Best 2 Healthy Granola Clusters Recipes

In the realm of healthy snacking, granola clusters reign supreme. These bite-sized wonders pack a punch of flavor, nutrition, and crunch, making them an ideal on-the-go breakfast, afternoon pick-me-up, or post-workout refuel. Whether you prefer your clusters sweet, savory, nutty, or seedy, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own custom blend. With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a batch of homemade granola clusters that are not only delicious but also packed with wholesome goodness. Let's dive into the world of healthy granola clusters and explore the secrets to making the perfect batch.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

HEALTHY GRANOLA

Healthy Granola image

This delicious healthy granola recipe is naturally sweetened with maple syrup (or honey). It's made with oats, coconut oil and your favorite nuts and fruit. Make it your own! Recipe yields about 8 cups granola, enough for about 16 half-cup servings.

Provided by Cookie and Kate

Categories Breakfast

Time 26m

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
1 1/2 cup raw nuts and/or seeds (I used 1 cup pecans and 1/2 cup pepitas)
1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (if you're using standard table salt, scale back to 3/4 teaspoon)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup dried fruit, chopped if large (I used dried cranberries)
Totally optional additional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes*

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to blend.
Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.
Bake until lightly golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer). The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). Top with the dried fruit (and optional chocolate chips, if using). Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don't want extra-clumpy granola.
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. The dried fruit can freeze solid, so let it warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1/2 cup, Calories 313 calories, Sugar 10.7 g, Sodium 143.2 mg, Fat 14.3 g, SaturatedFat 6.6 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 39.8 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 7.6 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

GRANOLA CLUSTERS

Granola Clusters image

This is a recipe that I came up with after just being tired of that granola flake stuff that you need a spoon to eat. I wanted something I could pick up when I was on the go, but still something with that wonderful granola crunch. So, this is it. ENJOY!

Provided by MizEmerilLagasse

Categories Breakfast

Time 25m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup your favorite nuts, chopped
1/2 cup butter (try not to use margarine)
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dates, chopped

Steps:

Preheat your oven to 325°F In a large bowl, stir together the first 5 ingredients; set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and maple syrup together in the microwave on high.
Stir the butter mixture into the dry ingredients and pour onto a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, flip the granola over and bake for about 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and toss with the dried fruit while still hot.
Serve when cool.

General tips for making granola clusters

Use fresh ingredients. This includes using real butter, pure vanilla extra, raw sugar, and fresh, high-quality oats.
Don't overcrowd the pan. Granola clusters need room to spread out and toast evenly. If you overcrowd the pan, the clusters will be more crumbly and less crispy.
Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan. A heavy-bottomed saucepan will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the granola from sticking or scorching.
Stir the granola frequently. Stirring the granola frequently will help to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't burn.
Let the granola cool completely before handling it. This will help the clusters to stay together and prevent them from becoming crumbly.
Store the granola in an airtight container. Granola will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container stored in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion

There you have it! With a little planning and effort, making your granola clusters at home is easy and well worth the effort. As you can see from all the different granola and granola-related content I've shared with you, there are several ways to enjoy this versatile, wholesome food. You can grab some to go, enjoy it with yogurt, or give it as a gift. You can be sure that once you've made your homemade granola, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes. More importantly, you'll be proud that you made it yourself! So, what are you waiting for? Get your kitchen ready, and make your clusters today.