Homemade Granola Clusters (Easy and Healthy)

caitlinbrae — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 08:22:00 +0000

The best homemade granola clusters are made from a mixture of rolled oats, cereal, raisins, coconut and white chocolate. Whip up this healthy homemade granola for a crowd or enjoy it all to yourself.

Ingredients needed for homemade granola clusters

You will need the ingredients below to make this homemade crunchy granola.

Rolled oats are the main ingredient for this granola. We will be using 3 cups!

Corn flakes, or corn based cereal of choice. The cereal adds extra crunchiness and flavor.

Raisins and dried cranberries add an all natural sweetness.

Just a bit of unsweetened shredded coconut enhances the flavor profile. Feel free to omit the coconut if you’re not a fan.

Cashews are one of the best parts of this granola! They add the best crunch.

Just a pinch of salt to help enhance all the flavors.

Coconut sugar is the all natural sweetener we will be using. Feel free to use regular white sugar or brown sugar.

Honey is another all natural sweetener that helps bind everything together!

Coconut oil or butter is used as the baking fat. This helps bind all the ingredients together.

White chocolate chips add a fun twist to this granola. If you aren’t a fan of white chocolate, feel free to use milk chocolate instead.

Why homemade granola clusters are the best

This easy granola is a total keeper! It is perfectly crunchy, clustery, sweet, salty and just absolutely delicious. If you’re a granola lover, you are seriously going love this recipe due to the large clusters. And if you love granola you probably love granola bars or anything with oats! Most granola or oat recipes can be loaded with sugar and lots of chocolate chips – oops! But that’s totally ok. This recipe dials back the sugar and chocolate a wee bit. But you still get the sweet and salty flavor. Here are a few other reasons why you’ll love this recipe.

There are large snacking clusters.

This recipe is loaded with wholesome oats which have fiber, carbs and whole grains.

Granola makes the best grab and go snack or meal prep breakfast.

It is perfect to make for a crowd as it makes a large batch.

Additionally, try this monster cookie granola!

The secret to making irresistible granola clusters

You may wonder how to get the perfect, homemade granola clusters. I will fill you on this little secret lol.

Firstly, as mentioned, do not mix or stir the granola while it is baking.
Secondly, once it is done baking, turn the oven off and leave the pan in the oven until it cools.
Lastly, once the granola has fully cooled, break it up with your hands into chunks.

And there you have it! These three simple steps make the best homemade granola.

How to store granola?

Once you break the cooled granola into clusters, place and store the granola in an air tight container. Keep the granola on the counter at room temperature for four days or keep it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also store the granola in individual containers. I like to store mine Store it in individual baggies as it makes the perfect grab and go snack!

Another positive about this recipe is that is makes a lot of granola. It is great to make when you have family and friends around as it makes for the perfect little gift or treat. Tie a bow around the container or baggie and ta-dah! You have a cute little gift to give to your neighbor, friend or family.

Breaking down the main granola ingredients

Oats. This recipe uses old fashioned oats and they are a must for making this granola. Let’s talk about oats. Oats are incredibly hearty and nutritious. They also provide a great source of healthy carbs and fibers. And did I mention they are whole grain? These are some of the few reasons I love baking with oats and oat flour.

Corn cereal. Adding cereal to this recipe allows for a perfect crunchy consistency. Feel free to use your cereal of choice, I prefer to use corn flakes.

Unsweetened shredded coconut. Adding shredded coconut adds a delicious nutty flavor and pairs perfectly with the cashews and white chocolate in this recipe. You can use either sweetened or unsweetened coconut.

Salted cashews. Personally, I like using salted cashews as they add the best flavor.

Salt. Adding a hint of salt really enhances the flavor of this granola.

Honey. Honey adds additional sweetness to this granola. It also helps hold everything together.

Coconut oil. Coconut oil is very versatile and it is a great substitution for butter and other oils. I typically use refined coconut oil which doesn’t have a strong coconut taste.

Possible substitutes for this homemade cluster granola

Raisins or dried cranberries. Feel free to use any dried fruit of choice. Use either raisins or dried cranberries as they both add little hints of sweetness.

Coconut sugar. I used coconut sugar as one of the sweeteners in this recipe. I love baking with coconut sugar as it is a slightly healthier alternative than regular sugar. If you prefer regular white sugar or brown sugar, feel free to use those instead!

White chocolate chips. Adding white chocolate chips to this granola is the cherry on top! It adds unexpected bites of goodness throughout this granola. If you aren’t a fan of white chocolate feel free to add in milk or dark chocolate instead.

Other granola recipes you’ll love

Definitely give these other healthy homemade granola recipes a try!

Classic Maple Walnut Granola (with chocolate, craisins and coconut)

The Most Delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola

Simple and Healthy 5 Seed Power Bars

Peanut butter and jelly chex mix granola

If you make this healthy homemade granola or any recipes on Braes Bites, then please don’t forget to rate this recipe or leave a comment down below! I love hearing from you and seeing what you make.

Your reviews and comments help support Brae’s Bites and allows me to continue to make delicious recipes!

For some more recipe inspiration, you can also find and follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!