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To make these delightful clusters, you need a few key ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped - 1 cup dried apples, diced - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Each ingredient plays a vital role. The rolled oats provide a hearty base. Pecans add crunch and healthy fats. Dried apples bring sweetness and chewy texture. Brown sugar gives a rich flavor, while honey and coconut oil help bind everything together. You can also add chia seeds for extra nutrition. These tiny seeds pack fiber and omega-3s. They blend well and give a nice crunch. Feel free to get creative. You might try adding other nuts or seeds too! Each serving of these granola clusters has around: - Calories: 220 - Protein: 4g - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 32g - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 7g These clusters are a tasty snack. They provide energy without too much sugar. Enjoy them as a healthy treat or a breakfast boost! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your granola bakes evenly. Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and diced dried apples. Then, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and sea salt. If you choose to use chia seeds, add them here too. Stir everything together well. This step mixes the flavors and textures, ensuring each bite is delicious. In a small saucepan, combine the packed brown sugar, honey, and melted coconut oil. Heat over low and stir constantly. This keeps the sugar from burning. Once the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, remove it from heat. Add the pure vanilla extract and mix well. This sweet mixture is the secret to your clusters sticking together. Pour the warm brown sugar mixture over your dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is well-coated. Then, spread the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Press down firmly with a spatula for good clusters. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden brown edge. Halfway through, stir the granola gently to cook evenly. After baking, let it cool completely on the sheet. As it cools, it will harden and become crunchy. Once cooled, break the granola into clusters. Store these tasty treats in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Enjoy them as a snack or with yogurt! To get those perfect clusters, press the granola mixture down firmly on the baking sheet. This helps it bind together as it bakes. Make sure all the ingredients mix well. The brown sugar mixture should coat everything evenly. Stir halfway through baking to keep it from burning, but don't break it up too much. Once it cools, it will hold its shape better. Store your granola clusters in an airtight container. This keeps them crunchy and fresh for up to two weeks. If you live in a humid area, consider adding a silica gel packet to absorb moisture. Always let the granola cool completely before sealing the container. This prevents condensation that can make your clusters soggy. These granola clusters shine as a snack on their own. You can also top yogurt or smoothie bowls for added crunch. Try them with milk or almond milk for a quick breakfast. For a fun twist, mix them with fresh fruits like berries or bananas. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top adds a nice touch. {{image_4}} You can change up the nuts and fruits in this recipe. Use almonds or walnuts instead of pecans. For dried fruits, try cranberries or raisins. Each nut adds its own flavor and crunch. Likewise, different fruits bring unique tastes. Experiment to find your favorite mix! Want a vegan option? You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. This keeps the sweetness while staying plant-based. For gluten-free granola, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. This ensures every bite is safe and delicious for all eaters. Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for a new twist. You can also mix in cocoa powder for a chocolatey touch. If you're feeling adventurous, a dash of orange zest can brighten the flavor. These small changes can create a whole new granola experience! To keep your Brown Sugar Apple Pecan Granola Clusters fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars work great, as do plastic containers with tight lids. Store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid sunlight, as it can make them go stale quickly. If you want to keep them extra fresh, add a piece of bread or a small bag of silica gel. This will help absorb moisture. If you want to save some granola for later, freezing is a smart choice. Place the clusters in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, just take out what you need. Let them thaw at room temperature. You can also pop them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up. Granola clusters are best enjoyed fresh, but they can last up to two weeks when stored properly. After that, they may start to lose their crunch. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it’s time to toss them. For the best taste and texture, eat them within the first week. This way, you can enjoy their sweet, crunchy goodness to the fullest! Yes, you can use fresh apples. However, they will change the texture. Fresh apples have more water. This can make your clusters softer. If you use fresh, chop them small and add them near the end of baking. This way, they stay soft and tasty. To reduce sweetness, cut back on brown sugar. You can also swap honey for a less sweet syrup. Try adding more oats or nuts to balance flavors. Use unsweetened coconut oil to avoid added sugar. Taste as you mix to find your perfect level of sweetness. Reheating granola clusters is easy! Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the clusters on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will make them warm and crunchy again. You can also use a microwave, but it may soften them. Enjoy your tasty treat! To sum up, making Brown Sugar Apple Pecan Granola Clusters is simple and fun. We covered key and optional ingredients for added nutrition. The step-by-step instructions make the process clear. Tips and tricks help you achieve perfect clusters and keep them fresh. You can even try various nuts and fruits for fun flavors. Store your granola properly to enjoy it longer. Remember, this treat is easy to customize and delicious. Enjoy your homemade granola!

Brown Sugar Apple Pecan Granola Clusters

Indulge in a deliciously crunchy and sweet treat with these Brown Sugar Apple Pecan Granola Clusters! This easy recipe combines rolled oats, pecans, and dried apples with a rich brown sugar glaze sure to satisfy your snack cravings. Perfect for topping yogurt or enjoying on their own. Click through for step-by-step instructions and tips, and start creating your homemade granola today! #GranolaClusters #HealthySnacks #BreakfastIdeas #HomemadeGranola
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

1 cup dried apples, diced

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup chia seeds (optional for added nutrition)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, coarsely chopped pecans, diced dried apples, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and chia seeds (if using). Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.

      In a small saucepan, combine the packed brown sugar, honey, and melted coconut oil over low heat. Stir continuously until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Once ready, remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the pure vanilla extract.

        Drizzle the warm brown sugar mixture over the oat mixture in your large bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir gently until every bit of dry ingredient is well-coated with the sugary mixture.

          Carefully pour the coated mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread it evenly across the surface, and use the back of a spatula to press down firmly, creating a densely packed layer for optimal clustering.

            Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You're looking for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown. Remember to stir the granola mixture gently halfway through baking to promote even cooking.

              Once the granola is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet. It’s important to allow it to cool completely, as it will become crunchy and harden further as it cools.

                After cooling, break the granola into clusters and transfer them to an airtight container. These delightful clusters can be stored for up to two weeks, perfect for snacking or topping yogurt!

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 8

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve your granola clusters in a mason jar or small bowls with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Enjoy them as a snack or a topping for your favorite breakfast yogurt!