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Home » Healthy Recipes » Healthy Snack Recipes » Maple Pecan Homemade Granola Clusters

Maple Pecan Homemade Granola Clusters

08/15/2022 by fitasamamabear

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Pin image with text: Baking sheet lined with parchment paper with granola clusters on it and a hand holding on cluster close up
Pin image with text: two images of homemade granola glusters the top of a hand holding a cluster close up with more on a baking tray behind them and the bottom of a glass bowl filled with granola clusters and more around it
Pin image with text: two images of homemade granola glusters the top of a hand holding a cluster close up with more on a baking tray behind them and the bottom of a glass bowl filled with granola clusters and more around it

Curl up with a bowl of comfort in these maple pecan granola clusters! These clusters can be enjoyed soft or crunchy but either way they make a nutrient-packed snack or breakfast! Made with only eight ingredients this homemade granola recipe is easy to whip up and have on hand for the tops of yogurt, as cereal, or just grabbed out of the fridge!

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Baking sheet lined with parchment paper with granola clusters on it and a hand holding on cluster close up this …

Finding the crunchy granola clusters in a box is always the best part. But now you can enjoy that bliss with a full batch!

These granola clusters come out of the oven soft and stay that way if kept at room temperature. However if placed into the fridge, all of a sudden you’ve got delicious, crunchy clusters full of goodness.

Why you’ll want more and more of these homemade granola clusters:

·       Easy to make with just 8 ingredients

·       Loaded with healthy fats

·       A cozy, maple cinnamon flavor

· Allergy-friendly (dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan)

Ingredients You’ll Need

As a certified nutrition coach, you won't find any brown sugar in this granola recipe as it's sweetened with only maple syrup. But know that brown sugar isn't needed. This homemade granola is just as delicious and comforting as you'd expect from a nutty blend.

Regular Oats: make sure to grab gluten-free oats if you need them. Likewise, quick oats won’t work for this recipe.

Pecans: it doesn’t matter if you grab whole or halves as you’ll be processing them a bit. Just make sure not to grab salted.

Large coconut flakes: you want the thick-cut pieces of coconut as these are going to make the granola recipe have some texture.

Hazelnut butter: this is for maximum indulgence but know that any nut butter will work fine. Just make sure to use fresh nut butter so that it’s still runny.

Maple syrup: grab the real stuff, not a corb syrup-based one or the flavor of the clusters will be reduced.

Coconut oil: cold-pressed, extra virgin coconut oil has the best health perks but it also has a slightly coconut taste. So, use what you’re comfortable with.

Vanilla extract: don't skip the vanilla! It's a small amount but it helps with the comforting maple cinnamon flavor.

Multiple ingredients like pecans, coconut, maple syrup and more in measuring spoons and bowls wi

How To Make Maple Granola Clusters

  1. Process the pecans and oats for 5-10 seconds, keeping them chunky.
  2. The oats and pecan mixture, coconut, and cinnamon. Mix well.
  3. Melt the coconut oil and add in the remaining ingredients
  4. Mix well until everything is coated and sticky.
  5. Dump the mixture onto a lined baking tray
  6. Use a spatula to press the mixture down to about ¼ inch and firmly together.
  7. Bake and let cool completely before breaking into clusters.

Step By Step Photos

Ground pecans and oats in a mini food processor with homemade granola around it
Pulse the oats and pecans lightly.
Maple syrup being poured into a steel bowl with coconut chips in it and a blue linen behind it
Add in the remaining ingredients and mix until sticky.
Homemade granola on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and more granola behind it
Portion onto a baking tray and press together and flat.
Cooked granola oin a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and a hand breaking it into clusters with a bowl of homemade granola and a blue linen behind it
Bake and do not stir. Let cool fully before breaking into clusters.

Important Teaching Tips

The granola is super delicate coming out of the oven so don’t overlook letting it cool completely.

Don’t just rip off clusters, use a silicone spatula to loosen up the bottom and then break clusters off with your hands.

If you want soft clusters, leave them at room temperature. If you prefer crunchy clusters, pop them into the fridge where they’ll firm up.

Make sure to use parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet to make it easier to break the clusters after baking.

You’ll want to use the large flake coconut (no shredded coconut) to give the granola the best texture. Do not add dried fruit into the recipe. Dried fruit will make it so that the clusters don't bind together (though for regular homemade granola, dried fruit is amazing!).

Note: I did make this recipe once with pumpkin seeds in place of the oats to make it grain-free. It can be done (and I think sunflower seeds would work too) though cooking times may be slightly longer.

