These Peanut Butter Granola Clusters are perfect for make-ahead breakfast or afternoon snacks. Made with healthy ingredients and no refined sugars, homemade granola is healthier than store-bought versions. This recipe is easy-to-make and ready in just 30 minutes. Pair granola clusters with milk or yogurt, or simply eat these with your hands.
Peanut butter granola clusters are delicious any time of the day. Mildly sweet, nutty clusters of granola are made with healthy ingredients and speckled with semi-sweet chocolate chunks.
Homemade granola could not be easier to make. It is ready in just 30 minutes and made with wholesome, simple ingredients like rolled oats and peanut butter. There are no refined sugars or preservatives like store-bought versions. Instead, this yummy recipe is made with maple syrup.
Much like my Maple Pecan Granola Clusters and Chocolate Coconut Pecan Granola Clusters, this recipe results in crunchy granola bites with semi-soft centers. Eat homemade granola clusters by the handful or enjoy them with yogurt and fresh fruit.
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Ingredients
- Oats - Use old-fashioned rolled oats.
- Almond Flour
- Peanuts (chopped or crushed) - I like to use honey roasted peanuts, but use your favorite type.
- Peanut Butter - This recipe calls for creamy peanut butter.
- Maple Syrup - Unlike many other granola recipes, this recipe has no honey. Instead, maple syrup acts as the sweetener here, in addition to the chocolate chunks that are added after baking.
- Coconut Oil - Peanut butter has plenty of fat, however, to achieve a perfect "cluster" I did add a small amount of additional fat from the coconut oil. Fat keeps granola moist.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks - The chocolate chunks are added after baking so that they can still hold their shape.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Granola Clusters
PREPARE - Preheat your oven to 325° F. Line a sheet tray with a Silpat or parchment paper and set it aside.
MIX - In a large bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, and peanuts.
HEAT - In a small saucepan over low to medium-low heat, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Heat only until melted.
POUR AND COMBINE - Once melted, remove from heat and pour over oats. Using a rubber spatula, stir the mixture until everything is well coated and incorporated.
Pour the oat mixture onto your prepared tray.
PRESS - With your hands (and a sheet of wax paper) or a spatula, flatten and press the granola down into a tight rectangle.
BAKE - Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Rotate the tray and bake for 12 to 15 minutes more. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
ADD CHOCOLATE - Sprinkle with the chocolate chunks and allow the granola to cool. For quicker cooling, you can place the tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour.
BREAK INTO CLUSTERS - Once the chocolate has set, break the granola into pieces (or clusters).
Substitutions
- Peanut Butter - Any nut butter will work in this recipe. Try almond butter or cashew butter.
- Maple Syrup - Use honey or light brown sugar.
- Coconut Oil - Swap the coconut oil for butter or any neutral-flavored oil.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks - Use chocolate chips or peanut butter chips.
Variations
- Granola Mix-Ins - Granola is versatile for additions. Add in ingredients like dried fruit, shredded coconut, peanut butter chips, or other nuts.
- Vegan - Use Vegan Baking Chips or Chunks.
- High-Protein - Incorporate 1-2 scoops of protein powder with the dry ingredients for added protein.
Equipment
Making granola from scratch is easy and does not require any fancy tools. You will need a mixing bowl, a small saucepan, and a sheet tray (plus something to line it with to prevent sticking).
- Pyrex Prepware 4-Quart Rimmed Mixing Bowl
- Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick 1-Quart Saucepan
- Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet
- Silpat Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat, Half Sheet Size
- Comfylife Parchment Paper Sheets
Storage
Transfer cooled granola clusters to an airtight container or jar. Store at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Can you freeze granola? Yes, granola can be frozen. Transfer cooled granola to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw granola completely before enjoying.
Expert Tips
- Use creamy peanut butter. Creamy, smooth peanut butter is easier to blend and incorporate into this recipe.
- Line the baking sheet tray. Granola is sticky. Line the tray with parchment paper or a Silpat to prevent sticking.
- Chill the granola after adding the chocolate. For the quickest setting time, place the tray of granola into the refrigerator after sprinkling the chocolate chunks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Granola contains protein and fiber thanks to healthy ingredients like oats, nut butter, and healthy fats. In addition, it contains micronutrients like iron, vitamin D, and zinc.
Why is granola so filling? Because it is calorie-dense, a little goes a long way. Only a small serving of granola clusters is needed to provide feelings of fullness.
Press the granola into a single layer on the parchment or Silpat-lined baking tray. Let it be as it bakes, just rotate the pan halfway through baking time. As the sugars caramelize, they help the ingredients stick together. Allow the granola to cool before breaking it into pieces.
Enjoy granola clusters in a bowl with yogurt or milk and fresh fruit. Or simply eat the clusters as a snack with your hands.
Let the granola cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or jar.
Related Recipes
If you make the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #sugarylogic, and share them with me on Instagram or Facebook.
**Post Updated 5/10/2022: Content and photos updated, and almond flour added to recipe.
📖 Recipe
Peanut Butter Granola Clusters with Chocolate Chunks
Ingredients
- 3½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup peanuts chopped or crushed
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325° F. Line a sheet tray with a Silpat or parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, and peanuts.
- In a small saucepan over low to medium-low heat, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Heat only until melted. Once melted, remove from heat and pour over oats. Using a rubber spatula, stir the mixture until everything is well coated and incorporated.
- Pour the oat mixture onto your prepared tray. With your hands (and a sheet of wax paper) or a spatula, flatten and press the granola down into a tight rectangle.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Rotate the tray and bake for 12 to 15 minutes more. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with the chocolate chunks and allow granola to cool. For quicker cooling, you can place the tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Once the chocolate has set, break the granola into pieces (or clusters).
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!
Patricia
What can one use instead of coconut oil?
Katelyn Ryan
Any neutral-flavored oil such as canola or avocado oil will work. You can also use melted unsalted butter.
Pam Topasna
I was wondering the same thing..
Katelyn Ryan
Any neutral-flavored oil such as canola or avocado oil will work. You can also use melted unsalted butter.