Easy Homemade Granola Clusters

Need a quick breakfast recipe? Try these easy homemade crunchy granola clusters. They’re so simple and only require 3 main ingredients: rolled oats, maple syrup and oil. 

Why you should cook this

• Versatile –  Granola clusters are great for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks!
  
• Non-processed – Making your own granola at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that you avoid additives and excessive sugar often found in shop-bought varieties.
  
• Customisable – You can easily tailor the ingredients of your granola mix to suit your own preferences and dietary restrictions.
  
• Cost-effective – Making your own granola can be more economical in the long run compared to purchasing pre-packaged versions, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk.

Variations

There are a number of ways you can switch up this recipe according to your tastes. Here are some ideas to try! 

Swap the nuts – if you don’t like walnuts, try another nut such as almonds, hazelnuts or cashews.

Add seeds – seeds would make a great addition. Try pumpkin seeds for added iron, or flaxseeds for extra omega 3. 

Switch the dried fruit – experiment with different chopped dried fruit. Swap the cranberries and goji berries for other fruit such as dried pineapple,  dried apricots, chopped dates or raisins.

Flavour with a different spice – you can’t beat cinnamon in my opinion, but other spices such as nutmeg, mixed spice or a touch of ginger would also taste great. 

Make it a bit chocolatey – if you’d like a chocolate treat, try adding some dark chocolate chips after the granola has cooled.

Serve with

This simple homemade granola can be served in so many ways. Here are some ideas for you to try:

Milk or yoghurt: Serve granola as a breakfast cereal with cold milk or your favourite yoghurt.

On top of smoothie bowls: Sprinkle granola on top of smoothie bowls for added texture. It pairs well with the creamy texture of smoothies.

As a topping for porridge: Use granola as a topping for a warm bowl of porridge. It adds texture, sweetness, and flavour to the porridge, making it more interesting and satisfying.

In parfaits: Layer granola with yoghurt and fresh fruit to create delicious and visually appealing parfaits. It’s a great option for a nutritious breakfast, or a healthy snack or pudding.

On top of fruit salad: Sprinkle granola on top of fruit salad to add crunch and sweetness. It complements the natural sweetness of the fruit and makes the salad more filling and satisfying.

As a trail mix: Mix granola with nuts, dried fruit, and seeds to create a homemade trail mix. It’s a convenient and portable snack that provides energy and nutrition on-the-go.

In ice cream sundaes: Use granola as a topping for ice cream sundaes. It adds crunch and flavour to the creamy ice cream, creating a delicious and indulgent dessert.

Ingredients for Granola Clusters

Rolled oats – using whole oats that are rolled will help the clusters to form.

Walnuts – if you have whole walnuts, break them up into pieces with your hands.

Cinnamon – you can substitute with a different spice or leave this out if you don’t like the flavour.

Salt – I like to use sea salt flakes but any type of salt will be fine.

Vegetable oil – you could use olive oil if you prefer.

Maple syrup – You could substitute the maple syrup for honey, or use a mixture of both.

Dried cranberries – I like to use these for their sweet but sharp flavour.

Goji berries – these are less sweet and have a slight crunchy texture. Feel free to substitute with a different dried fruit if you can’t find them.

How to make easy homemade granola clusters

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
   
2. Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, salt, cinnamon and walnuts. Add the maple syrup and vegetable oil and stir well until all the oats are evenly coated.
   
3. Spread onto baking tray: Tip the mixture onto the prepared baking tray and press down in one even layer.
   
4. Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the granola looks golden brown and crisp.
   
5. Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will firm up as it cools.
   
6. Form clusters and add fruit: Once completely cooled, gently break up the granola with your hands so that it forms clusters. Sprinkle the dried cranberries and goji berries into the granola.
   
7. Store: Store the granola clusters in an airtight container at room temperature until you are ready to serve it.

Storage instructions

The cooled granola can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks.

More great breakfast ideas

---