How To Enjoy The Custers

These homemade granola clusters are a delicious food all by themselves, popped into your mouth out of the fridge! However, they’re also amazing as:

  • Smoothie bowl toppers
  • In a yogurt parfait
  • On top of overnight oats or chia pudding
  • In place of cereal with some creamy hemp milk.
A glass bowl of granola clusters with clusters and a blue linen around it and a hand holding up one of the granola clusters

Frequently Asked Questions About Granola Clusters

How long does granola last for?

On the counter in a sealed container, gluten-free granola clusters will last 5-7 days. In the fridge, clusters will last 2-3 weeks in a sealed container.

What makes granola clump together?

The stickier your granola mixture is from ut butter and sweetener (in this case maple syrup) the better the granola will hold together. The sugar in the syrup hardens once it’s cooked and that holds the clusters together.

Why do my granola clusters fall apart?

If yuu left the pecans too large the granola will have a harder time sticking together. It will also fall apart right out of the oven before it is fully cooled.

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Baking sheet lined with parchment paper with granola clusters on it and a hand holding on cluster close up

 Homemade Granola Clusters

These easy granola clusters are easy to make and gluten-free! Made with a crunchy blend of pecans and coconut seeds and sweetened with a hint of maple they make the BEST topper to any smoothie or yogurt bowl.
5 from 33 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Cooling time 30 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 356 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Silicone baking sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Regular rolled oats Gluten-free if needed
  • ½ cup Halved pecans Generous half cup
  • ½ cup Large coconut flakes
  • ¼ cup Hazelnut butter
  • ¼ cup Maple syrup
  • 2 tbs Coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees farhenheit.
  • In a mini food processor, process the pecans and oats for 5-10 seconds. You don’t want them to be a powder. Make sure there are still lots of chunks.
  • In a small bowl, combine the oat mixture, coconut, and cinnamon. Mix well.
  • Melt the coconut oil and add in the remaining ingredients (alternatively, you could whisk them together first and pour them in).
  • Mix well until everything is coated and sticky.
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper and dump out the granola mixture. Use a spatula to press the mixture down to about ¼ inch and firmly together.
  • The better pressed down and even it is, the better your clusters will be.
  • Bake for 22 minutes and let cool completely once done (for 30 minutes).
  • Use a silicone spatula to loosen the granola and use your hands to break it into small clusters.

Video

Notes

The granola is super delicate coming out of the oven so don’t overlook letting it cool completely. If you want “harder” clusters, pop the granola into the fridge for an hour where they’ll firm up.
Makes roughly 15-20 clusters or 3-4 cups
Don’t just rip off clusters, use a silicone spatula to loosen up the bottom and then break clusters off with your hands.
If you want soft clusters, leave them at room temperature. If you prefer crunchy clusters, pop them into the fridge where they’ll firm up.
Brown sugar cannot replace maple syrup.
Disclaimer:

Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 6gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 7mgPotassium: 278mgFiber: 5gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 2mg
Keyword gluten-free, Granola, homemade granola
Have You Tried This Recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment below. Mention @fitasamamabear or tag #fitasamamabear!

Shelby aka Mama Bear

fitasamamabear

Meet Shelby – a Certified Strength Coach who has spent the last 10 years teaching women how to show up for their goals.

Her website, Fitasamamabear.com is a crucial resource for busy moms who need help making fitness and healthy living practical.

Learn how an everyday smoker and fast food junkie turned into a super fit mom of 3. If you want to send Shelby a message, visit her contact page.

See author's posts

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jere Cassidy

    August 15, 2022 at 1:55 pm

    5 stars
    I love this idea of making granola in clusters and your recipe works great and is perfect to munch on.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 18, 2022 at 8:55 am

      I never thought to make it into clusters until I kept only eating that part of the granola haha

      Reply
  2. MacKenzie

    August 15, 2022 at 11:10 pm

    5 stars
    These granola clusters are perfect. Can’t wait to try it with my morning yogurt bowl. So much better than store bought,

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 18, 2022 at 8:55 am

      They're SO YUMMY in yogurt, enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Genevieve

    August 16, 2022 at 1:53 am

    5 stars
    I really love granola and this was a super delicious flavor combination. I'm a sucker for both pecans and maple so this was a winner for me. Thank you for the delicious recipe and helpful notes!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 18, 2022 at 8:56 am

      It's such a comfort flavor, glad you enjoyed them!

      Reply
  4. Rupali

    August 16, 2022 at 5:01 am

    5 stars
    I made a large batch of it, and it makes me so happy to crunch through these at breakfast! The maple flavor just makes it wonderful.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 18, 2022 at 8:56 am

      Hehe glad you liked it!

