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    Home > Recipe Index > Breakfasts > Easy Granola Clusters Recipe! (GF, Vegan, Naturally Sweetened)

    Easy Granola Clusters Recipe! (GF, Vegan, Naturally Sweetened)

    Published: Jan 23, 2019 · Modified: Sep 15, 2022 by Nicki Sizemore · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Two frames, one showing granola clusters in a hand and one showing granola clusters in a bowl with yogurt.
    Two frames, one showing granola clusters in a hand and one showing granola clusters in a bowl with yogurt.

    This granola clusters recipe creates deliciously crunchy and craggy chunks of granola that can be eaten with milk, yogurt, or straight out of hand. High in protein and fiber, they're a healthy snack, breakfast or even dessert!

    Granola clusters in a bowl over yogurt with a cup of tea alongside.

    Are you a clusters person? You know, the type that picks out the crunchy clusters from bags of granola or boxes of cereal? Uh-huh, me too. This granola clusters recipe has been a staple in my house ever since I wrote my first book, and I hope you'll love it too. No more fighting over the clusters!

    A hand holding granola clusters.

    Ingredients:

    The granola clusters are gluten free, vegan and naturally sweetened, and they're made with pantry staples. You can use any nuts and dried fruit you like!

    • Old fashioned rolled oats
    • Pecans, walnuts and pumpkin seeds (or any nuts and seeds you like)
    • Dried fruit, such as apricots, dates, cranberries, currants and/or cherries
    • Unsweetened shredded coconut
    • Cinnamon
    • Maple syrup or honey (or a mix of both)
    • Virgin coconut oil
    • Vanilla extract

    How to make this granola clusters recipe:

    This recipe is made in a food processor, which not only makes the process super simple, but which also breaks down the ingredients to crispy clusters without the need for binders such as eggs or starches.

    Process shot showing oats ground to a flour in a food processor.
    • In a food processor, blend rolled oats to a coarse flour. This step is key, as the flour will act like a binder, gently hugging all of the ingredients together. 
    Process shot showing the dry ingredients in a food processor for the granola clusters recipe.
    • Add more whole oats, unsweetened coconut, nuts, dried fruit and cinnamon. Pulse to combine.
    The granola clusters mixture in a food processor.
    • Drizzle in maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil and vanilla and pulse again until everything is evenly incorporated and damp.
    A hand spreading the granola clusters mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet using a spatula.
    • Spread the granola mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and press it into a compact, even rectangle. This is another key step, as it will help the ingredients to stick together.
    The baked granola clusters recipe on a parchment lined baking sheet.
    • Bake the granola, without stirring, until golden. Once cooled, break the granola into clusters.

    Serving suggestions

    You can eat these clusters over yogurt or with milk for breakfast, or nosh them straight out of hand as a healthy snack or dessert.

    Close-up of granola clusters in a bowl with yogurt and a spoon.

    Recipe tips:

    • If you have a gluten allergy, be sure to by certified gluten-free oats.
    • You’ll need a food processor for this granola clusters recipe. I use this 14-cup Cuisinart model, which is a true workhorse in the kitchen.
    • The granola gets backed on a parchment-lined baking sheet. These pre-cut parchment paper sheets will change your life. I store mine on top of my fridge.
    • Be sure to press the granola into a compact rectangle before baking—it should be about 8x12-inches and ½-inch thick. A silicone spatula works well for pressing the granola.
    • Don’t stir the granola while baking! Be sure to let it cool before breaking it up.
    • Store the granola in an airtight container, such as one of these pretty glass canisters.
    • Check out these Grain Free Granola Clusters, this Gluten Free Granola and this Toasted Buckwheat and Millet Granola!

    *This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (from which I earn income, at no cost to you). Thank you or supporting From Scratch Fast!

    Granola clusters on a baking sheet.

    FAQs

    How do you store homemade granola clusters?

    Store the granola clusters in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

    How do you make granola clusters stick together?

    The secret to making granola clump together is to use a food processor to finely chop the ingredients together, and to bake the granola in a compact layer without stirring. This allows the granola to naturally stick together without the need for binders such as eggs or starches.

    How do you eat granola clusters?

    Granola clusters are a fantastic snack when eaten straight out of hand, but you can also eat them over yogurt or in a bowl with milk.

    Related recipes:

    • Big Batch Gluten Free Granola Recipe
    • Toasted Buckwheat & Millet Granola (GF, Vegan, Sugar-free option)
    • Easy Banana Breakfast Cookies (a.k.a Banana Oatcakes) GF, Vegan
    • Easy Baked Oatmeal Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free, Naturally Sweetened)

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    Stay connected

    I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!

    Get the recipe!

    A bowl of granola clusters in a bowl over yogurt with a cup of tea alongside.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Granola Clusters (Gluten Free, Vegan)

    This granola clusters recipe creates deliciously crunchy and craggy chunks of granola that can be eaten with milk, yogurt, or straight out of hand. High in protein and fiber, they're a healthy snack, breakfast or even dessert! Don’t stir the granola when baking, and be sure to let it cool completely before breaking it into clusters.
    Adapted from The Food Processor Family Cookbook (Sonoma Press 2016), by Nicki Sizemore.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time45 mins
    Total Time55 mins
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: easy granola recipe, granola clusters recipe, make ahead breakfasts
    Servings: 7 cups
    Author: Nicki Sizemore

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats, divided
    • 1 cup pecans
    • ½ cup walnuts
    • ½ cup pumpkin seeds
    • ½ cup coarsely chopped dried fruit, such as apricots, dates, cranberries, currants, cherries, etc.
    • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey (or a mix of both)
    • ¼ cup virgin coconut oil, melted
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 300˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Put ½ cup of the rolled oats in the food processor, and process to a coarse flour. Add the remaining oats, along with the pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried fruit, coconut, cinnamon and salt. Pulse until the nuts are coarsely chopped, about 5-6 pulses.
    • In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil and vanilla. Pour the syrup mixture over the ingredients in the food processor, and pulse until the mixture comes together and looks damp, about 8 pulses.
    • Transfer the granola to the baking sheet. Using a rubber spatula, press it into a ½-inch thick rectangle, about 8x12-inches large. Bake 20 minutes. Rotate the pan 190 degrees and bake until lightly browned along the edges, golden on top, and firm to the touch, about 20-25 minutes longer.
    • Cool the granola on the pan. Break it into clusters before serving.

    Notes

    Do Ahead: The granola clusters can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. 
    Tips:
    • If you have a gluten allergy, be sure to by certified gluten-free oats.
    • You’ll need a food processor for this recipe. I use this 14-cup Cuisinart model, which is a true workhorse in the kitchen.
    • The granola gets backed on a parchment-lined baking sheet. These pre-cut parchment paper sheets will change your life. I store mine on top of my fridge.
    • Be sure to press the granola into a compact rectangle before baking—it should be about 8x12-inches and ½-inch thick. A silicone spatula works well for pressing the granola.
    • Don’t stir the granola while baking! Be sure to let it cool before breaking it up.
    • Store the granola in an airtight container, such as one of these pretty glass canisters.
    • Check out these Grain Free Granola Clusters, this Gluten Free Granola and this Toasted Buckwheat and Millet Granola!

    More Breakfasts

    • Easy Gluten Free Baked Donuts Recipe (No Yeast!)
    • Gluten Free Zucchini Bread (Naturally Sweetened, Dairy Free)
    • Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce (and how to serve it!)
    • Broccoli Cheddar Quiche (Gluten Free!)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Theresa McGregor says

      September 18, 2022 at 1:29 pm

      Hi I can’t wait to try this recipe! Sounds amazing. Love your recipes!
      This is not related to the Granola recipe but I seen a message from a women who said she buys flour from Italy. I can’t seem to find her message. I do not eat much gluten due to my hypothyroid issue. However, I can have it once in a while and I would sure love to try a healthier flour!
      If anyone knows what I’m talking about would you please send me her blog
      Or any info?
      Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        September 19, 2022 at 8:53 am

        Hi Theresa, I hope you enjoy the granola!! Regarding the flour, I know that some people who are sensitive to gluten can handle heritage grain flours from Europe as well as the US. You might want to start experimenting with some ancient grain flours to see how they make you feel. You can get more information here: http://growseed.org/ Good luck!

        Reply
    2. Deborah Washington says

      August 22, 2021 at 10:02 pm

      5 stars
      This granola cluster recipe was so yummy! What other oils can we substitute for coconut oil. Do you know the calorie count and other nutrition information?

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        August 23, 2021 at 7:40 am

        Hi Deborah, I’m so glad you liked the granola!! You can use a neutral vegetable oil (such as grapeseed oil) in place of the coconut oil. Unfortunately I don’t have nutritional information on this recipe. Happy baking!!

        Reply
    3. Emily J. says

      November 22, 2020 at 7:59 pm

      I just made this and it was delicious! I would note, though, that I only baked for 30 minutes TOTAL (I.e. 20 minutes, then rotated and baked 10 minutes more) and my granola was definitely overcooked. I didn't mind because somehow it still tasted good to me, but my husband said it was burned. Next time I'll cut way back on the baking time.

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        November 23, 2020 at 8:51 am

        Hi Emily, thank you for your comment! All ovens are different, and I'm glad you adjusted the recipe as needed!! Happy baking 🙂

        Reply
    4. scarlet says

      September 29, 2020 at 7:26 pm

      5 stars
      this was sooo goodddd!!! love the crunch and grumble of it!! if anyone is not sure to make it and is reading the comments...do it!!!!

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        September 29, 2020 at 7:48 pm

        This makes me so happy to hear, Scarlet! Thank you!

        Reply
    5. Jenny Spencer says

      July 09, 2020 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      This is now my family's FAVORITE granola recipe. We love your other granola recipe too, but this is so, so, SO, SO GOOD!!!

      I love the clusters because they are my favorite part in any granola.

      Thank you Nicki! You did it, yet again!

      Raine 🙂

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        July 10, 2020 at 1:25 pm

        Hi Raine, I'm a cluster person too! I actually love this granola as an afternoon snack. 🙂 Happy baking!

        Reply
    6. rach says

      April 25, 2020 at 5:38 pm

      Of the 15 recipes ive tried, this is the only one that actually creates clusters. The results were awesome. What my fam and I were craving! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        April 26, 2020 at 10:54 am

        I'm so happy you like the granola! Happy baking!

        Reply
    7. Rach says

      April 25, 2020 at 5:33 pm

      I was drawn to the title. The granola is perfect, it is the only recipe ive used that actually makes clusters. Thank you!

      Reply
    8. Jennifer says

      April 02, 2020 at 9:31 pm

      5 stars
      This is definitely a new favorite! LOVE it!! I substituted almond butter for coconut oil, and it worked perfectly. Still have crunchy clusters!

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        April 03, 2020 at 8:41 am

        I'm so glad you like the recipe, and thank you for the awesome tip about the almond butter!!

        Reply
    9. Sarah says

      January 15, 2020 at 6:53 pm

      Hi there
      I have an intolerance to oats - what would you recommend as a gluten-free substitute to them? Buckwheat groats or rolled rice flakes? Also need it to be nut-free....
      Sarah

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        January 16, 2020 at 11:11 am

        Hi Sarah! Unfortunately the oats are a critical component in this recipe, so they can't easily be swapped out. However, I'd like to direct you to my millet and buckwheat granola, which is oat free!! https://fromscratchfast.com/millet-granola/

        Reply
    10. Sharon Irven says

      August 15, 2019 at 10:14 pm

      Looks yummy. I would leave out nuts due to allergies . Suggestions for subs??

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        August 19, 2019 at 9:28 am

        Hi Sharon! I would suggest increasing the coconut and dried fruit to 3/4 cup and adding another 1/2 - 1 cup of oats. I haven't tested this recipe without nuts, but I'm confident it will taste great. If you try it, please let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!

        Reply
        • Alex says

          June 21, 2020 at 8:38 pm

          5 stars
          This was delicious! We really did get big clusters. I also took mine out at 18 minutes after rotating. Thank you!!

        • Nicki Sizemore says

          June 22, 2020 at 10:24 am

          Hi Alex, thank you for your comment, and I'm so glad you liked the clusters!!

    11. Carolin says

      March 18, 2019 at 12:03 pm

      5 stars
      Hello 🙂
      My first visit to this site served me with this recipe, and I just LOVE it! The balance is perfect and it is so easy to make. Thank you very much, this will be my go to granola from here on out. I used sunflower oil instead of the coconut, I chose cranberries and raisins as dried fruit and baked for only 18 minutes after the 180 degrees spin, it woukd have been too dark otherwise. Thank you very much for sharing this. Best regards, Carolin

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        March 18, 2019 at 12:44 pm

        Hi Carolin, and welcome!! I'm so thrilled you like the granola. Thanks for your tips, and I hope to see you back here soon!

        Reply
    12. KAREN shea says

      February 10, 2019 at 9:49 am

      Yes, all I ever want is the chunks and so this is the most delicious granola ever!

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        February 10, 2019 at 2:00 pm

        Yay!!! I'm so happy you like it, Karen!

        Reply
      • daniela says

        November 14, 2021 at 1:15 pm

        is there any way I can make this oil-free?

        Reply
        • Nicki Sizemore says

          November 15, 2021 at 9:06 am

          Hi Daniela, the oil in this recipe is important for the granola's texture (it makes it crunchy), so I don't recommend omitting it. However, you can swap out the coconut oil for a neutral vegetable oil or olive oil. I hope you enjoy!

    13. Maria says

      February 10, 2019 at 5:41 am

      5 stars
      I have made many different granola recipes, but this one (love the clusters) is my new favorite. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        February 10, 2019 at 1:47 pm

        Hooray! That makes me so happy to hear, Maria!

        Reply
      • Melissa Klupacs says

        June 27, 2022 at 6:36 pm

        How do I make thus nut free? And tree nut free

        Reply
        • Nicki Sizemore says

          June 28, 2022 at 9:04 am

          Hi Melissa! I haven't tested this recipe without nuts, which make up quite a bit of the bulk. However, you can try increasing the coconut and dried fruit to 3/4 cup and adding another 1/2 - 1 cup of oats. Let me know if you give it a go!

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    Meet Nicki

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    Welcome! I’m Nicki Sizemore, a trained chef, recipe developer and cookbook author. My mission is to help you make wholesome & delicious food from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen. All of my recipes are naturally gluten-free.

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