can switch pecans for walnuts or almonds. Both nuts give a nice crunch. Walnuts have a rich flavor, while almonds add a subtle sweetness. If you're looking for seeds, try sunflower or chia seeds. Sunflower seeds are nutty and fun. Chia seeds add a boost of nutrition. They also help bind the granola together. If you want to change the sweetener, honey or agave syrup works great. Honey gives a floral note, while agave syrup is milder. You can also play with different extracts. Try almond or coconut extract for a new twist. These flavors can really brighten up your granola. Fresh or dried fruits can enhance your granola. For dried fruit, cranberries or raisins are fantastic. If you prefer fresh fruit, think about adding apples or bananas. Just chop them into small pieces. Using seasonal fruits can make your granola even more special. Fresh berries in summer or dried figs in fall can be delicious options. Store your maple pecan granola clusters in an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. Avoid using paper bags, as they let in air and moisture. Keep the granola in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent spoilage and keeps the clusters fresh. Your homemade granola clusters can stay fresh for about two weeks at room temperature. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. Place the clusters in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to label your container with the date. If your granola loses its crunch, don't worry! You can easily re-crisp it. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the granola on a baking sheet in a thin layer. Bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Let it cool before storing it again. Enjoy those crunchy clusters! Yes, you can use quick oats. However, quick oats may make your granola less chewy. They cook faster and can create a finer texture. Rolled oats give a heartier bite and better clusters. Homemade granola lasts about two weeks at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Just remember to thaw it before enjoying. Yes, you can swap coconut oil for other oils. Olive oil or canola oil work well. Each oil will add a different flavor. Experiment to find your favorite. Absolutely! You can leave out the pecans. Substitute them with more seeds, like sunflower or sesame seeds. This will still give you a tasty crunch without nuts. To achieve crunchier clusters, press the mixture firmly before baking. Bake until golden brown, but don’t overbake. Letting it cool completely on the baking sheet also helps the clusters firm up nicely. This blog post covered how to make delicious granola clusters with simple ingredients. You learned about the key ingredients, health benefits, and easy steps for preparation. I shared tips to achieve perfect clusters and exciting flavor variations. Remember, storing your granola properly keeps it fresh and crunchy. Experiment with your favorite mix-ins and enjoy the process. Making your own granola can be fun and rewarding. You have everything you need to start creating tasty snacks at home.

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

Indulge in the crunchy goodness of homemade Maple Pecan Granola Clusters! This easy recipe combines rolled oats, pecans, and pumpkin seeds with sweet maple syrup and coconut oil for a delightful treat. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these clusters are simple to make and store well. Click through to discover how to whip up this deliciously healthy granola that will leave you wanting more!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup melted coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until evenly distributed.

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

        Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.

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

            Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to overbake, as granola can burn quickly.

              Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This will help the clusters to bind together.

                If desired, once cooled, mix in the dried cranberries or raisins.

                  Break the granola into clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

                    Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: About 8 (1/2 cup servings)