Introduction
Oat clusters are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. They are crunchy, satisfying, and easy to make, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking to add something wholesome to their diet. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week or just want a quick and healthy treat, oat clusters are the answer. This recipe provides a simple way to whip up a batch that you and your family will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Rolled oats – 2 cups
Nuts of your choice – 1 cup
Seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) – 1/2 cup
Honey or maple syrup – 1/2 cup
Coconut oil – 1/4 cup
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
Optional add-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruit) – as desired
Prep Time
The preparation time for oat clusters is approximately 10 minutes. This quick prep time makes it an ideal recipe for those who are short on time but still want to create a healthy snack.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 25 minutes. Therefore, the total time from start to finish is approximately 35 minutes. This recipe yields about 12 servings, making it a great option for meal prep or sharing with friends and family.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the oat clusters.
Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the oat clusters from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and any additional dry ingredients you will use. Stir until evenly mixed.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients, which may include honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and any melted butter or oil.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are fully coated with the wet mixture.
Form Clusters
Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and compact them into clusters on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the Oven
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the clusters are golden brown and fragrant, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.
Cool the Clusters
Once baked, remove the clusters from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes until they harden.
Store the Clusters
After the clusters have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
Use of Sweeteners
You can adjust the amount of sweetener based on your preference for sweetness.
Nut and Seed Variations
Feel free to swap out the nuts and seeds for your favorites, or use a combination of different types for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These oat clusters can be enjoyed as a snack on their own, added to yogurt or smoothie bowls, or used as a topping for desserts.
Storage Duration
When stored properly in an airtight container, the clusters can last for up to two weeks.
