These Peanut Butter Granola Clusters are going to be your new favorite breakfast or go-to snack on a long hike! The clusters are crunchy, yet soft, and so full of flavor. You won't be able to put them down.
I have a total love affair with granola. It's the perfect quick breakfast, but also makes an awesome mid-morning snack. I've even taken it out on the trails for long hikes. But, if I'm being honest, it rarely makes it past the sheet pan in my house. When I set it out to cool, I find myself (and the rest of my family) sneaking bites as I walk by.
Granola is a great snack for any occasion. When I go to the store to buy granola, I always look for the kind that has clusters, because I just love being able to scoop all the yummy goodness into one bite! There are some really great store bought granolas on the market, but truly, it is so simple to make.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make! This recipe for granola clusters comes together very quickly, and is the perfect topping on yogurt.
- Healthy homemade granola. Anytime I can make something homemade, especially when it's as easy as this recipe, I am all in!
- Kid-friendly baking. This recipe is super simple, and is the perfect way for kids to help in the kitchen.
Tools You'll Need
Ingredients Notes
- Gluten-free rolled oats - It is important to use rolled oats instead of quick cooking oats. This recipe bakes for a bit, and the texture of rolled oats is key to this recipe. NOTE: It is ok to use regular rolled oats instead of gluten free, but I tend to eat a gluten-free diet, so that is what I used when making this peanut butter granola cluster recipe.
- Dates - Not only are dates really great for you, but they provide a really unique and delicious texture in this recipe.
- Pecans - I love using pecans in recipes. They offer such a great flavor. Always use unsalted nuts in recipes. This way you are able to control the amount of salt in a recipe.
- Chia seeds - Chia seeds are a great addition to any granola recipe. They are high in fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids, so they are really good for you too!
- Spices - I use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg for the perfect warm flavor profile.
- Natural peanut butter - Do not. I repeat. DO NOT use sweetened peanut butter. Natural peanut butter is a healthier option, and just like unsalted nuts, it allows you to control the level of sweetness and other flavors in this recipe for peanut butter granola clusters.
- Real maple syrup - Real maple syrup is both better for you and better tasting! It is a vital ingredient in this recipe.
- Coconut oil - Coconut oil is the best in this recipe. It is a semi-solid fat, so it is not as wet as oil like grape seed or avocado oil
Substitutions
- Gluten-free rolled oats - You may substitute regular rolled oats instead of gluten-free rolled oats if you do not need a gluten-free diet.
- Dates - You may substitute any dried fruit for the dates. Raisins would be really good in this recipe, too.
- Chia seeds - Chia seeds may be omitted from the recipe altogether.
- Maple syrup - You may substitute light brown sugar instead of real maple syrup. If you are substituting, be sure to allow the sugar to fully melt when heating over the stovetop.
- Cassava flour - This recipe works really well if you substitute regular all-purpose flour or gluten free all-purpose flour as well!
Prepare the Granola
Preheat the oven to 275°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Next, in a medium bowl, toss together oats, dates, pecans, almond meal, chia seeds, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
In a small saucepan, whisk together peanut butter, syrup, vanilla extract and coconut oil over low heat until warmed through and well combined.
Once the mixture is combined, pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture, and toss to combine. Finally, spread evenly on the lined baking sheet, into a ½ - inch thick layer. Place in the oven, and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool, and break into large chunks for serving.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade granola clusters are great served with yogurt and fresh berries. The great thing about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and then stored in an airtight container!
This recipe is also easy to double or triple. Then you can store it in glass jars with pretty ribbon to make a super easy and delicious teacher gift!
FAQ's
This recipe can be made and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, but it won't last that long!
Peanut butter granola clusters are a healthy and simple snack the whole family will love. When you serve them with berries and yogurt, it's a complete meal all in one bowl!
This is not a freezer friendly snack. However, this recipe does remain fresh for up to two weeks
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Watch the syrup mixture closely. If this mixture is not mixed well or heats up too much it could burn or become lumpy. To ensure this doesn't happen, whisk the mixture very well, and watch it closely so that it does not burn.
- Double check your oven temperature. Each oven temperature varies just a bit, so it's always a good idea to keep an oven thermometer in the oven to ensure accuracy.
More Recipes You May Like
Peanut Butter Granola Clusters
Equipment
- sheet pan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cups pitted chopped dates
- ½ cups chopped pecans
- ¼ cup cassava flour
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup creamy natural (unsweetened) peanut butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coconut oil or unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, toss together oats, dates, pecans, cassava flour, chia seeds, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together peanut butter, syrup, vanilla extract and coconut oil over low heat until warmed through and well combined.
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture, and toss to combine. Spread evenly on the lined baking sheet, into a ½ - inch thick layer. Place in the oven, and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool, and break into large chunks for serving.
Notes
- If your oven tends to run hot, be sure to check the granola after 10 minutes.
- If the granola looks like it is becoming too brown on one side, give it a good stir.
Nutrition
Crispy, slightly sweet, nutty and delicious, these peanut butter granola clusters makes the PERFECT breakfast with yogurt and fruit. You could also bag them up for the perfect snack on a nice long hike!
Chels
This recipe is absolutely delish ! I used GF flour and it worked like a charm. I accidentally forgot to add coconut oil and it was still so goood!!! Def making this weekly for my parfaits thanks you
Erica Hopper
I'm SOOOO glad you loved this! And I love that you used gluten free flour! It's such a versatile recipe!