In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding the perfect snack that strikes a balance between health and taste can often seem like an impossible task. Enter granola cluster snacks, the unsung heroes of the snack world that effortlessly blend crunch, flavor, and nutrition into every bite. Back when I worked in an office, I had a friend who would bring in the most delicious granola clusters to share with me. It was such a great snack to have at our desks because it was light, leaned more on the healthy side, and was easy to make. After years of craving that delicious treat, I decided to learn how to make granola clusters for me and my family to enjoy!

And let me just warn you: one batch goes fast! My early worries of no one eating them and having them go to waste turned out to be far from reality. Even the small crumbs in the end were eaten on top of a bowl of yogurt and fruit! Everyone can attest that a fully empty container of food can sometimes be no easy feat.

The most important ingredients you'll need are syrup, coconut oil and oats. The rest can easily be swapped out for more preferred items or whatever you have readily available to you. I love to use almond slivers with my oats. I've found that using nuts that have been slivered or chopped is a lot easier than whole or sliced. They tend to stay stuck to the oats a lot better when you break them up.

Granola clusters are not your ordinary snack; they are packed with a variety of nutrients essential for your well-being. The key ingredient, oats, provides a rich source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you feeling full for longer periods. Nuts and seeds add a dose of healthy fats, proteins, and essential minerals. One of the most satisfying aspects of granola clusters is their crunchiness. Whether you enjoy them on their own or sprinkle them over yogurt, the satisfying crunch of granola clusters is simply irresistible.

ranola clusters are not just delicious; they are also incredibly convenient. Pack them into small, resealable bags, and you have a snack that is ready to accompany you on your adventures. Whether you're heading to work, going for a hike, or embarking on a road trip, granola clusters make the perfect travel companion. Their portability ensures that you have a healthy snack option wherever life takes you. They can be incorporated into various dishes and snacks. Add them to your breakfast bowl with yogurt and fresh fruits, or sprinkle them on top of smoothie bowls for an extra crunch. Granola clusters can also be used as toppings for desserts, elevating the overall taste and texture of your favorite treats.

How do you like the snack on your granola clusters? I love having a small container of them next to me on my desk while I work, or sprinkled into a big bowl of strawberry Greek yogurt. I'm always looking forward to the next time I get to bake a batch of granola clusters because the sweet smell of the syrup mixed with the toasted warmth of the oats fills my home with the most delicious scents! Definitely a double win in my eyes.

Granola Clusters

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Course Snack

Cuisine American

Equipment

1 Pot
1 Baking sheet
Parchment Paper
Mixing bowl

Ingredients

3 Cups Old-fashioned Oats
1 Cup Almond Slivers
⅔ Cup Maple Syrup
⅓ Cup Coconut Oil
3 TSBP Ground Flaxseed
1 TSBP Vanilla Extract Imitation or real
1 TSP Ground Cinnamon
1 TSP Salt

Instructions

Set the rack in your oven to the middle. Preheat oven to 300°℉. In a large, heat-safe bowl, combine oats, almond slivers, and flaxseed; set aside. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a pot, heat your maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon and salt on medium/medium-high until it begins to bubble. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.
Pour syrup mixture into oats mixture and combine thoroughly. Once everything is nicely coated, pour granola mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. use the back of a spatula or spoon to flatten out the granola and create a thin sheet of granola. Once oven is ready, place the baking sheet in the center of the oven.
Cook for 20 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet 180° and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Granola mixture should have a nice browning, but shouldn't be burnt.
Once done, pull the baking sheet out and allow to cool. If you have a baking rack or other safe surface, I recommend transferring the granola while still on the parchment paper to the heat-safe surface. When granola is completely cooled, you should be able to easily break it apart and it should be able to "crumble" into small clusters. Store in airtight container for longevity in a cupboard.