Warm spiced apple clusters (Printable Version)
Warm spiced apple clusters with oats, nuts, and honey make a cozy, tasty snack or treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruits
01 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
→ Dry Ingredients
02 - 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
03 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
04 - 1/4 cup raisins
05 - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
→ Wet Ingredients
06 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted or coconut oil for dairy-free option
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Spices
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - Pinch of salt
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine diced apples, rolled oats, chopped walnuts, raisins, and shredded coconut.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
04 - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
05 - Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, form heaping tablespoons of the mixture into clusters and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Bake the clusters for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
07 - Allow clusters to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They're crispy on the outside with soft apple pieces tucked inside, hitting that sweet spot between texture and flavor.
- No fancy technique required—just mix, scoop, and bake while you do something else entirely.
- They live happily in a container for days, making them the kind of snack that feels intentional rather than grabbed in a rush.
02 -
- Don't skip the resting period on the pan—I learned this the hard way when I rushed them to the cooling rack and ended up with a pile of delicious crumbs.
- The oven temperature matters more than the exact bake time; every oven runs differently, so watch for that golden-brown color rather than watching the clock.
03 -
- Use a small ice cream scoop to portion the mixture—it ensures every cluster is roughly the same size so they bake evenly and look intentional.
- Don't press too hard when forming clusters; a loose handful holds together in the oven while staying crispy on the edges.