Go Back

Sunflower Butter Granola Clusters - Crunchy, Nut-Free Snacking

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Rolled oats (old-fashioned, not quick-cooking)
  • Sunflower seed butter (creamy, unsweetened preferred)
  • Maple syrup or honey
  • Light brown sugar (optional but helps with clumping)
  • Coconut oil or neutral oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Fine sea salt
  • Sunflower seeds (shelled)
  • Pumpkin seeds (pepitas), optional
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut, optional
  • Dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, or raisins), optional
  • Mini chocolate chips, optional (add after baking)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup shredded coconut (if using), 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt. Toss until everything looks evenly distributed.
  3. Warm the wet ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm 1/2 cup sunflower butter, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir until smooth and just warm. Do not boil.
  4. Combine and coat: Pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly, scraping the bowl to make sure every oat is coated. The mixture should look glossy and slightly sticky.
  5. Press into clumps: Spread the mixture onto the lined baking sheet in an even layer about 1/2-inch thick. Use your hands or a spatula to press it down firmly. Pressing is key for big clusters.
  6. Bake low and slow: Bake for 22–28 minutes, rotating the pan once, until the edges are golden and the center looks set. It may feel slightly soft right out of the oven—that’s normal.
  7. Cool completely: Let the granola cool on the pan for at least 45 minutes without touching it. Cooling creates crisp clusters. Once fully cool, break into large chunks.
  8. Add mix-ins: If using dried fruit or chocolate chips, fold them in now. Start with 1/2 cup dried fruit or 1/3 cup mini chips and adjust to taste.
  9. Serve or store: Enjoy right away, or transfer to an airtight container.