Honey Nut Granola Clusters (Printable)

Crisp clusters of oats, nuts, and honey, perfect for mornings or snacks.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), roughly chopped
03 - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
04 - 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1/2 cup honey
08 - 1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine oats, mixed nuts, shredded coconut, seeds, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Gently warm honey and coconut oil or butter in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warmed wet ingredients over the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat all components.
05 - Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing down gently to create a compact layer that encourages cluster formation.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the mixture is golden and aromatic.
07 - Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet without stirring. Once cooled, break into clusters.
08 - Store clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're ready in under an hour and taste like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
  • One batch makes enough to last through several mornings, which means less decision-making before coffee.
  • You can customize the nuts and seeds to whatever you have hiding in your pantry.
  • They're crisp when fresh but somehow don't turn into a sad pile of crumbs at the bottom of the container like so many granolas do.
02 -
  • Don't open the oven door obsessively—checking it constantly drops the temperature and extends baking time unpredictably.
  • The halfway turn is real and necessary; the back of the oven always runs hotter than the front.
  • Cooling completely without stirring is what separates clusters from granola crumbles; I know it's boring, but it's non-negotiable.
03 -
  • If you want a vegan version, swap the honey for maple syrup and the butter or coconut oil for any neutral oil—they'll still cluster beautifully.
  • Weigh your oats if you have a scale (three cups is roughly 270 grams) because it's more consistent than scooping, especially if your flour storage has compacted things.
  • Watching the color matters more than watching the clock—every oven runs a little different, so pull them out when they're golden brown, not when the timer says so.
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