Go Back
To make Cranberry Chocolate Granola Clusters, you need the following ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup chopped almonds - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup melted coconut oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips These ingredients create a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The oats make the base, while the nuts add crunch. Dried cranberries give a sweet-tart flavor, and dark chocolate chips add richness. Using honey or maple syrup brings natural sweetness. Coconut oil helps bind everything together while adding a subtle flavor. The vanilla and cinnamon enhance the taste, making it even more delicious. When you gather these ingredients, you set yourself up for a tasty treat. This granola is not only simple to make but also full of nutrients. Plus, it is great for breakfast or as a snack. Enjoy the process of mixing and baking these wholesome ingredients into delightful clusters! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheating and Lining the Baking Sheet Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Combining Dry Ingredients In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped almonds, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. Stir these dry ingredients together well. This mix gives your granola texture and flavor. - Mixing Wet Ingredients In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until smooth. This wet mix adds sweetness and binds everything together. - Combining Both Mixtures Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until all the oats and nuts are coated well. This step is crucial for flavor. Then, gently fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. - Spreading and Baking the Mixture Spread the granola mixture evenly on the lined baking sheet. Press it down firmly with a spatula to form a compact layer. This helps create nice clusters while baking. - Baking Time and Temperature Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for golden edges. - Stirring Guidelines for Even Baking Stir the mixture halfway through baking. This step helps ensure even browning and crunchiness. - Cooling Process for Clusters Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven. Allow the granola to cool completely on the sheet. This cooling time helps clusters form. - How to Store Granola Clusters After cooling, break the granola into clusters. Store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for weeks! - Alternative Nuts and Seeds: You can use walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds instead of almonds. These nuts add different flavors and textures. - Sweetener Options: Instead of honey, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Each sweetener brings a unique taste. - Making it Vegan: Use maple syrup and coconut oil to replace honey. This keeps your clusters plant-based. - Ensuring Crunchiness: Press the granola mixture firmly on the baking sheet. This helps form clusters as it bakes. - Avoiding Overbaking: Keep an eye on your granola. Remove it when the edges are golden brown, typically around 25-30 minutes. - Ideas for Pairing: Enjoy your granola with yogurt or milk. It also works well as a topping for smoothie bowls. - Presentation Tips: Serve in a glass jar or bowl. Add extra cranberries and chocolate chips on top for a beautiful look. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, high-quality nuts and dried fruits to enhance the flavor and texture of your granola clusters. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to mix and match different nuts such as walnuts or cashews based on your taste preferences for added variety. Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the granola as it bakes; ovens vary, and you want to avoid over-baking which can lead to a burnt taste. Cool Completely: Allow the granola to cool completely before breaking it into clusters to ensure they hold their shape and don't crumble. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your granola clusters. Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger brings warmth. These spices enhance the taste and add a cozy feel. You can also mix in other dried fruits. Dried apples, apricots, or even raisins work well. They add sweetness and a new texture to your clusters. If you want to boost nutrition, try adding superfoods. Chia seeds or flaxseeds are great choices. They pack a punch of omega-3s and fiber. Adding these ingredients makes your clusters a healthy snack. You can also increase the fiber content by using oats. Fiber helps keep you full and satisfied. Chocolate lovers can switch up the type of chocolate used. You could use milk chocolate for a sweeter treat. It melts nicely, adding creaminess to your clusters. Alternatively, you can try white chocolate. This adds a rich, sweet flavor that pairs well with cranberries. Each option changes the taste, so experiment to find your favorite. To keep your cranberry chocolate granola clusters fresh, use airtight containers. This helps to keep moisture out. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Store them at room temperature. They stay good for about two weeks. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing. How to Freeze Granola Clusters To freeze your granola clusters, first, let them cool completely. Next, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Thawing and Reheating Tips When you're ready to eat, take the clusters out of the freezer. Place them in the fridge overnight to thaw. If you want them warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This makes them taste fresh again. Enjoy your delicious clusters! To make these tasty clusters, follow these key steps: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. - In a separate bowl, whisk together honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. - Pour the wet mix over the dry ingredients. Stir until all ingredients are coated. - Fold in dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips gently. - Spread the mix onto the lined baking sheet, pressing it down to form a compact layer. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Stir halfway for even baking. - Cool completely on the baking sheet to form clusters. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container. Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free. To do this, choose certified gluten-free rolled oats. You can also use gluten-free substitutes for honey, like agave syrup. Both options will keep the flavor and texture intact. These clusters last about one week at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer freshness, you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Just remember to let them cool completely before storing! You now know how to make tasty cranberry chocolate granola clusters. You have a list of ingredients, clear baking steps, and handy tips. Remember, you can swap in different nuts or sweeteners to fit your taste. These clusters are fun to make and perfect for snacks or breakfast. Keep them in an airtight container for lasting freshness. Don’t hesitate to try your own flavor twists! Enjoy your tasty creation and share it with others. Happy baking!

Cranberry Chocolate Granola Clusters

Delicious clusters of granola with cranberries and chocolate, perfect for snacking or breakfast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup almonds, chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Mix well to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  • Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Gently fold in the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips.
  • Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to form a compact layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Be sure to check and stir halfway through to ensure even baking.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This will help to create the clusters.
  • After cooling, break the granola into clusters and store them in an airtight container.

Notes

Serve in a glass jar or bowl, and enjoy with yogurt or milk. Garnish with extra cranberries and chocolate chips.
Keyword breakfast, chocolate, cranberry, granola, snack