      Reply
  5. k

    August 16, 2022 at 10:53 am

    5 stars
    I shouldn't be, but I am so in love with the crunch of granola. I try to limit it cuz I know it's a 'sometimes' snack. But these clusters?! OMG they are so good! I like that I can batch out my crunch craving and save the rest for later.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 18, 2022 at 8:56 am

      Haha granola is one of my biggest weaknesses to be honest so I feel yah!

      Reply
  6. Sherry

    August 16, 2022 at 9:44 pm

    5 stars
    I have been addicted to granola lately and wanted to learn how to make my own granola pieces. Your maple pecan homemade granola recipe was so easy to make and it tasted amazing!!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 18, 2022 at 8:56 am

      Glad it hit the spot!

      Reply
  7. Megan

    August 17, 2022 at 8:30 am

    5 stars
    Shelby, this is such a delicious treat!! I LOVE the hazelnut butter option, as they're my favorite nut, and it puts the whole flavor of these over the top. Definitely dessert-meets-snack/breakfast!! SO yummy, thank you!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 18, 2022 at 8:56 am

      Hazelnuts just make everything more INDULGENT!

      Reply
  8. jennifer

    August 17, 2022 at 8:32 am

    5 stars
    The perfect snack for kids' lunchboxes, and by kids lunchboxes, I mean . . my purse and gymbag!!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 18, 2022 at 8:57 am

      Haha definitely perfect for purses!

      Reply
  9. Janessa

    August 17, 2022 at 10:14 am

    5 stars
    Clusters are definitely the best part of granola! These turned out so tasty and chunky- perfect for packing along for a quick snack on the go.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 18, 2022 at 8:57 am

      They truly are!

      Reply
  10. Donny

    August 19, 2022 at 5:43 pm

    5 stars
    These are so good! And all your tips were super helpful. I probably would not have waited long enough for them to cool but I'm glad I did, lol.

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 21, 2022 at 6:53 am

      Haha it is HARD to wait for them to firm up. I'll be the first to admit that half the tray is gone before then...

      Reply
  11. nancy

    August 20, 2022 at 12:29 pm

    5 stars
    i make a big batch every sunday to munch thru the week. So tasty and your tips were really helpful

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 21, 2022 at 6:54 am

      Such a great meal prep recipe, glad you loved them!

      Reply
  12. Stacey

    August 20, 2022 at 12:42 pm

    5 stars
    I love that these are in nice clusters for snacking! Rarely do I add milk to granola. I can bring these on a hike in a bag for munching. I like the maple pecan flavor too!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 21, 2022 at 6:54 am

      I'm the same! My kids want milk sometimes but mainly we just munch lol

      Reply
  13. Andrea

    August 20, 2022 at 5:24 pm

    these granola clusters are the perfect snack! oh so good!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 21, 2022 at 6:54 am

      Glad ou enjoy them!

      Reply
  14. Sarah

    August 20, 2022 at 6:36 pm

    5 stars
    These have got my husband written All over them he loves and kind of ceral cluster, we akways have several boxes in the cupboard. Never thought to make my own. Might have to make a double batch as I'm sure I'll need to 'taste test' lots before I give then to him 😀

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 21, 2022 at 6:55 am

      Haha clusters are just so easy to eat! But it's SO easy to make your own... double the batch lol I eat half to tray waiting for them to cool lol

      Reply
  15. Katie

    August 22, 2022 at 8:42 am

    5 stars
    Oh these are an absolute dream! The best crunch from a homemade granola I have ever had!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      August 24, 2022 at 7:47 pm

      Happy to hear it, that's the best part!

      Reply
  16. Glenda

    September 14, 2022 at 7:20 pm

    5 stars
    This is my new favorite snack! I love al the texture and the maple syrup hazelnut butter combination. So good!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      September 14, 2022 at 8:35 pm

      Haha they're such a pop in your mouth one! I love them too!

      Reply
  17. Glenda

    October 09, 2022 at 12:16 pm

    5 stars
    These are the best lunchbox treats and after school snacks! Oh my goodness they're delicious! The kids think they're getting cookies and I'm okay with that!

    Reply
    • fitasamamabear

      October 11, 2022 at 12:41 pm

      They're just so easy to eat!

      Reply

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About Me

Blond haired woman in a black sweater outside smiling at the camera

Hey- I’m Shelby!

A Certified Strength & Nutrition Coach who has spent the last 10 years teaching women how to show up for their goals.

I’m a lover of all things chocolate and peanut butter, a feeder of stray cats, and a total introvert in real life. But I’m also super passionate about helping make fitness & healthy living PRACTICAL for busy moms.

Go here to read how an everyday smoker and fast food junkie turned into a super fit mom of 3.

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