Gluten-free Goodie of the Week: Fruit and nut clusters

These clusters are more of an ooey-gooey, sit-down treat than grab-and-go snack bar, but that’s okay. They taste so good you really won’t mind!

Mix up a treat that has a little of everything: dried fruit, nuts, gluten-free cereal and chocolate chips, too, if you choose. If you’re looking for a Gluten-free Goodie of the Week recipe to please, try this one… it pairs perfectly with a tall glass of milk! The choices are yours when it comes to the ingredients. Mix things up by using your favorite nuts and dried fruit for a personalized combination.

Fruit and nut cluster recipe

Yields about 20 clusters

Recipe adapted from Bob’s Red Mill

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-free Quick Rolled Oats
• 1-1/2 cups gluten-free flakes cereal
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
• 2/3 cup dried apricots, diced
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil. Lightly spray one with nonstick cooking spray, and set it aside.
2. Add the rolled oats to the baking sheet without the cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly toasted, then remove from the pan from the oven and set aside.
3. When the gluten-free oatmeal has cooled, add it to a large bowl along with the gluten-free flakes cereal, almonds, peanuts, and apricots and mix well.
4. Add the butter to a large saute pan over medium heat. When the butter melts, add the honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and salt to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
5. Immediately pour the butter mixture over the cereal, nuts and fruit. Use a rubber spatula to mix all the ingredients together so they’re well coated.*
6. Add the mixture to the reserved baking sheet. Use a rubber spatula to spread out the mixture so it’s about 1/2-inch thick, in the shape of a rectangle.
7. Allow the bars to cool completely, then use a butter knife to carefully cut into clusters or squares.

These clusters make a great Gluten-free Goodie of the Week!

More Gluten-free Goodie of the Week recipes

Oatmeal-apple cookies
Chocolate truffle cakes
Cinnamon graham crackers