If you’ve been searching for a crunchy, sweet, and satisfyingly salty snack that feels homemade yet incredibly indulgent, you are going to adore this Salted Honey Granola Clusters Recipe. It’s a delightful harmony of toasted oats, crunchy nuts, a touch of cinnamon warmth, and the luscious flavor of honey, all sprinkled with a hint of fleur de sel to elevate every bite. This granola is not just a breakfast staple but a versatile treat that grabs your attention from the first cluster to the last. Perfect for breakfast bowls, snacking, or gifting, this recipe turns simple ingredients into magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing that perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Salted Honey Granola Clusters Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—whether adding crunch, sweetness, or that lovely toasted note, these essentials blend beautifully to create the clusters you’ll crave.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base offering a satisfying chew and great texture.
- 1 cup raw nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts), roughly chopped: Adds delightful crunch and rich nutty flavor.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, optional: Introduces subtle tropical notes and a chewy bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, spicy depth that complements the honey beautifully.
- 1/2 cup honey: The natural sweetener that gives the granola its golden glaze and sticky cluster formation.
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (sunflower, grapeseed, or melted coconut oil): Ensures even roasting without overpowering flavors.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the aroma and sweetness with a gentle vanilla kiss.
- 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel, plus extra for sprinkling: The finishing touch that creates a mouthwatering sweet-salty contrast.
How to Make Salted Honey Granola Clusters Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F, then line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your granola won’t stick and will bake evenly for those perfect clusters.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, roughly chopped nuts, optional shredded coconut, and the warm ground cinnamon. This dry blend forms the backbone of your granola, making sure the spices and textures are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Warm Wet Ingredients
Gently warm the honey and neutral oil together in a small saucepan over low heat until they’re liquidity friends combined as one flavorful, sticky mixture. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract off heat for an aromatic boost that ties all flavors together.
Step 4: Coat Granola Mixture
Pour your warm honey and oil mixture over the rolled oats mixture. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure every oat flake and nut gets lovingly coated so your clusters stick and bake into golden perfection.
Step 5: Spread on Baking Sheet
Transfer the coated granola onto the prepared baking sheet and press it down lightly using a spatula. This little press encourages the oats and nuts to stick together, forming delightful clusters once baked.
Step 6: Bake Granola
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. When your kitchen fills with a toasty, honeyed aroma and the granola turns a beautiful golden shade, it’s time to take it out.
Step 7: Season and Cool
While the granola is still warm on the baking sheet, sprinkle the fleur de sel across the top—it’s the signature seasoning that makes this Salted Honey Granola Clusters Recipe stand out. Then allow it to cool completely for that satisfying crisp texture before breaking into clusters.
How to Serve Salted Honey Granola Clusters Recipe
Garnishes
Once your granola is ready, consider topping it with a drizzle of Greek yogurt or some fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. A light sprinkle of extra coconut or a few chopped nuts on top adds flair and texture, turning a simple bowl into a breakfast masterpiece.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs beautifully with a side of creamy almond butter or a bowl of smooth vanilla-flavored kefir. The sweet and salty crunch balances perfectly with these creamy companions, making every bite a flavor adventure.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond the usual, consider layering your clusters with yogurt and fruit parfait-style in a glass for a stunning presentation. Or chop the clusters coarsely to sprinkle over ice cream or smoothie bowls, adding that irresistible granola twist everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Salted Honey Granola Clusters Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure they are completely cool before storing to maintain maximum crispness.
Freezing
If you want to keep your granola fresh for longer, freezing is a great option. Store clusters in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to three months; just thaw to room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive any clusters that may have softened over time, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This little trick refreshes their crunch and aroma beautifully, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sweeteners instead of honey?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave nectar can be great alternatives, although they might slightly change the flavor profile. Honey provides that unique floral sweetness, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
What nuts work best in this granola?
Almonds, pecans, and walnuts all bring their own texture and flavor nuances. You can use a single type or a mixture based on what you have; just chop them roughly for the best crunchy clusters.
Is the shredded coconut necessary?
Not at all! The shredded coconut is optional and adds a lovely nutty chewiness and subtle tropical note. If coconut isn’t your thing, simply skip it—it won’t affect the baking or cluster formation.
How do I get big clusters instead of loose granola?
Pressing the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking is key to cluster formation. Avoid stirring too vigorously during baking and allow it to cool completely before breaking into pieces to keep those clusters intact.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Honey Granola Clusters Recipe is such a joy to make and savor. It combines simplicity with bold flavor — a harmony of crunchy, sweet, and salty that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re starting your day or looking for an anytime snack, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds and your pantry will thank you for it!
Print
Salted Honey Granola Clusters Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Salted Honey Granola Clusters recipe combines toasted oats, nuts, and shredded coconut with a sweet honey glaze and a touch of sea salt for the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and savory. Baked until golden and fragrant, these granola clusters make a delicious and healthy snack or breakfast topping that you can enjoy on their own or with yogurt or milk.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts), roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel, plus extra for sprinkling
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (sunflower, grapeseed, or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Equipment: Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut if using, and ground cinnamon. This forms the base of your granola.
- Warm Wet Ingredients: Gently warm the honey and oil together in a small saucepan over low heat until fully combined and fluid. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Coat Granola Mixture: Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure every oat and nut piece is evenly coated with the honey glaze, which will help the clusters stick together during baking.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Press down lightly with a spatula to encourage the granola to form into clusters as it bakes.
- Bake Granola: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning. Bake until the granola is golden and releases a fragrant aroma.
- Season and Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the granola with fleur de sel to add a pleasant salty contrast. Let it cool completely on the sheet; the granola will crisp up as it cools.
- Store: Once fully cooled, break the granola into clusters of your preferred size. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, retaining their crunch and flavor.
Notes
- You can vary the type of nuts used to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- If you prefer larger clusters, press the granola down firmly before baking and avoid over-stirring during baking.
- The fleur de sel enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness of the honey with a mild saltiness.
- Store granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- Omitting the shredded coconut will still yield delicious granola, but the coconut adds extra texture and flavor.
