Brown Butter Pecan Granola Clusters Recipe
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 1 1/2 cups raw pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is crucial for preventing the granola from sticking and helps in forming those big clusters later on.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue to cook, whisking constantly. The butter will foam, then clear, and eventually develop small brown flecks at the bottom. Once it smells nutty and turns a golden amber color, immediately remove it from the heat so it doesn’t burn.
- To the warm browned butter, whisk in the maple syrup, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until the sugar has mostly dissolved and the mixture is well combined and glossy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans, and sea salt. Toss them together to ensure the salt and cinnamon are evenly distributed throughout the dry base.
- Pour the butter and syrup mixture over the oat and pecan mixture. Use a large spatula to fold the ingredients together until every single oat is thoroughly coated in the liquid. There should be no dry spots remaining.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of a spatula to press the granola down firmly into an even, compact layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the granola is a deep golden brown. Do not stir the granola while it is in the oven if you want large clusters!
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the granola cool completely in the pan—this usually takes about an hour. As it cools, the sugars will harden and bind the oats together. Once completely cold, break the “sheet” of granola into your desired size of clusters.