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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut For the base of the granola, I love using rolled oats. They give a great texture and chew. Pecans add a lovely crunch and rich flavor. I also like to include unsweetened shredded coconut. It brings a hint of sweetness and a chewy bite. - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract For sweetness, I use honey and pure maple syrup. Both add a natural sweetness that works well with the nuts. A dash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor. It makes the granola smell amazing as it bakes. - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the taste. A little salt balances the sweetness. If you want a treat, mini chocolate chips are a fun addition. They melt slightly and create little pockets of chocolate goodness. 1. Preheat the Oven: First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for a perfect bake. 2. Line Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: Take a large baking sheet and place parchment paper on it. This will help the granola not stick. 1. Create the Dry Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. Stir it well so everything blends nicely. 2. Prepare the Sweet Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Heat this mixture over low heat for about 2-3 minutes. Whisk it until it is warm, but don’t let it boil. 1. Combine Ingredients: Pour the warm syrup over the dry mixture. Stir well until every oat and nut is coated in the syrup. 2. Form the Clusters: Spread the mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Press it down firmly with a spatula. This step helps form those tasty clusters. 3. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, gently toss the mixture to ensure it bakes evenly. 4. Cool for Clusters: Once the granola turns golden brown, take it out of the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step is key for forming clusters. 5. Break Apart and Add Chocolate: After cooling, break the granola into clusters. If you want to add a sweet touch, fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips now. 6. Store Your Granola: Keep your delicious clusters in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about two weeks, ready for snacking! To get those perfect clusters, press the mixture firmly into the baking sheet. This step is key. It helps the granola stick together as it bakes. When you press down, aim for an even layer. This creates a sturdy base for your clusters. Toss the granola halfway through baking. This helps everything cook evenly and gives you a nice golden color. Stir gently when you do this. You want to keep the clusters intact. You can add your favorite dried fruits or nuts to the mix. Try raisins, cranberries, or almonds for a twist. Each adds a different flavor and texture. Feel free to get creative and mix it up! Adjusting the sweetener is also fun. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup or honey. If you want it less sweet, cut back on them. This flexibility makes the recipe your own. For a lovely presentation, serve your granola clusters in a rustic bowl or glass jar. A sprinkle of extra pecans or chocolate chips on top adds a nice touch. This makes your dish look inviting and tasty. Pair your granola with yogurt or milk for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it as a snack on its own. The crunchy clusters and sweet flavor make it a hit any time of the day. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your maple pecan granola clusters. Adding spices can create new flavors. For a warm kick, try adding nutmeg or ginger. These spices give the clusters a cozy feel. Switching nuts is another fun way to mix things up. While pecans are great, almonds or walnuts work well too. Each nut brings its own flavor and crunch. If you want a vegan granola, you can make simple swaps. Substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup. Both options keep it sweet and tasty. For those who need gluten-free granola, use certified gluten-free oats. This small change makes your granola safe for everyone to enjoy. You can also play with chocolate in your granola. Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor, while milk chocolate is sweet and creamy. Each type changes the texture and taste of the clusters. Adding seeds like chia or flax can boost nutrition. These seeds add fiber and healthy fats. You can sprinkle them in when mixing the dry ingredients. This extra touch makes your granola even better! To keep your maple pecan granola clusters fresh, use airtight containers. These containers stop air from getting in and drying them out. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from heat or sunlight. A pantry is a good spot. Your granola clusters will stay fresh for about two weeks. Look for a crispy texture and a sweet smell as signs of freshness. If they feel soft or taste stale, it’s best to toss them. You can freeze granola clusters to keep them longer. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. When you want to eat them, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. Use them as a quick snack or add them to yogurt or salads! Can I make this granola vegan? Yes, you can. To make it vegan, simply replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup. Both options work well and keep the sweetness. How do I customize the recipe for allergies? To adjust for allergies, swap pecans for seeds or nuts you can eat. You can also use gluten-free oats if needed. Always check labels to avoid allergens. How many calories are in a serving? Each serving has about 200 calories. This includes oats, nuts, and sweeteners, making it a filling snack. Are these granola clusters healthy? Yes, they are healthy! They have whole grains, healthy fats, and fiber. Enjoy them in moderation for a tasty treat. Can I make this recipe without an oven? Yes, you can! Use a stovetop method. Cook the mixture in a skillet over low heat, stirring until it’s toasted and golden. What can I use instead of honey or maple syrup? You can use brown rice syrup or agave syrup. Both provide sweetness without altering the flavor too much. We covered how to make tasty maple pecan granola clusters. You learned about key ingredients like oats and pecans. We explored mixing techniques and baking steps to create perfect clusters. You now have tips for variations and storage. Think of the fun flavors you can try. Experiment with your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Enjoy your homemade granola as a snack or breakfast. It’s easy to make and good for you. Dive into your kitchen and start creating!

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

Make your mornings delicious with homemade Maple Pecan Granola Clusters! This easy recipe combines rolled oats, pecans, and a touch of honey and maple syrup for a wholesome snack that's perfect for any time of day. Follow the simple steps to create crunchy clusters and enjoy them in just 35 minutes. Click through to discover this tasty recipe and elevate your snacking game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Create the Dry Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Stir well to ensure that all the dry ingredients are mixed evenly.

      Prepare the Sweet Syrup: In a small saucepan set over low heat, whisk together the honey, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Heat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it is well combined and slightly warm, but do not let it boil.

        Combine Ingredients: Pour the warm syrup mixture over the oat mixture. Stir thoroughly until every piece of oat and nut is well coated in the syrup.

          Form the Clusters: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out into an even layer. Use the back of a spatula to press the mixture down firmly. This will help form those delightful clusters during baking.

            Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through baking, gently toss the mixture to ensure it browns evenly.

              Cool for Clusters: Once your granola is golden brown, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling process is crucial, as it helps the granola set into clusters.

                Break Apart and Add Chocolate: After the granola has cooled, break it into clusters of your desired size. If you choose to include them, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips at this stage.

                  Storage Tips: Store your delicious maple pecan granola clusters in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks, perfect for grab-and-go snacking!

                    - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: About 10 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve your granola clusters in a rustic bowl or glass jar. Consider adding a sprinkle of extra pecans or chocolate chips on top for an inviting look!