Maple Pecan Granola Clusters

8 servings
35 min

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These Maple Pecan Granola Clusters are perfect in a bowl with milk or atop your favorite breakfast dish. The combination of maple syrup and nutty pecans pair beautifully with the oats. Homemade granola clusters are simple to make and ready in just 30 minutes!

Find this recipe and more on my blog HERE: https://sugarylogic.com/maple-pecan-granola-clusters/

We almost always have homemade granola on hand for easy, healthy breakfasts or snacks. The beauty of homemade granola is that you can control what you put into it. These maple pecan granola clusters are full of maple flavor which pairs beautifully with the nutty pecan pieces. While these are typically fall-like flavors, these granola clusters can be enjoyed all year long!


Homemade granola is more economical and versatile than storebought. Making granola clusters from scratch is no different! We certainly love them here. Check out our other great granola cluster recipes including these Chocolate Coconut Pecan Granola Clusters and Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Clusters. Both are delicious with milk or yogurt.


Ingredients

  • Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats - Old-fashioned rolled oats are the oats of choice most of the time when baking. They hold their shape better when baked in the oven. Visually, you can see the difference between old-fashioned oats and quick-cooking oats. Quick-cooking oats are cut into more pieces during processing, in addition to being rolled thinner. For the purpose of this recipe, old-fashioned rolled oats are necessary. They hold their own when combined with the other ingredients.
  • Maple Syrup - Obviously if maple is in the name, it is going to be an important component of this recipe. You want to use pure maple syrup, not the artificially flavored stuff. Pure maple syrup is 100% maple sap, while the artificial kind is simply maple flavored sugar syrup.
  • Pecans - You can buy pecans already chopped into pieces or chop them yourself. The key is to use pecan pieces so they will blend and eat better in these granola clusters.
  • Oil - My first oil suggestion for this recipe is avocado oil for its health benefits and neutral flavor. You can, however, also use {melted} coconut oil. It may bring in a subtle coconut flavor to the final product though.
  • Vanilla Extract - Vanilla extract is in this recipe to amp up the flavor. If you have maple extract, you can use that here instead.

How to Make Granola Clusters


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a Silpat.


In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and pecans. In a separate bowl, combine the liquid ingredients. Pour the liquid ingredients over the oat mixture, and stir until everything is well coated. Pour the oat mixture onto the center of the prepared baking sheet.


This next step is crucial to achieving clusters of granola:


  • With your hands or a rubber spatula, flatten and press the granola down into a tight rectangle.
  • Press everything together as much as you can, almost like a giant granola bar. This process is what is going to give you those lovely clusters of granola.


Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Rotate the pan, and bake for approximately 15 more minutes. Once cooled, break into clusters. *You may have some bits that break off.


Recipe Tips


Line your baking pan with parchment paper or a Silpat for easy clean-up and less chance of sticking.


If using your hands to press together the granola, use a sheet of wax paper between your hands and the granola. This will keep your hands sticky-free. In addition, the wax paper does not stick to the oat mixture, which makes it much easier to form.


Other Yummy Granola Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions


How long does homemade granola stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container, granola stays fresh for up to one week. Afterward, it will begin to slowly lose its freshness. To extend shelflife, store the granola in the refrigerator.

How should I store homemade maple pecan granola? Store granola in an airtight container or tightly sealed mason jar. Store at room temperature in a cool dark place. To extend the shelf life, you can also store the granola in the refrigerator. Granola is freezable too. Transfer it to a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Is it cheaper to make your own granola? Yes, it is significantly cheaper to make your own granola from scratch. The added beauty of homemade granola is that you can control what goes into it. This means you can control the sugar content or added ingredients like dried cranberries or chocolate chips.


While you can purchase granola clusters from the store, like most things, they are so much more fun to make on your own. Homemade is substantially cheaper as well. These clusters are easy to munch on with your hands, but they are also great in a bowl with milk. Don't forget to crumble a few onto your next smoothie bowl!


These snackable morsels are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. This maple pecan granola clusters recipe is definitely one you will want to try.


DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Please leave a star rating and review on my website!

Maple Pecan Granola Clusters
Recipe details
  • 8  servings
  • Prep time: 5 Minutes Cook time: 30 Minutes Total time: 35 min
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Ingredients

  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/3 cup avocado oil or coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or maple extract
Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet tray with a sheet of parchment or a Silpat.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and pecans. In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour the liquid ingredients over the oat mixture, and stir together until everything is coated and well incorporated.
Pour the oat mixture onto the center of the prepared baking sheet. With your hands or a rubber spatula, flatten and press the granola down into a tight rectangle. The key here is to press everything together as much as you can, almost like a giant granola bar. This process is what is going to give you those lovely clusters of granola.
Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Rotate the pan, and bake for approximately 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, break into clusters. You may have some bits that break off.
These clusters should stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days, in an air-tight container.
Katelyn | Sugary Logic
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Comments
  • Faye Faye on Oct 19, 2021

    These look yummy. I plan to make them. I have a question since if I bought advaco oil this would be the only recipe I would use it in. The rest would go to waste and I do not like cocnut oil. BY chance is there an oil I can use that is more versatile? Would an olive oil, sunflower oil, Canola Oil, olive oil or palm oil work? Thank you for this recipe and any help . Faye

    • See 1 previous
    • Karen Kiser Karen Kiser on Oct 29, 2023

      I only use Avocado oil for everything now. Been using it in all my cooking for the last year. Love it.

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