These vanilla pumpkin seed clusters are a fun, crunchy treat that balance sweet and nutty flavors. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a seasonal addition to your breakfast too!
This recipe resolves issues of blandness and consistency that often occur in snacks, providing a flavorful, crunchy option for healthy munching.
I remember the time I tried to make a similar recipe, but everything turned into a soggy mess. This recipe solves that issue by ensuring each seed gets nicely coated without getting too sticky. Plus, these clusters packed with protein are a great way to enjoy healthy snacking during busy weeks.
This recipe is so easy and takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it great for any time you need a quick nibble. Whether you’re snacking on them straight out of the bowl or sprinkling them over yogurt, they really satisfy that sweet craving without being unhealthy.
If you want something else that mixes sweet and nutty, check out my Chocolate Peanut Clusters!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is gluten-free as it contains no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing ingredients.
- The recipe is dairy-free since it uses coconut oil instead of butter or milk-based products.
- This recipe is not vegan because it includes honey, an animal-derived sweetener.
- This recipe suits vegetarian diets because it contains no meat, poultry, or fish products.
- The recipe is not keto or low-carb due to brown sugar and chocolate chips raising carbohydrate content.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crunchy Texture This recipe gives you that satisfying crunch that’s irresistible. The roasted pumpkin seeds turn golden brown, offering an enjoyable nibble that keeps you coming back for more.
- Sweet and Simple Flavor With just a hint of vanilla and natural sweetness from maple syrup, it’s a flavor combination that celebrates autumn without overwhelming the palate. It’s a treat you can enjoy any time of day.
- Perfect for Snacking These clusters are great for munching on when you need a little pick-me-up. Keep them on hand for a quick, energy-boosting snack that also packs in nutrients.
- Make-Ahead Ready You can whip up a batch to keep on hand, making them convenient for busy days. They store well, so you can enjoy a little taste of fall anytime you want.
How to Make Vanilla Pumpkin Seed Clusters
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 clusters 1x
- Category: snack
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: gluten-free
Description
Crunchy vanilla pumpkin seed clusters that are perfect for snacking or as a topping for yogurt and cereal.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (about 64g) raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds
- 2 tsp (10 ml) maple syrup
- 2 tsp (8 g) coconut sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the pumpkin seed clusters to achieve a crunchy texture without burning.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir together thoroughly until you have a thick paste. Gradually add a small splash of boiled water to thin out the paste into a runny syrup, ensuring the pumpkin seeds will coat evenly.
- Step 3: Add the raw pumpkin seeds to the syrup mixture. Stir well until each seed is evenly coated with the syrup. This even coating helps the seeds stick together to form clusters once baked.
- Step 4: Using a teaspoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of the coated pumpkin seeds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Leave space between each cluster mound so they do not merge during baking, allowing them to retain distinct shapes.
- Step 5: Bake the clusters in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Check toward the end of baking, watching for the seeds to turn lightly golden brown but not burnt. Adjust the baking time as necessary to avoid burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Step 6: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow clusters to cool for a few minutes. While still warm, press the clusters firmly together to help them hold their shape while they finish cooling and drying fully.
- Step 7: After the clusters are fully cooled and dried, serve as a standalone snack or sprinkle over cereal or yogurt for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store cooled clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Refrigeration: Keep clusters in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Allow clusters to return to room temperature before eating for best texture.
- Freezing: Wrap clusters tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- If clusters stick to the baking sheet and are difficult to remove, allow them to cool for 5 minutes to firm up, then carefully lift them off.
- If clusters feel too soft after baking, press them together gently while still warm to reinforce their shape.
- To prevent burning, reduce oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and increase baking time by 5 minutes to bake more gently.
- For even-sized clusters, use a heaping tablespoon instead of a teaspoon and space clusters generously on the baking sheet to ensure uniform cooking.
- To enhance flavor, increase vanilla extract to 1½ teaspoons for a stronger aromatic profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: Not provided
- Sugar: Not provided
- Sodium: Not provided
- Fat: Not provided
- Saturated Fat: Not provided
- Unsaturated Fat: Not provided
- Trans Fat: Not provided
- Carbohydrates: Not provided
- Fiber: Not provided
- Protein: Not provided
- Cholesterol: Not provided
Ingredient Notes
- Pumpkin seeds: Go for raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds. These give a nice crunch and rich flavor, making them the star of the clusters!
- Vanilla extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Artificial vanilla just won’t cut it for this delicious treat!
- Honey: Use a good quality honey for sweetness. It not only binds everything but adds a lovely flavor too. Maple syrup can work if you need a substitute.
- Brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap it with coconut sugar for a different twist.
- Coconut oil: Use refined coconut oil for a neutral taste that won’t overpower the clusters. This helps everything stick together while keeping them chewy.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth and depth. If you like a little spice, try adding nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips to balance sweetness. Dark chocolate chunks also work if you prefer less sweetness.
- Pumpkin seeds: Go for raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds. These give a nice crunch and rich flavor, making them the star of the clusters!
- Vanilla extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Artificial vanilla just won’t cut it for this delicious treat!
- Honey: Use a good quality honey for sweetness. It not only binds everything but adds a lovely flavor too. Maple syrup can work if you need a substitute.
- Brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap it with coconut sugar for a different twist.
- Coconut oil: Use refined coconut oil for a neutral taste that won’t overpower the clusters. This helps everything stick together while keeping them chewy.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth and depth. If you like a little spice, try adding nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips to balance sweetness. Dark chocolate chunks also work if you prefer less sweetness.
Recipe Tips
- If pumpkin seed clusters stick, let them cool for 5 minutes after baking to firm up and remove easily from the baking sheet.
- When clusters are too soft, gently press them together while still warm; this helps shape them before they completely cool and harden.
- If the clusters burn, lower your oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and increase the baking time by 5 minutes for gentler cooking.
- For uneven clusters, use a heaping tablespoon to drop the pumpkin seeds onto the baking sheet, ensuring ample space for consistent baking.
- If your clusters lack flavor, increase the vanilla extract to 1½ teaspoons to enhance the sweet aroma and balance with the pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with yogurt or your choice of oatmeal for a nutritious breakfast. Pair with a simple fruit salad or green smoothie for extra nutrients.
Use to make pumpkin seed granola or trail mix. Add to energy bars or sprinkle over baked goods like muffins or quick breads.
Top with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor. Consider using almond butter or nut butter for variation.
Recipe variations
- You can use sunflower seeds instead of pumpkin seeds in this recipe to create crunchy vanilla seed clusters with a nutty twist. Use the same ½ cup measurement.
- Add ground cinnamon (½ tsp) to the vanilla and maple syrup mixture for a warm spice flavor. Stir well until the sugars dissolve evenly before adding the seeds.
- Either coconut sugar or brown sugar can be used to sweeten the clusters. Keep the amount at 2 teaspoons to maintain the right texture and sweetness balance.
- If making a larger batch, double the ingredients to 1 cup pumpkin seeds, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 4 teaspoons maple syrup, and 4 teaspoons coconut sugar, baking time remains the same. This recipe pairs nicely with Pumpkin Oatmeal Granola.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your vanilla pumpkin seed clusters fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator up to 7 days. Let clusters return to room temperature before eating.
Freezing: Wrap clusters in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
- Puff Pastry Apple Rosettes
- Rhubarb and Strawberry Tart Recipe
- Chocolate Peanut Clusters
If you enjoyed this Vanilla Pumpkin Seed Clusters or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
