Maple Pecan Crunch Granola Clusters

Maple Pecan Crunch Granola Clusters

Julia

These Maple Pecan Crunch Granola Clusters are the perfect solution for busy mornings when you need a wholesome, gluten-free breakfast that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Each golden cluster is packed with toasted pecans, naturally gluten-free oats, and bound together with pure maple syrup and coconut oil, creating an irresistible combination of sweet and nutty flavors with a satisfying crunch in every bite.

What makes these clusters truly special is their versatility and convenience. Unlike loose granola that scatters everywhere, these hold together beautifully, making them ideal for eating straight from a container during your commute, tossing into your bag for a mid-morning snack, or crumbling over yogurt when you have an extra minute. The maple syrup provides natural sweetness without refined sugars, while the pecans deliver healthy fats and protein to keep you energized throughout your morning.

The secret to achieving those coveted chunky clusters lies in the technique: pressing the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking and resisting the urge to stir during cooking. This allows the maple syrup to caramelize and bind everything together, creating those signature crunchy clusters that make this granola so addictive. Once cooled and broken into pieces, these clusters stay fresh for weeks in an airtight container, making them a perfect make-ahead breakfast option.

Whether you're following a gluten-free diet by necessity or choice, these clusters prove that dietary restrictions don't mean sacrificing taste or texture. They're naturally wholesome, made with simple ingredients you can pronounce, and deliver that satisfying crunch that makes breakfast something to look forward to every single day.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

45 minutes
None servings
285 calories
Fat 16.00g
Carbs 33.00g
Protein 5.00g

Ingredients

3 cupscertified gluten-free rolled oats
1.5 cupsraw pecans, roughly chopped
1/2 cupunsweetened shredded coconut
1 tspground cinnamon
1/2 tspsea salt
1/2 cuppure maple syrup
1/4 cupcoconut oil, melted
1 tsppure vanilla extract
1/4 tspalmond extract (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Parchment paper
Oven
Whisk
measuring spoons
measuring cups
large mixing bowl
chef's knife
small saucepan
spatula
large rimmed baking sheet
airtight storage container

80/20 Diet

Over 80% of the ingredients are nutrient-dense whole foods like oats, pecans, coconut, and maple syrup, making this recipe an excellent fit for the 80/20 eating approach. The natural ingredients provide balanced nutrition with minimal processed components.

Clean Eating

Ideal for clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients like rolled oats, pecans, coconut, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Each ingredient is recognizable and in its natural state, without refined sugars or artificial additives.

Flexitarian Diet

A plant-based recipe that can easily fit into a flexitarian approach, featuring whole grains, nuts, and natural sweeteners. The recipe is entirely vegetarian and can be a nutritious breakfast or snack option.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is perfectly gluten-free, using certified gluten-free rolled oats and naturally gluten-free ingredients like pecans, coconut, and maple syrup. It's specifically designed to be safe for those avoiding gluten while providing delicious, wholesome nutrition.

Mindful Eating

Supports mindful eating principles with whole, minimally processed ingredients that engage multiple senses through varied textures, natural sweetness, and crunchy clusters. The recipe encourages slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation.

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the rack in the center of the oven.

2 min
2

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

1 min
3

Roughly chop the pecans into pieces, leaving some larger chunks for texture.

3 min
4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until evenly distributed.

2 min
5
2 min

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the coconut oil until melted, then remove from heat.

6

Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the melted coconut oil and whisk until well combined.

1 min
7

Pour the maple syrup mixture over the oat mixture and stir thoroughly with a spatula until every piece is coated and the mixture appears glossy and sticky.

2 min
8

Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, pressing down gently to create clusters.

2 min
9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes without stirring or disturbing the granola.

25 min
10

After 25 minutes, rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown and fragrant. Do not stir.

10 min
11

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the pan for at least 1 hour. Do not break it apart while warm, as this is when the clusters form.

1h
12

Once completely cooled, break the granola into clusters of your desired size with your hands.

2 min
13

Store the granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions