Cranberry Almond Granola Clusters (Printable)
Golden oat clusters with almonds and cranberries, baked to a crunchy, flavorful finish.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1 cup sliced almonds
03 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
04 - 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
08 - 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted unsalted butter
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, mix oats, almonds, cranberries, coconut (if using), cinnamon, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey or maple syrup with coconut oil until melted and blended. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring thoroughly to ensure all components are coated evenly.
05 - Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and press firmly with a spatula to create a compact and even layer to encourage cluster formation.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until golden and aromatic.
07 - Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet without disturbing, to preserve cluster integrity.
08 - Once cooled, break into clusters and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They're ready in just 35 minutes, which means you can satisfy a granola craving without committing your whole afternoon.
- The tart cranberries balance the sweetness perfectly, and every bite feels like an actual treat, not a virtuous health decision.
- They keep for two weeks, so one batch covers all your breakfast and snacking emergencies.
02 -
- Resist the urge to stir while cooling—I learned this the hard way when impatience turned a perfect batch into granola crumbs that still tasted good but lost their satisfying crunch.
- Rotating the pan halfway through baking prevents over-browning on one side and ensures even toasting that keeps almonds tender inside while oats turn crispy.
03 -
- If your coconut oil or butter refuses to meld evenly with honey, patience beats force—low heat and gentle stirring prevent separation that would create uneven coating.
- For the crispiest clusters, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers so they don't steam each other into softness.