Make large, crunchy granola clusters flavored with maple syrup and pecans. This recipe produces bakery-style clusters perfect for breakfast or snacking.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:40 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:About 4 cups
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut.
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a single, relatively thin layer. Do not press down hard; keep the mixture loose for now.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Gently press down on the granola mixture with a spatula to encourage clumping, but do not stir it.
Return the sheet to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The edges should look golden brown.
Remove from the oven. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet without touching it for at least 45 minutes. This cooling period is essential for forming large clusters.
Once completely cool, break the granola into large clusters. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best cluster formation; instant oats will result in loose granola.
For gluten-free clusters, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
If you prefer smaller clusters, stir the granola halfway through the total bake time.
Store the finished clusters in a container at room temperature for up to two weeks.