Go Back
To make Maple Walnut Granola Clusters, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped - 1/2 cup almond slices - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt These ingredients create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The oats serve as the base, while the nuts add crunch. Maple syrup provides natural sweetness, and coconut oil helps bind everything together. You can add a few optional ingredients to boost taste: - 1/2 cup dried cranberries Dried cranberries bring a sweet and tangy burst to the clusters. They also add a chewy texture, making your snack even more interesting. Feel free to skip them if you prefer a simpler flavor. Each ingredient in your granola clusters offers great health benefits: - Rolled oats are high in fiber, helping with digestion. - Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, great for heart health. - Almond slices provide protein and vitamin E, which is good for skin. - Sunflower seeds are packed with antioxidants and healthy fats. - Maple syrup is a natural sweetener with some minerals. - Coconut oil offers medium-chain triglycerides, which support energy. Together, these ingredients create a snack that is not only tasty but also nutritious. Enjoy these clusters for breakfast or as a pick-me-up during the day! Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped - 1/2 cup almond slices - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional) Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking and make cleanup easy. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, walnuts, almond slices, and sunflower seeds. Stir gently to blend. In another bowl, combine the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt. Whisk these wet ingredients until they blend well. This mixture adds flavor and moisture to the granola. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold everything together. Make sure each oat and nut gets coated. Spread the mixture on your baking sheet. Press it down gently to form clusters. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even baking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. You want a nice golden brown color. Once baked, take the granola out of the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will harden as it cools. After cooling, break it into clusters with your hands. If you want, mix in dried cranberries for added sweetness. Store the clusters in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack! To get crunchy granola clusters, press the mixture firmly on the baking sheet. This helps the granola stick together while baking. Use a spatula or your hands to create compact clusters. Stir the granola only halfway through baking. This keeps the clusters intact and crispy. Keep your granola in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain its crunchiness. If stored properly, it stays fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw it on the counter before eating. I love serving my granola clusters in a mason jar. This adds a nice touch to your table. You can also top yogurt or smoothie bowls with them. They add a great crunch and flavor. Enjoy them as a quick snack or breakfast on the go! {{image_4}} You can swap out walnuts for other nuts. Try pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. Each nut gives a unique flavor. You can also change the seeds. Pumpkin seeds or chia seeds work well, too. Mixing different nuts and seeds adds extra crunch and nutrition. While maple syrup is sweet and tasty, you can try other sweeteners. Honey adds a floral note. Agave syrup is another option that is lighter. If you want a sugar-free option, try mashed bananas or applesauce. These alternatives change the taste but keep it sweet. You can enhance your granola with fun add-ins. Dried fruits like raisins or apricots add chewiness. Dark chocolate chips bring a rich taste. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg. Each mix makes the granola special and unique. To keep your maple walnut granola clusters fresh, use an airtight container. This helps protect them from moisture and air. Store them in a cool, dry place like a pantry. Avoid areas near the stove or oven. For added freshness, you can also layer parchment paper between clusters. This keeps them from sticking together. Homemade granola clusters can last up to two weeks at room temperature. After that, they may lose their crispiness. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to toss them. Always check for signs of spoilage before enjoying your snack. If you want to keep your clusters for longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in an airtight freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out all the air before sealing. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just take out what you need and let them thaw at room temperature. Enjoy your tasty snack anytime! Yes, you can use quick oats or steel-cut oats. Quick oats will cook faster but may not hold clusters as well. Steel-cut oats will give a chewier texture, but they will need longer baking time. To make granola clusters stick, use more wet ingredients like maple syrup or coconut oil. Press the mixture down firmly on the baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, then cool before breaking into clusters. Walnuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They support heart health and brain function. Maple syrup contains antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc, providing a natural sweetener option. Absolutely! You can swap walnuts for almonds or pecans. Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup. For nut allergies, replace nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Serve granola clusters in a bowl or jar. They make a great snack on their own. You can also enjoy them with yogurt, smoothie bowls, or as a topping for oatmeal. In this post, we explored how to make Maple Walnut Granola Clusters. We covered key ingredients, from essential to optional, and discussed their health benefits. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you create the perfect clusters. We also included tips for storage and ideas for fun variations. In the end, making your own granola is easy and fun. It allows you to enjoy tasty snacks while knowing exactly what’s inside. Try it out and enjoy the benefits of your homemade granola!

Maple Walnut Granola Clusters

Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Maple Walnut Granola Clusters! This easy recipe combines wholesome oats, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of sweet maple syrup for the perfect snack or breakfast. With just a few simple steps, you can create crispy, flavorful clusters that are sure to delight. Ready to make these tasty treats? Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your snacking game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup almond slices

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy clean-up.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, coarsely chopped walnuts, almond slices, and sunflower seeds. Stir them together gently to ensure an even distribution of all the ingredients.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt until well blended and cohesive. This mixture will provide moisture and flavor to your granola.

        Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, carefully fold and stir until all the dry components are evenly coated with the sticky wet mixture.

          Prepare for Baking: Spread the granola mixture evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of your spatula or hands to press it down gently, forming clusters for a delightful texture.

            Bake the Granola: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, stir the mixture gently to promote even cooking, keeping a watchful eye to avoid burning. Look for a lovely golden brown color.

              Cool the Granola: Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the granola will harden and form crispy clusters.

                Crumble and Add Cranberries: After cooling, break the granola into clusters with your hands and mix in the dried cranberries if you choose to use them, adding a touch of sweetness and chewiness.

                  Store the Clusters: Transfer the granola clusters to an airtight container and store them at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks!

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve your granola clusters in a mason jar or bowl, garnished with extra nut pieces and cranberries for an enticing look. Enjoy them on their own, or as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls!