Name: Easy Granola Clusters Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans); 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Imagine waking up to golden, crunchy clusters that are sweet but not cloying, nutty, and just salty enough to be completely irresistible. That’s the magic of Easy Granola Clusters. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat—not just because it’s a crowd-pleaser, but because it’s so simple you could do it in your sleep! Whether you pile them on yogurt, snack straight from the jar, or share them with friends, this homemade treat proves that breakfast (or snack time) is infinitely better when a pan of sweet, toasty, cluster-packed granola is within arm’s reach.

Easy Granola Clusters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Easy Granola Clusters is how they transform everyday staples into nuggets of pure joy. These wholesome ingredients work together to create the ideal balance of crunch, sweetness, and warmth—plus, each one brings its own flare to the mix!

Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: The foundation for hearty texture and classic granola chew.
Chopped Nuts (such as almonds or pecans): Adds crunch, richness, and a subtle roasted flavor.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness that caramelizes and holds clusters together.
Melted Coconut Oil or Unsalted Butter: Gives the granola its irresistible crispness and a hint of buttery flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a molasses note to compliment the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: A little splash elevates all the warm flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: Delivers cozy, fragrant spice in every bite.
Salt: Brightens the sweetness and ties everything together.

How to Make Easy Granola Clusters

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, this not only saves on clean-up but also helps those clusters come off the pan with zero sticking. A little upfront prep goes a long way here.

Step 2: Mix Oats and Nuts

In a generous mixing bowl, combine your old-fashioned rolled oats with the chopped nuts of your choice. This is where the foundational crunch of your Easy Granola Clusters begins. Choose your favorite nut mix or whatever you’ve got in the pantry; just keep the pieces on the smaller side for better clustering!

Step 3: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil or butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This fragrant, sticky mixture is the secret to getting granola bits to stick together into glorious clusters.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the whisked wet ingredients over your oat-and-nut mixture. Use a sturdy spatula to stir until every grain is glistening and coated. Take your time—uniform coverage means you’ll get balanced flavor and those prized chunky clusters in every scoop.

Step 5: Bake and Form the Clusters

Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down gently with a spatula. The pressing step is absolutely critical for creating large, crunchy Easy Granola Clusters. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway. You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown color and delicious toasty aroma.

Step 6: Cool Completely Without Stirring

Once your granola is baked to perfection, resist the urge to stir! Let it cool completely on the pan—this is when the clusters really set. After about 30 minutes, break up the cooled slab into rustic, bite-sized pieces. Enjoy the satisfying snap!

How to Serve Easy Granola Clusters

Garnishes

After baking, go wild with toppings! Dried fruit (think tart cherries or tangy cranberries), chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt make Easy Granola Clusters feel extra-special and tailor-made for you.

Side Dishes

Pair your crunchy clusters with creamy Greek yogurt, layer them over smoothie bowls, or serve alongside a fresh fruit salad. Their nutty sweetness shines with milky lattes or a cup of hot chai for a dreamy breakfast or snack plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift a jar tied with ribbon, layer them into parfaits for brunch guests, or package them in small bags for an on-the-go snack. Easy Granola Clusters also make a fantastic topping for baked fruit crisps or ice cream sundaes—just crumble a handful right on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash your Easy Granola Clusters in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay wonderfully crunchy for up to two weeks. I recommend a clear glass jar so you can gaze admiringly every time you pass through the kitchen!

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead or making a double batch, Easy Granola Clusters freeze beautifully. Just pack cooled clusters into a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out extra air, and store for up to three months. Let clusters thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before digging in.

Reheating

To revive any slightly soft granola, spread your clusters on a baking sheet and pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about five minutes. Let them cool completely and they’ll be good as new—extra toasty, just like day one.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?

Quick oats will work in a pinch, but they result in finer, less-clustered granola. For the signature chunky Easy Granola Clusters, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats if possible.

How do I make these vegan?

Simply use maple syrup instead of honey and choose coconut oil over butter. All other ingredients are already plant-based, making Easy Granola Clusters an effortlessly vegan-friendly snack.

What other nuts or seeds can I use?

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Try chopped walnuts, pistachios, or a sprinkle of pepitas or sunflower seeds. Mix and match to keep your Easy Granola Clusters interesting every batch.

Can I add extra flavors or spices?

Absolutely! Play around with cardamom, nutmeg, orange zest, or even a pinch of cayenne for a hint of heat. The base recipe is your blank canvas—customize to your heart’s content.

Are Easy Granola Clusters gluten-free?

They can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for sharing with friends who have dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of homemade granola that’s truly delicious, satisfyingly crunchy, and easy enough for any schedule, these Easy Granola Clusters are here to make your mornings (and snack times) shine. Give them a try—once you’ve tasted homemade clusters fresh from your own oven, there’s no turning back!

Easy Granola Clusters Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easy Granola Clusters are a delightful homemade snack perfect for any time of day. Crunchy and sweet, they make a satisfying treat that’s simple to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Granola Clusters:

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans)
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats and chopped nuts.
Prepare wet mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Combine ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the oats and nuts, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
Bake: Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, press it down with a spatula, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and store: Let the granola cool completely on the pan without stirring to form clusters. Break into chunks once cool and store in an airtight container.