Are you ready to indulge in a delightful snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? Look no further than these Copycat Trader Joe's Snacky Clusters! Bursting with a medley of mixed nuts, wholesome oats, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup, these clusters are the perfect on-the-go treat for busy days or a satisfying addition to your afternoon snack routine. With just a handful of ingredients and 35 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch that rivals your favorite store-bought version. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your snacking game!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 10 clusters
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup dried fruit
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed nuts and rolled oats. Use a variety of nuts like almonds, cashews, and pecans for diverse texture and flavor.
- Pour the maple syrup over the nut and oat mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. The maple syrup will act as a binding agent and provide natural sweetness.
- Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the mixture, gently folding to distribute the spice evenly throughout the ingredients.
- Add the dried fruit (such as chopped cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots) and mix gently to integrate without breaking the fruit.
- Spread the mixture in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring clusters have space between them for crisp edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The clusters will continue to crisp and set as they cool.
- Once cooled, break into individual clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips
- Choose Your Nuts Wisely: For a delightful crunch and varied flavor, mix and match your favorite nuts. Almonds, cashews, and pecans work beautifully together, but feel free to experiment with walnuts or hazelnuts!
- Customize Your Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cluster, consider adding a bit more maple syrup or incorporating a touch of honey. Just be mindful of the texture; too much liquid may affect the clusters' ability to hold together.
- Add Some Spice: While cinnamon adds a warm touch, don’t hesitate to experiment with other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor profile.
- Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on your clusters as they bake. Rotating the baking sheet halfway through ensures even browning and prevents any burnt edges.
- Storage Secrets: Allow the clusters to cool completely before breaking them apart and storing them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy for up to a week—if they last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 126kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
