Maple Almond Granola Clusters Recipe

Introduction

These Maple Almond Granola Clusters are a deliciously crunchy and naturally sweet snack. Made with wholesome oats, almond flour, and a touch of pure maple syrup, they’re perfect for breakfast or a midday treat. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’ll quickly become a pantry favorite.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (255g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
• 3/4 cup (75g) almond flour or almond meal
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (95g) sliced, slivered, or chopped almonds (unsalted recommended)
• 1/3 cup (70g) coconut oil
• 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the oats, almond flour, salt, and almonds together. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut oil, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, even if a layer of oil forms on top. Remove from heat, whisk in the vanilla, then pour over the oat mixture. Stir until the mixture becomes sticky and starts to come together.
4. Step 4: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it firmly into an even layer.
5. Step 5: Bake for 40 minutes, rotating the pan every 10 minutes to ensure even baking. Remove from the oven but keep the oven on. Let the granola cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes. Using the parchment overhang, lift the granola slab out of the pan. Cut into squares, then break into smaller cluster pieces, handling with care as it will be hot.
6. Step 6: Return the clusters to the baking pan or spread on a baking sheet. Bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the clusters.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow the clusters to cool completely. They will become crunchier as they cool.

Tips & Variations

• Swap sliced almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• For extra crunch, toast the oats and almonds lightly before mixing.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of ground nutmeg to the oat mixture for a warm, spiced note.
• Use vegan brown sugar or coconut sugar to keep the recipe vegan.

Storage

Store the cooled granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed as they stay crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute pure honey or agave syrup in equal amounts, though the flavor will vary slightly.

How do I make the clusters less sticky?

Ensure the granola cools completely after baking; cooling allows it to set and become crunchier. Baking the clusters for the additional 10 minutes also helps reduce stickiness.

Maple Almond Granola Clusters Recipe

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4.9 from 114 reviews

These Maple Almond Granola Clusters are a deliciously crunchy and slightly sweet snack made with rolled oats, almond flour, and crunchy almonds, all bound together with coconut oil, brown sugar, and pure maple syrup. Baked to perfection, they offer a nutritious and satisfying treat perfect for breakfast or anytime snacking.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: About 6 cups of granola clusters 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups (255g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
• 3/4 cup (75g) almond flour or almond meal
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (95g) sliced, slivered, or chopped almonds (unsalted recommended)

Wet Ingredients

• 1/3 cup (70g) coconut oil
• 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside for later use.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, salt, and almonds. Stir gently to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
3. Heat Wet Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut oil, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Whisk continuously until the brown sugar dissolves completely. It’s normal if a layer of oil forms on top. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and pour this mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a sticky, cohesive mixture forms.
4. Form Granola Slab: Transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact granola slab.
5. Bake the Granola Slab: Bake for 40 minutes, rotating the pan every 10 minutes to ensure even baking. After 40 minutes, remove the pan from the oven but keep the oven on. Let the granola rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes to cool slightly, which is crucial for proper cutting.
6. Cut and Break Into Clusters: Using the parchment overhang, lift the granola slab out of the pan onto a cutting surface. Cut it into squares and then break those squares into smaller clusters carefully as the granola will still be hot.
7. Bake the Clusters: Spread the clusters back on the baking pan or a baking sheet, with or without parchment, and bake them for an additional 10 minutes in the still-warm oven. This step crisps the granola clusters perfectly.
8. Cool Completely: Remove the clusters from the oven and allow them to cool completely. The clusters will become crunchier as they cool.
9. Store Properly: Once completely cooled, store the granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen clusters at room temperature before serving.

Notes

• Ensure you press the granola mixture firmly in the pan to create solid clusters that hold together well after baking.
• Rotating the pan every 10 minutes during baking helps achieve even crispness and browning.
• Cooling the granola slab before cutting is essential to prevent it from crumbling too much.
• Using unsalted almonds gives better control over the saltiness of the granola.
• Store granola clusters in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.

Keywords: maple almond granola, granola clusters, baked granola, healthy snack, homemade granola, crunchy granola