Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters Recipe

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Looking for a tasty and easy snack? You’ll love my slow cooker maple cinnamon granola clusters! This recipe is simple and packed with flavor. With just a few basic ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, and pure maple syrup, you can create a crunchy treat perfect for breakfast or munching. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious granola that’s sure to impress your friends and family!

Ingredients

List of Essential Ingredients

– 3 cups rolled oats

– 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), roughly chopped

– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

– 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

– 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots), optional

To make Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters, gather these ingredients. The rolled oats form the base. They provide fiber and a chewy texture. You can use any nuts you like. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans add crunch and healthy fats.

Pumpkin seeds bring a nice crunch and extra nutrients. Unsweetened coconut flakes add a hint of sweetness and tropical flavor. Pure maple syrup serves as the sweetener. It gives a rich, natural taste. Melted coconut oil helps bind the mixture and adds healthy fat.

Vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness. If you want, you can add dried fruit for extra flavor. Raisins, cranberries, or apricots work well.

These ingredients combine to make a delicious and healthy snack. You’ll love how easy this recipe is!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of roughly chopped nuts, and 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds. You can use almonds, walnuts, or pecans—whichever you like best! Next, add 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir everything well until it is evenly mixed. This blend will be the base of your granola clusters.

Preparing the Wet Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This sweet and fragrant blend will help bind all your dry ingredients together.

Cooking in the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of coconut oil or cooking spray. Then, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold everything together until all the oats and nuts are coated. Spread the mixture evenly in the slow cooker. Cover it with the lid and set the heat to low. Cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. This way, the granola cooks evenly and turns golden brown.

Cooling and Clumping

Once the cooking time is up, turn off the slow cooker and let the granola cool for 30 minutes with the lid off. This cooling time is key! It helps the granola clump into tasty clusters. If you want to add dried fruit, wait until the granola is completely cool before you mix it in. Finally, transfer your granola clusters to an airtight container and store them for up to two weeks. Enjoy your delicious and crunchy treat!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Granola Clusters

To make your granola clusters just right, stir the mixture every 30 minutes while it cooks. This helps the granola cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.

If you like your clusters extra crunchy, you can adjust the cooking time. Try cooking for up to 3 hours instead of 2.5 hours. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Presentation Ideas

When serving, use a clear glass jar or a decorative bowl. This makes the clusters look inviting and fun. You can sprinkle extra coconut flakes on top for a finishing touch.

Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the top to enhance the flavor. For a yummy breakfast, pair it with yogurt or milk. This adds creaminess to the crunchy granola.

Nutritional Insights

Each ingredient offers great health benefits. Rolled oats are full of fiber, which helps digestion. Nuts provide healthy fats and protein, keeping you full longer.

Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium. Coconut flakes add healthy fats and a bit of sweetness. Using pure maple syrup instead of refined sugar gives natural sweetness and minerals.

Adding dried fruit can give extra vitamins and flavor.

Variations

Flavor Add-Ins

You can boost the taste of your granola with spices and extracts. Try adding:

Nutmeg for warmth.

Ginger for a zesty kick.

Almond extract for a sweet touch.

For sweetness, consider using:

Honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.

These changes let you customize the flavor to your liking.

Ingredient Swaps

If you need nut-free options, use seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work great. For gluten-free alternatives, choose certified gluten-free oats. This way, everyone can enjoy your granola.

Seasonal Versions

You can switch up your granola based on the season. In autumn, add:

Chopped apples and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.

For summer, mix in:

Dried mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.

These seasonal touches make your granola feel fresh and fun all year long!

Storage Info

How to Store Granola Clusters

To keep your granola clusters fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars work great. They help keep the granola crunchy and tasty. Make sure the lid seals tightly. If you use plastic, choose BPA-free options. This helps avoid any bad chemicals.

For best freshness, store the granola in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with heat or moisture, like near the stove. Always scoop the granola with a clean, dry spoon. This helps keep it safe from bacteria.

Shelf Life

Granola clusters last up to two weeks at room temperature. After that, they may lose crunch and flavor. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option. Place the clusters in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

To enjoy frozen granola, let it thaw in the fridge. Or, you can enjoy it straight from the freezer for a crunchy snack. Just remember, the texture may change a bit after thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this granola nut-free?

Yes, you can make this granola nut-free. Simply replace the nuts with more seeds. Use extra pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. You can also add more coconut flakes for texture. This way, you still get a tasty crunch without nuts.

Can I use a different sweetener?

You can use different sweeteners. Honey is a great choice. Agave syrup works too. If you want a low-calorie option, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just remember, the liquid amount may change, so adjust as needed.

What kind of fruits can I add?

You can add many types of dried fruits. Raisins, cranberries, and apricots are great options. You might also try dried figs or dates for a chewy texture. Just make sure to chop any large pieces into smaller bits. This way, they mix in well.

How do I make it more crunchy?

To make your granola crunchier, cook it longer. Stir every 30 minutes for even cooking. You can also let it cool completely before breaking it apart. If you want extra crunch, bake it in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking.

Making your own granola is easy and fun. You learned about essential ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds. The step-by-step guide showed you how to mix and cook everything just right. We also shared great tips to make your granola clusters perfect and delicious.

As you explore flavor variations and storage tips, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it. Keep experimenting to find what you love best, and soon you’ll have a special granola that’s all your own! Enjoy your homemade snack and the joy it brings.

