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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, chopped - ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut - ½ cup almond butter - ½ cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon cinnamon - ½ teaspoon sea salt - ½ cup dried cranberries (or your favorite dried fruit) The key to great maple pecan granola clusters lies in the choice of ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in flavor and texture. Health benefits of pecans Pecans are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. They help lower bad cholesterol. They also provide protein and fiber. This makes them a great addition to any snack. Advantages of using maple syrup Maple syrup is a natural sweetener. It has fewer calories than white sugar. It contains minerals like zinc and manganese. This makes it a healthier choice for sweetening your granola. When you combine these ingredients, you create a tasty treat. I love how they all come together in the full recipe. 1. Preheat your oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Prepare your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. This keeps the granola from sticking. 3. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and ½ cup of shredded coconut. Stir well to combine. 4. Combine wet ingredients. In a smaller microwave-safe bowl, mix ½ cup of almond butter, ½ cup of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt. 5. Heat the mixture. Microwave for about 30 seconds. This makes mixing easier. Stir until smooth and well combined. 1. Pour wet ingredients over dry. Add the almond butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly coated. 2. Add dried fruit. Gently fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries or your favorite fruit. This adds sweetness and texture. 3. Form clusters. Scoop out handfuls and press them together. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they hold their shape. 4. Bake the granola. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Stir halfway through for even browning. 1. Cool the granola. Once baked, remove it from the oven. Allow the clusters to cool completely on the sheet. They harden as they cool. 2. Break apart if needed. After cooling, you may need to break them into smaller pieces. 3. Store properly. Keep the granola in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness. Enjoy it as a snack or with yogurt! For the full recipe, check out the details in the earlier section. To make the best maple pecan granola clusters, focus on cluster consistency. You want them chewy yet crunchy. To achieve this, press the mixture firmly into clusters on the baking sheet. This helps them stick together while baking. For flavor variations, think outside the box! You can add spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth. Try mixing in other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a twist. You can also use honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness. One common mistake is overbaking or underbaking the granola. Overbaking can make it too hard, while underbaking leaves it soft. Bake until golden brown, stirring halfway through for even cooking. Another mistake is incorrect ingredient ratios. If you add too many oats, your clusters may fall apart. Stick to the recipe for the best results. Using the proper amounts will help you make perfect clusters every time. For more details, check the full recipe. {{image_2}} You can make Maple Pecan Granola Clusters even more fun. Try adding different nuts or seeds. Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds work great. Each nut brings its own flavor and crunch. You can also mix nuts. This gives you a unique taste every time. Swapping almond butter for other nut butters is another fun twist. Peanut butter or cashew butter can change the flavor. Each nut butter has a different taste and texture. Choose your favorite for a personal touch. Spices can make your granola special. Adding nutmeg or ginger gives warmth and depth. These spices can remind you of cozy fall days. You just need a pinch to make a big difference. Incorporating additional dried fruits adds sweetness. Try diced apricots, raisins, or figs. Each fruit adds its own unique flavor. Mixing fruits can create a colorful and tasty granola. To keep your maple pecan granola clusters fresh, store them in air-tight containers. This helps keep moisture out and preserves their crunch. Choose a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the clusters to become stale. These granola clusters can last up to two weeks when stored properly. Check for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or feel soft, it’s time to toss them. Keeping an eye on your snack helps you enjoy it at its best. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe. To make Maple Pecan Granola Clusters, follow these key steps: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine rolled oats, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. 3. Prepare wet ingredients in a smaller bowl. Blend almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt. Microwave for 30 seconds to soften the almond butter. 4. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated. 5. Add dried fruit like cranberries. Gently fold them in. 6. Form clusters on the baking sheet, pressing them together. 7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even browning. 8. Cool completely on the baking sheet before storing. This simple process yields tasty clusters that are great for snacking or topping yogurt. For the full recipe, check the details above. Yes, you can customize the recipe easily! Here are some ingredient substitutions: - Nuts: Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts based on your taste. - Nut butter: Use peanut butter or cashew butter instead of almond butter. - Sweetener: Replace maple syrup with honey or agave syrup if needed. - Dried fruit: Try raisins, apricots, or any other dried fruit you like. Feel free to experiment with these options to make the recipe your own! You can find Maple Pecan Granola Clusters in many grocery stores. Look for these options: - Health food stores: They often carry homemade or artisanal versions. - Online retailers: Websites like Amazon or specialty food sites may offer various brands. - Supermarkets: Check the cereal aisle or snack section for store brands. Always read the labels to ensure you choose a product that fits your taste and health needs. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about ¼ cup): - Calories: Approximately 200 - Fat: 10g (mostly from nuts and nut butter) - Carbohydrates: 24g - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 6g (from maple syrup and dried fruit) - Protein: 4g These clusters provide a good mix of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them a great snack choice. Making Maple Pecan Granola Clusters is easy and fun. You’ve learned how to gather ingredients, mix flavors, and bake them into delicious clusters. The health benefits of pecans and maple syrup add great value to your snack. Remember to cool your granola for the best texture and store it properly. Experiment with different nuts and spices to find your perfect flavor. Customize the recipe to fit your taste and enjoy every crunchy bite. These clusters are tasty and nutritious, making them a great treat for any time of day.

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

Discover the delicious crunch of Maple Pecan Granola Clusters, a perfect snack for any time of day! With wholesome ingredients like oats, pecans, almond butter, and maple syrup, these clusters are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Follow our simple recipe to create your own batch, ideal for yogurt toppings or on-the-go snacks. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a tasty treat that your whole family will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, chopped

½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

½ cup almond butter

½ cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon sea salt

½ cup dried cranberries (or your favorite dried fruit)

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, and shredded coconut.

      In a smaller microwave-safe bowl, mix the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until the almond butter is soft enough to mix smoothly. Stir until well combined.

        Pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.

          Add in the dried cranberries and gently fold them into the mixture.

            Scoop out handfuls of the mixture and form clusters directly on the prepared baking sheet, pressing them together so they hold their shape.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown. Be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even baking.

                Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the clusters to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will harden as they cool.

                  Once cooled, break them apart if necessary and store in an airtight container. Enjoy as a snack, on yogurt, or with milk!

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 10