Wholesome Quinoa Clusters (Printable Version)
Nutty quinoa and seed clusters with a hint of sweetness, ideal for a wholesome snack or topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains & Seeds
01 - 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled and fluffed
02 - 1/3 cup rolled oats, gluten-free if required
03 - 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
04 - 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
05 - 2 tbsp chia seeds
→ Nuts
06 - 1/3 cup chopped almonds
→ Sweetener & Binding
07 - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
08 - 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Spices
10 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
11 - Pinch of sea salt
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and chopped almonds.
03 - Over low heat in a small saucepan, combine honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt until just melted and blended.
04 - Pour the warm sweetener mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until evenly coated.
05 - Scoop 2-tablespoon portions onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping each mound compactly.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and crisp, turning the pan halfway through for even baking.
07 - Let clusters cool completely on the baking sheet to firm up before removing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They're actually satisfying to eat, not just virtuous—crispy outside, tender quinoa within.
- Takes barely 40 minutes from fridge to snack bowl, and most of that is baking time.
- Makes your kitchen smell incredible without any complicated techniques or special equipment.
02 -
- Don't skip cooling completely—they finish setting during this time and become properly crisp, not just warm and soft.
- If you hear them crackling slightly as they cool, you've nailed it; that's the sound of success.
03 -
- Melting the wet ingredients together before mixing prevents pockets of dry quinoa from hiding in your clusters.
- If your mixture seems too wet, add a tablespoon more oats; if too dry, a teaspoon more honey helps bind everything.