Fall Treats Granola Clusters Recipe

Introduction

Fall Treats Granola Clusters are a perfect homemade snack that captures the warm flavors of the season. Crisp, sweet, and packed with nuts and dried fruit, they make an easy treat for breakfast or an afternoon nibble.

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or apple bits
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the oats, mixed nuts, cinnamon, and salt; mix well.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk honey (or maple syrup) until smooth; pour over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Press the mixture firmly onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
6. Step 6: Allow to cool completely before breaking into clusters.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the nuts lightly before mixing.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for more fall spice.
• Swap dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots to vary the sweetness.
• Use almond butter or peanut butter instead of honey/maple for a different texture and flavor.

Storage

Store your granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep them crisp, avoid refrigeration. If they soften, briefly bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh the crunch before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

It’s best to use old-fashioned rolled oats as they hold their texture better when baked, creating crunchier clusters.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Use pure maple syrup instead of honey to keep the recipe completely plant-based.

Fall Treats Granola Clusters Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

These Fall Treats Granola Clusters are a deliciously crunchy and naturally sweet snack, bursting with autumn flavors from cinnamon, mixed nuts, and dried fruits. Perfect for breakfast, a healthy snack, or topping your yogurt, this easy-to-make recipe combines rolled oats, nuts, honey or maple syrup, and dried cranberries or apple bits for a wholesome treat.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 4 cups 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

Mix-ins

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or apple bits

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the granola clusters.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the rolled oats, mixed nuts, ground cinnamon, and salt to ensure the spices and seasoning are evenly distributed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the honey or maple syrup until smooth to allow for easy coating of the dry ingredients.
4. Coat Dry Ingredients: Pour the honey or maple syrup over the oat and nut mixture, stirring thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated for optimal clumping and flavor.
5. Press Mixture: Transfer the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press firmly into an even layer, which helps the clusters form while baking.
6. Bake Granola: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the granola turns golden brown and emits a fragrant aroma, indicating it is perfectly toasted.
7. Add Dried Fruit: Remove the granola from the oven and immediately sprinkle the dried cranberries or apple bits over the top, pressing them lightly into the warm granola so they stick.
8. Cool Completely: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step firms the clusters for easy breaking without crumbling.
9. Break into Clusters: Once cooled, break the granola into clusters of your preferred size and store in an airtight container for freshness.

Notes

• You can substitute maple syrup for honey to make the granola vegan.
• For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger powder.
• Store granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks for best freshness.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Pressing the mixture firmly and baking evenly ensures the clusters hold together well after cooling.

Keywords: granola clusters, fall granola, cinnamon granola, healthy snacks, homemade granola, nut clusters, baked granola, trail mix, autumn snacks