Imagine a snack so delightful, so perfectly balanced between crunchy and sweet, that it transforms your ordinary munching moment into a gourmet experience. These Pumpkin Seed Coconut Clusters are not just another healthy treat – they're a culinary adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen! Packed with nutrient-rich pumpkin seeds, toasted coconut, and a touch of golden honey, these clusters are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 12 clusters
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw pumpkin seeds and shredded coconut, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate small saucepan, warm the honey or maple syrup over low heat until it becomes slightly runny, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pinch of salt, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Pour the warm syrup mixture over the pumpkin seeds and coconut, stirring carefully to ensure all ingredients are completely coated.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the mixture into 12 compact clusters on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cluster.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The clusters should turn golden brown and become slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes. The clusters will firm up as they cool.
- Once cooled, gently transfer the clusters to an airtight container for storage. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds work best.
- Watch the clusters carefully while baking – they can quickly go from golden to burnt due to the natural sugars in honey.
- For extra flavor, try toasting the pumpkin seeds and coconut briefly before mixing for a deeper, nuttier taste.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the honey and add a sprinkle of cinnamon or sea salt.
- Allow the clusters to cool completely before storing to ensure they maintain their crispy texture.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy for up to 5 days.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
