Crunchy bites of sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-spiced granola clusters, baked until golden brown and broken up into irresistible oat and nutty piece bites. Macadamia nuts and warm cinnamon are a match made in heaven—packed with subtle, warm notes, incredible crunch, and layers of flavor in every bite. Whether you are using this as a breakfast topper for yogurt or cottage cheese, sprinkling it over pancakes, crepes, or waffles, or adding a little crunch to a vibrant salad, it is absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Macadamia nuts (roughly chopped)
All-purpose flour
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Maple syrup (or agave)
Olive oil (or other oil)
Ground cinnamon
How to Make These Granola Clusters
Step #1 - Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step #2 - Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, chopped macadamia nuts, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Using a large spoon, stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step #3 - Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the maple syrup and olive oil directly into the dry mixture. Stir gently just until combined, ensuring an even coating without overworking the gluten in the flour.
Step #4 - Press for Clusters: Pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and press it into a tight, compact single layer. Using the back of your spoon or a spatula, firmly press down on the granola to ensure maximum contact—this step is the secret to getting fantastic, crunchy clusters!
Step #5 - Bake to Golden Perfection: Place into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown. (Tip: Rotate your pan every 10–15 minutes to ensure an even, beautiful bake.)
Step #6 - Cool and Break: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the pan for 10–15 minutes. Gently break the hardened sheet into smaller or larger clusters based on your preference. Enjoy immediately or store for later!
Why You Will Love These Granola Clusters
Mellow & Cinnamony: A comforting, subtle warmth from real ground cinnamon with soft ingredients.
Crunchy & Nutty: Satisfying textures from whole oats and buttery macadamia nuts.
Balanced & Wholesome: Naturally sweetened and made with heart-healthy fats, keeping you energized without a heavy sugar crash.
The Nutrition & Health Benefits
Here is why this recipe is a healthy addition to your routine:
Heart-Healthy Fats: Featuring buttery macadamia nuts and olive oil (or avocado oil), this recipe provides a rich source of monounsaturated fats. These healthy fats support cardiovascular health, help keep your skin glowing, and promote lasting satiety.
Sustained Energy & Fiber: Classic old-fashioned whole-grain oats are packed with soluble fiber (specifically beta-glucan), which supports healthy digestion, steady blood sugar levels, and heart health. Oats also supply essential plant-based iron and complex carbohydrates for clean, natural energy.
Antioxidant-Rich Cinnamon: Beyond adding incredible depth of flavor, ground cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants and has been shown to support healthy blood sugar regulation and reduce inflammation.
Mindful Sweetness: Sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup or agave, skipping heavily refined sugars to keep your body feeling light and vibrant.
What Makes These Clusters Unique?
Granola clusters are a bit different from traditional loose granola:
They rely on a touch of all-purpose flour rather than heavy sticky binders like egg whites or excessive syrups to hold their shape.
They are pressed tightly together into a single, cohesive layer on the baking sheet, allowing them to bake into large sheets that are easily snapped into customized snack-sized chunks once cooled.
Baker's Notes & Customizations
The Secret to Clusters: Do not skip pressing the raw granola down firmly onto the baking sheet before baking! This compact structure is what creates those desirable, snackable chunks.
Chop the Nuts: Chopping the macadamia nuts beforehand ensures you get a balanced, nutty crunch in every single bite throughout the clusters.
Nut Variations: If you don't have macadamia nuts on hand, feel free to swap them out for chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Oil Flexibility: Olive oil adds a lovely subtle richness, but avocado or vegetable oils work wonderfully too.
Storage: Store your cooled granola clusters in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature on the counter for up to 1 week.
Cinnamon Macadamia Granola Clusters
Crunchy bites of sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-spiced granola clusters, baked until golden brown and broken up into irresistible oat and nutty piece bites. Macadamia nuts and warm cinnamon are a match made in heaven—packed with subtle, warm notes, incredible crunch, and layers of flavor in every bite. Whether you are using this as a breakfast topper for yogurt or cottage cheese, sprinkling it over pancakes, crepes, or waffles, or adding a little crunch to a vibrant salad, it is absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, chopped macadamia nuts, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Using a large spoon, stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the maple syrup and olive oil directly into the dry mixture. Stir gently just until combined, ensuring an even coating without overworking the gluten in the flour.
- Press for Clusters: Pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and press it into a tight, compact single layer. Using the back of your spoon or a spatula, firmly press down on the granola to ensure maximum contact—this step is the secret to getting fantastic, crunchy clusters!
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown. (Tip: Rotate your pan every 10–15 minutes to ensure an even, beautiful bake.)
- Cool and Break: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the pan for 10–15 minutes. Gently break the hardened sheet into smaller or larger clusters based on your preference. Enjoy immediately or store for later!
Notes
- The Secret to Clusters: Do not skip pressing the raw granola down firmly onto the baking sheet before baking! This compact structure is what creates those desirable, snackable chunks.
- Chop the Nuts: Chopping the macadamia nuts beforehand ensures you get a balanced, nutty crunch in every single bite.
- Nut Variations: If you don't have macadamia nuts on hand, feel free to swap them out for chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Oil Flexibility: Olive oil adds a lovely subtle richness, but avocado or vegetable oils work wonderfully too.
- Storage: Store your cooled granola clusters in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature on the counter for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
185Fat
11 gSat. Fat
2 gCarbs
20 gFiber
2 gNet carbs
18 gSugar
8 gProtein
3 gSodium
75 mg*Nutritional values and percentages are estimates based on a standard 2,000-calorie daily diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your individual calorie needs and activity levels.
