OAT AND NUT GRANOLA CLUSTER
Oat and Nut Granola Cluster is a healthy, single-serve snack made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, chopped nuts and a hint of cinnamon. Lightly sweetened with honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) and held together with melted coconut oil, this granola is baked until golden and fragrant, creating crispy, satisfying clusters. The mix of oats and nuts provides fibre, protein and healthy fats, making it a filling option for breakfast or a snack. Perfect for a quick energy boost, this recipe is easy to make with minimal ingredients and each batch is packed with natural flavour and crunch.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Breakfast, Snack
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Bake, Quick & Easy
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Anytime, Fall, Summer
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
High Fibre, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
DISH TYPE
Granola
INGREDIENTS
- 30g rolled oats
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 tbsp mixed nuts, chopped (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Fibre: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 2mg
PREPARATION
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Preheating ensures even baking and that the oats and nuts turn golden without over-baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, melted coconut oil and honey (or maple syrup). Stir well until everything is coated, which helps the ingredients bind together and form clusters as they bake.
- Shape Clusters: Using a spoon, drop small portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Press the mixture together lightly with the back of the spoon to help form solid clusters. Spacing them apart slightly allows for even heat distribution and gives each cluster a crisp texture.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the granola as it bakes since the honey and nuts can quickly over-brown. For a more evenly toasted result, you can gently stir halfway through baking. The clusters are done when they turn a light golden brown and give off a warm, fragrant aroma.
- Cool And Enjoy: Allow the clusters to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, letting them harden and become extra crunchy. Once cooled, enjoy them as a snack or use them as a topping for yoghurt, smoothie bowls, or fresh fruit.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10-12 minutes
TIPS
- Forming Clusters: To ensure the granola mixture sticks together, press it down slightly before baking. This helps to create more substantial clusters, which are ideal for snacking or sprinkling on top of other foods.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easy and prevents the granola from sticking.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Ovens vary, and granola can brown quickly, so check around the 10-minute mark. If necessary, stir gently for even browning, but avoid overmixing, as this can break up the clusters.
VARIATIONS
- Add Dried Fruit: For an extra layer of flavour and texture, stir in 1 tsp of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates after baking. This adds a chewy contrast to the crunchy oats and nuts.
- Chocolate Touch: After baking, sprinkle mini dark chocolate chips over the clusters while they’re still warm. The chocolate melts slightly, creating a delicious, decadent finish.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavour, especially fitting for autumn recipes.
- Nut Butter Blend: Mix in ½ tsp almond or peanut butter with the wet ingredients before combining with the oats and nuts. This adds a rich, nutty flavour and helps the clusters stick together.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store any leftover clusters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and crunch. Enjoy them chilled, or let them return to room temperature before eating.
- Freezer: For more extended storage, freeze the clusters in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat, or enjoy them directly from the freezer for a cool snack.