Cluster Granola With Coffee & Maple

This one-bowl Cluster Granola With Coffee & Maple is so quick and easy to make for a fun autumn breakfast meal prep.  It’s subtly sweet, crispy, and also happens to be vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free!

Try it as a snack on the go, crumbled into yogurt with honey, or added into a sweeter yogurt variety for a morning treat.

It bakes as one large solid sheet, which gives you the freedom to break it into clusters that are either as big or as small as you prefer.  I find big clusters fun, but if you enjoy a finer consistency this is absolutely an option as well.

Be sure to use extra fine coffee grounds!  A flour-like consistency ensures that the texture of the grounds will go undetected.  (I used the finest possible setting on our coffee grinder for this.)  I also chose to use decaf beans as I’m personally more caffeine sensitive, especially when it comes to consuming the grounds directly!


This Cluster Granola With Coffee & Maple recipe was originally created in collaboration with The Bean Coffee Company for Instagram. Visit my page to check out the video tutorial!


(This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Read more here!)


Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Coffee Grinder
  • 1 Large Bowl
  • Parchment Paper
  • A Baking Sheet
  • A Cooling Rack

Servings: 12 (3/4 Cup Clusters) 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 Cup Avocado Oil
  • 2/3 Cup Dark Maple Syrup, room temperature
  • 4 Cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
  • 1 Cup Pumpkin Seeds, unroasted/unsalted
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Fine Coffee Grounds
  • 1 1/2 Tsp Saigon Cinnamon
  • 1 1/4 Tsp Salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350º

Grind the coffee beans on an extra fine setting (the consistency of flour, to avoid grittiness) and set the grounds aside

In a large bowl, combine the avocado oil and maple syrup, giving it a light stir

Add in the oats, pumpkin seeds, coffee grounds, cinnamon, and salt, and stir until evenly combined

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Add the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, keeping it tightly packed without gaps while still spreading it out into a thin layer

Bake for 28 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through

(It will look golden brown when done, especially around the edges)

Note: It will not feel hard or crispy yet while still warm from the oven

Place the baking sheet on a cooling rack for at least 2 hours (letting it harden and cool) before breaking it into pieces and storing it in an airtight container

Enjoy!

Nut-Free Pesto

If you have nut allergies like me, you’ll know how difficult it can be to find a pesto that is nut-free. This homemade Nut-Free Pesto is so delicious that nobody will miss the pine nuts!


I personally recommend serving this pesto over your pasta of choice, with the addition of your favorite traditional, chicken, or vegetarian sausages. (We personally love this mushroom chicken sausage!) You can also add in some sautéed or roasted vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, or zucchini.


Vegan? No problem! Simply substitute the parmesan with a vegan alternative!

Other uses for pesto?

  • Add it to homemade pizzas
  • Drizzle it over eggs and toast
  • Spread a layer of it onto lunchtime sandwiches
  • Combine it with salad dressing
  • Toss roasted veggies in it
  • Drizzle it over baked potatoes
  • Make homemade bruschetta with pesto and mozzarella
  • Add it to lasagna
  • Make pesto salmon

Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves, packed
  • 3 Large or 4 Small Cloves Garlic
  • 1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3/4 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Directions:

Wash, dry, and de-stem the basil leaves

Peel the garlic cloves

Blend the basil leaves and garlic cloves in a food processor, then add in the olive oil and blend again until thoroughly mixed

Once smooth, pour the mixture into a bowl and stir in the parmesan

Add sea salt and black pepper to taste

Enjoy!

[Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a stir to remix the oil!]


Want more easy pasta dinners? Try my Egg & Sausage Carbonara or Roasted Brussels Sprout Pasta!