- 3 cups rolled oats - 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), roughly chopped - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds - 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots), optional To make Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters, gather these ingredients. The rolled oats form the base. They provide fiber and a chewy texture. You can use any nuts you like. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans add crunch and healthy fats. Pumpkin seeds bring a nice crunch and extra nutrients. Unsweetened coconut flakes add a hint of sweetness and tropical flavor. Pure maple syrup serves as the sweetener. It gives a rich, natural taste. Melted coconut oil helps bind the mixture and adds healthy fat. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness. If you want, you can add dried fruit for extra flavor. Raisins, cranberries, or apricots work well. These ingredients combine to make a delicious and healthy snack. You’ll love how easy this recipe is! In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of roughly chopped nuts, and 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds. You can use almonds, walnuts, or pecans—whichever you like best! Next, add 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir everything well until it is evenly mixed. This blend will be the base of your granola clusters. In another bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This sweet and fragrant blend will help bind all your dry ingredients together. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of coconut oil or cooking spray. Then, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold everything together until all the oats and nuts are coated. Spread the mixture evenly in the slow cooker. Cover it with the lid and set the heat to low. Cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. This way, the granola cooks evenly and turns golden brown. Once the cooking time is up, turn off the slow cooker and let the granola cool for 30 minutes with the lid off. This cooling time is key! It helps the granola clump into tasty clusters. If you want to add dried fruit, wait until the granola is completely cool before you mix it in. Finally, transfer your granola clusters to an airtight container and store them for up to two weeks. Enjoy your delicious and crunchy treat! To make your granola clusters just right, stir the mixture every 30 minutes while it cooks. This helps the granola cook evenly and develop a nice golden color. If you like your clusters extra crunchy, you can adjust the cooking time. Try cooking for up to 3 hours instead of 2.5 hours. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning. When serving, use a clear glass jar or a decorative bowl. This makes the clusters look inviting and fun. You can sprinkle extra coconut flakes on top for a finishing touch. Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the top to enhance the flavor. For a yummy breakfast, pair it with yogurt or milk. This adds creaminess to the crunchy granola. Each ingredient offers great health benefits. Rolled oats are full of fiber, which helps digestion. Nuts provide healthy fats and protein, keeping you full longer. Pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium. Coconut flakes add healthy fats and a bit of sweetness. Using pure maple syrup instead of refined sugar gives natural sweetness and minerals. Adding dried fruit can give extra vitamins and flavor. {{image_4}} You can boost the taste of your granola with spices and extracts. Try adding: - Nutmeg for warmth. - Ginger for a zesty kick. - Almond extract for a sweet touch. For sweetness, consider using: - Honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup. These changes let you customize the flavor to your liking. If you need nut-free options, use seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work great. For gluten-free alternatives, choose certified gluten-free oats. This way, everyone can enjoy your granola. You can switch up your granola based on the season. In autumn, add: - Chopped apples and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. For summer, mix in: - Dried mango or pineapple for a tropical twist. These seasonal touches make your granola feel fresh and fun all year long! To keep your granola clusters fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars work great. They help keep the granola crunchy and tasty. Make sure the lid seals tightly. If you use plastic, choose BPA-free options. This helps avoid any bad chemicals. For best freshness, store the granola in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with heat or moisture, like near the stove. Always scoop the granola with a clean, dry spoon. This helps keep it safe from bacteria. Granola clusters last up to two weeks at room temperature. After that, they may lose crunch and flavor. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option. Place the clusters in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy frozen granola, let it thaw in the fridge. Or, you can enjoy it straight from the freezer for a crunchy snack. Just remember, the texture may change a bit after thawing. Yes, you can make this granola nut-free. Simply replace the nuts with more seeds. Use extra pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. You can also add more coconut flakes for texture. This way, you still get a tasty crunch without nuts. You can use different sweeteners. Honey is a great choice. Agave syrup works too. If you want a low-calorie option, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just remember, the liquid amount may change, so adjust as needed. You can add many types of dried fruits. Raisins, cranberries, and apricots are great options. You might also try dried figs or dates for a chewy texture. Just make sure to chop any large pieces into smaller bits. This way, they mix in well. To make your granola crunchier, cook it longer. Stir every 30 minutes for even cooking. You can also let it cool completely before breaking it apart. If you want extra crunch, bake it in the oven for a few minutes after slow cooking. Making your own granola is easy and fun. You learned about essential ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds. The step-by-step guide showed you how to mix and cook everything just right. We also shared great tips to make your granola clusters perfect and delicious. As you explore flavor variations and storage tips, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it. Keep experimenting to find what you love best, and soon you’ll have a special granola that’s all your own! Enjoy your homemade snack and the joy it brings.

Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters

Start your day with the delicious crunch of Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Granola Clusters! This simple recipe combines rolled oats, nuts, and coconut with pure maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon for a delightful boost. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these clusters are easy to make in your slow cooker and are sure to please. Click through to explore these tasty recipes and bring a touch of homemade goodness to your kitchen!

Ingredients
  

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), roughly chopped

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots), optional

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir well until all dry ingredients are evenly mixed.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy.

      Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and use a spatula to fold everything together until all the oats and nuts are well-coated with the syrup mixture.

        Lightly grease the interior of your slow cooker with a touch of coconut oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the granola mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it out into an even layer.

          Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the heat to low. Allow the granola to cook for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring the mixture every 30 minutes for even cooking and browning.

            After cooking, turn off the slow cooker and let the granola cool with the lid off for about 30 minutes. This cooling process will help the granola clump into clusters.

              If desired, stir in any dried fruits after the mixture has cooled completely.

                Transfer the granola clusters to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to two weeks.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 10

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the granola clusters in a clear glass jar or decorative bowl. For an enticing touch, sprinkle additional coconut flakes on top and drizzle with a little extra maple syrup. Pair it with yogurt or milk for a delightful breakfast experience!

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