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As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, there’s an undeniable sense of coziness that fills the air. Fall is the season for warm sweaters, crackling fires, and, of course, delightful flavors that evoke the spirit of harvest time. Among the myriad of seasonal treats, Cozy Pumpkin Oat Snack Clusters stand out as a wholesome and delectable option. This recipe not only captures the essence of autumn but also provides a nutritious snack that is perfect for busy days or leisurely afternoons.

Pumpkin Oat Snack Clusters

Embrace the flavors of fall with Cozy Pumpkin Oat Snack Clusters! These wholesome treats combine the richness of pumpkin, hearty rolled oats, and warm spices to create a nutritious snack that’s perfect for any time of the day. Easily customizable, you can add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate for extra flavor. Whether enjoyed as a quick bite or a cozy addition to your afternoon, these clusters capture autumn’s essence in every delightful bite.

Ingredients
  

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/4 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter of your choice)

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust for desired sweetness)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (or ground cinnamon)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)

1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, walnuts, or almonds)

1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it reaches a smooth, blended consistency.

      Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, pumpkin spice, and salt. Make sure to mix them well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the oats.

        Combine the Mixtures: Slowly add the dry mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until everything is fully combined. The resulting mixture should be thick and somewhat sticky.

          Add the Extras: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries or raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

            Shape the Clusters: Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out small clusters of the mixture, about 1 to 2 tablespoons each. Place these clusters onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart, as they won't spread much during baking.

              Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the clusters are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid any burning.

                Cool & Store: After baking, remove the clusters from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. Once they are slightly set, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store the cooled clusters in an airtight container for up to a week for optimal freshness.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | Makes about 12-15 clusters.

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve these delightful clusters in a charming bowl or wrap them individually in parchment paper for a rustic touch. They are perfect as a snack on-the-go or a cozy addition to your breakfast!