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!
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- like this chocolate protein granola. 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.
How To Make Maple Granola Clusters
- Process the pecans and oats for 5-10 seconds, keeping them chunky.
- The oats and pecan mixture, coconut, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Melt the coconut oil and add in the remaining ingredients
- Mix well until everything is coated and sticky.
- Dump the mixture onto a lined baking tray
- Use a spatula to press the mixture down to about ¼ inch and firmly together.
- Bake and let cool completely before breaking into clusters.
Step By Step Photos
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.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Frequently Asked Questions About Granola Clusters
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.
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.
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.
Other Snack Recipes You’ll Love
- Gluten-free granola cups
- Cookie dough overnight protein oats
- Easy vanilla protein bars
- Cookie dough balls
- Homemade crunchy granola
- High protein granola
- Fudgy protein brownies
- Peanut butter and jam protein balls
- Easy protein pancakes
- Protein cookies
- Banana protein donuts
- The best high-protein snacks
- Salted caramel protein fluff
- Gluten-free pantry staples
- High protein snack ideas
- No-bake snacks
Homemade Granola Clusters
Video
Equipment
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.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Jere Cassidy says
I love this idea of making granola in clusters and your recipe works great and is perfect to munch on.
fitasamamabear says
I never thought to make it into clusters until I kept only eating that part of the granola haha
MacKenzie says
These granola clusters are perfect. Can’t wait to try it with my morning yogurt bowl. So much better than store bought,
fitasamamabear says
They're SO YUMMY in yogurt, enjoy!
Genevieve says
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!
fitasamamabear says
It's such a comfort flavor, glad you enjoyed them!
Rupali says
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.
fitasamamabear says
Hehe glad you liked it!
k says
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.
fitasamamabear says
Haha granola is one of my biggest weaknesses to be honest so I feel yah!
Sherry says
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!!
fitasamamabear says
Glad it hit the spot!
Megan says
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!
fitasamamabear says
Hazelnuts just make everything more INDULGENT!
jennifer says
The perfect snack for kids' lunchboxes, and by kids lunchboxes, I mean . . my purse and gymbag!!
fitasamamabear says
Haha definitely perfect for purses!
Janessa says
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.
fitasamamabear says
They truly are!
Donny says
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.
fitasamamabear says
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...
nancy says
i make a big batch every sunday to munch thru the week. So tasty and your tips were really helpful
fitasamamabear says
Such a great meal prep recipe, glad you loved them!
Stacey says
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!
fitasamamabear says
I'm the same! My kids want milk sometimes but mainly we just munch lol
Sharina says
Brought these homemade granola clusters on our family picnic and they were a hit! I love the crunchy while kids love the soft and chewy. We also topped these with whipped cream, so yummy!
fitasamamabear says
Omg they'd be perfect with whipped cream!
Andrea says
these granola clusters are the perfect snack! oh so good!
fitasamamabear says
Glad ou enjoy them!
Sarah says
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 😀
fitasamamabear says
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
Katie says
Oh these are an absolute dream! The best crunch from a homemade granola I have ever had!
fitasamamabear says
Happy to hear it, that's the best part!
Glenda says
This is my new favorite snack! I love al the texture and the maple syrup hazelnut butter combination. So good!
fitasamamabear says
Haha they're such a pop in your mouth one! I love them too!
Glenda says
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!
fitasamamabear says
They're just so easy to eat!
Jo Keohane says
wow these are utterly yummy. I'm always looking for GF breakfast ideas, thank you for the recipe!!
fitasamamabear says
Haha so easy to eat right?1
Addison says
These granola clusters were so crunchy and delicious! Such a great snack or kids or adults.
fitasamamabear says
Hehe they are!
Jere Cassidy says
I gave up on any store-bought granola and found your recipe to make my own. I love the flavor and the cluster idea for a fun snack.
fitasamamabear says
Honestly store bought is just over priced and it's so easy to make!
Louise says
My daughter and I LOVE these clusters!!!
We eat them as cereal in the morning with milk but also as a snack after dinner!
The coconut is perfect in them! So we use a extra virgin coconut oil as we both love the flavor.
Thanks for a great recipe 🙂
fitasamamabear says
I'm glad you both love them! They're sooo easy to eat i have to stop from eating the batch lol