Apple Pie Granola Clusters

$Here’s what you need to make Apple Pie Granola Clusters. Gather these simple items: - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats - 1 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts, pecans, or almonds) - 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ cup maple syrup - ¼ cup melted coconut oil - 1 cup chopped dried apples - ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients come together to create a crunchy and tasty snack. The oats provide a great base, while the nuts add a nice crunch. Coconut flakes give a subtle sweetness, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring that cozy, warm flavor. Dried apples and raisins or cranberries add a fruity touch. Using maple syrup and coconut oil keeps everything moist and flavorful. This mix is not just good for snacking; it can also be used as a topping for yogurt or even ice cream. When you get these ingredients ready, you will be one step closer to enjoying your homemade granola clusters! First, set your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is perfect for getting those clusters crispy. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the granola from sticking. In a big bowl, add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped nuts, and 1 cup of coconut flakes. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until it's well mixed. This blend gives your granola its tasty flavor. In another bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of maple syrup, ¼ cup of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture adds sweetness and helps everything stick together. Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well to coat all the oats and nuts. Make sure every piece gets some of that sweet mixture. This step is key for great clusters. Next, fold in 1 cup of chopped dried apples and ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries. These fruits add chewy texture and a burst of flavor. Spread the mixture evenly onto your lined baking sheet. Press down gently to form clusters. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even baking. Look for a golden brown color. Once baked, take the sheet out of the oven. Let the granola cool completely on the sheet. It will harden as it cools. After cooling, break it into clusters. Store these tasty bites in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy your homemade apple pie granola clusters! To get those perfect clusters, press the mixture down before baking. This helps bind the oats and nuts together. Use a spatula to flatten the mix on the baking sheet. The tighter you press, the bigger your clusters will be. Bake your granola for about 25 to 30 minutes at 325°F (165°C). Stir the granola halfway through to ensure even browning. Look for a golden color. This shows it’s ready. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning. These clusters taste great on their own or with yogurt. Try adding fresh apple slices for a fun twist. You can also sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for added flavor. Enjoy them as a snack or breakfast treat! {{image_2}} You can change the nuts in this recipe. Use any nuts you like! Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work great. If you want a nut-free version, try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. These add crunch without nuts. Dried apples are a star in this recipe. Still, you can mix it up! Use dried pears, apricots, or even figs. Each fruit brings a unique taste. Just remember to chop them small, so they blend well with the granola. Maple syrup gives a nice sweetness. However, you can swap it for honey or agave nectar. If you want less sugar, try mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce. These options add sweetness and moisture. Adjust the amount based on your taste. To keep your Apple Pie Granola Clusters fresh, let them cool fully. Once cooled, break them into clusters. Store them in an airtight container. This method helps keep them crunchy and tasty. Choose a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight lid. These options block air and moisture. Avoid using paper bags, as they won't keep your granola fresh. You can also use resealable bags, but make sure to squeeze out the air before sealing. When stored properly, your granola clusters last about two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just place the clusters in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature. Enjoy them as a quick snack or add them to yogurt. Yes, you can. To make apple pie granola clusters gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. Many brands offer oats that do not contain gluten. Check the label to be sure. You can also use gluten-free nuts and dried fruits. This way, you keep the crunchy and tasty flavor. The granola clusters last up to two weeks when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also store them in a cool, dry place. If you want to keep them longer, try freezing them. They freeze well for up to three months. You can use fresh apples, but they change the texture. Fresh apples contain water, which can make the clusters soggy. If you want to use fresh apples, chop them into small pieces and cook them first. This will reduce the water and keep your clusters crunchy. There are many ways to enjoy these clusters! You can eat them as a snack right out of the bowl. You can also add them to yogurt or milk for breakfast. They make a great topping for smoothies too. For extra fun, sprinkle some on your favorite ice cream. This blog covered how to make apple pie granola clusters with simple ingredients. You saw the step-by-step guide to mix, bake, and cool your mix. I shared tips on achieving perfect clusters and variations for custom flavors. Storing your granola properly ensures freshness and long shelf life. Making these clusters is easy and fun. You can adapt the recipe to your taste, too. Enjoy your tasty, healthy snacks anytime!$

Apple Pie Granola Clusters

Delight in the taste of fall all year round with these Apple Pie Granola Clusters! This easy recipe blends oats, nuts, and dried apples with warm spices for a crunchy snack that's perfect for breakfast or on-the-go. Learn how to make these delicious clusters and feel inspired in the kitchen! Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a healthy treat that's as satisfying as apple pie. #GranolaClusters #HealthySnacks #AppleRecipes #FallFlavors

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Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans or almonds), roughly chopped

1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup maple syrup

¼ cup coconut oil, melted

1 cup dried apples, chopped

½ cup raisins or dried cranberries

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until combined.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture.

Add Dried Fruits: Fold in the chopped dried apples and raisins or cranberries into the mixture.

Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing down gently to form clusters.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.

Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. It will harden as it cools.

Break into Clusters: Once cooled, break into clusters and store in an airtight container for freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 10 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the granola clusters in a rustic bowl and garnish with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful, seasonal touch. Enjoy with yogurt or milk for a delightful breakfast or snack!