Amazing Pumpkin Seed Clusters (Crispy, Sweet & Easy!)

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Luna

Crispy pumpkin seed coconut cluster with chia seeds and maple glaze on parchment

I made my first batch of pumpkin seed clusters one chilly October morning. My toddler was napping, leaves were falling, and I craved something sweet but nourishing. I pulled open the pantry, tossed a few things in a bowl, and 25 minutes later, I had warm, toasty clusters that smelled like cozy comfort.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Seed Clusters

These pumpkin seed clusters are sweet, crispy, and a little addictive in the best way. You only need five minutes to prep them, and they bake up golden and crisp in twenty. I make a batch of these pumpkin seed clusters almost weekly during fall snack season. You can munch them warm or pack them up for later.

They’re naturally vegan, gluten-free, and full of texture. Each bite offers crunch from seeds and almonds, chew from the coconut, and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup. You don’t need fancy tools or tricky steps.

They’re perfect for afternoon snacking, light desserts, or adding to a fall grazing board. I even pop a few into my bag when running errands. They taste like a treat but feel good too.

Plus, they’re the kind of snack everyone can enjoy. Even picky eaters go back for seconds.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Core Ingredients

You’ll need:

  • Raw pumpkin seeds
  • Dried coconut flakes
  • Flaked almonds
  • Whole chia seeds
  • Maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt

That’s it. Just six real ingredients, and no refined sugar.

Ingredient Notes

Raw seeds work best because they toast in the oven. Roasted seeds can get too dark. If you only have roasted on hand, reduce the baking time slightly.

Use large coconut flakes if possible. Shredded coconut burns fast and doesn’t give the same bite.

Need a low-histamine option? Skip the almonds and add more pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead. The recipe still works beautifully.

Always stir well so every bit gets coated with syrup. That’s the key to crispy clusters.

How to Make Pumpkin Seed Clusters

Step 1 – Prep and mix

Preheat your oven to 170°C or 340°F. Then grab a tray and line it with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, mix together pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, almonds, chia seeds, and a sprinkle of salt. This part is quick.

Now pour in your maple syrup. Stir everything so the syrup touches each piece. No dry corners allowed.

Step 2 – Bake carefully

Spread your mixture on the lined tray. Try to make it even and thin—about half a centimeter thick. Press it gently with your spatula.

Place your tray on the bottom rack of the oven. This helps it bake evenly and avoids burning the coconut.

Bake for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last five. Every oven is a little different, and you want golden, not dark brown.

Step 3 – Cool and break

Take the tray out and let it cool completely. Don’t touch it yet. This is when the magic happens.

As it cools, the syrup hardens and holds everything together. Once cool, break it into rustic little clusters with your hands.

You can serve them right away. Or store them in a sealed container for snacking later. They’re crispiest the first couple of days.

Fresh pumpkin seed coconut clusters cooling on parchment over wire rack

Expert Tips for Success

Always stir well so the maple syrup coats every bit. That’s what keeps the clusters from crumbling.

Baking on the bottom rack really helps. It slows down the browning and gives an even toast.

Do not skip the cooling step. Clusters will look soft right out of the oven, but they harden as they cool. Be patient here.

Store them in an airtight container on the counter. They’re best within one or two days, especially if you love that crisp crunch.

Also, feel free to play with the mix. Add sunflower seeds or even a pinch of cinnamon for a fun twist.

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much:

  • One baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • A spatula or spoon
  • Wire rack for cooling (optional, but nice to have)

That’s it. Cleanup is quick too.

Pumpkin Seed Coconut Clusters Recipe

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Crispy pumpkin seed coconut cluster with chia seeds and maple glaze on parchment

Amazing Pumpkin Seed Clusters (Crispy, Sweet & Easy!)


  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

These crispy pumpkin seed coconut clusters are a quick, naturally sweet snack loaded with maple syrup, chia, and toasted coconut. Vegan, gluten-free, and ready in 25 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

½ cup pumpkin seeds (raw, not salted or roasted)

¼ cup coconut flakes (dried, not fresh)

¼ cup flaked almonds

1 tablespoon chia seeds (whole, not milled)

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Sprinkle of salt (preferably pink Himalayan salt)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 170°C / 340°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Mix pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, flaked almonds, chia seeds, and salt in a bowl.

3. Drizzle with maple syrup and stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients.

4. Spread mixture evenly on lined tray (0.5 cm thick), without gaps.

5. Bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 20 minutes, watching carefully toward the end to avoid burning.

6. Let cool completely; the mixture will harden.

7. Break into clusters gently once cooled.

8. Serve immediately or store in a sealed container.

Notes

Stir thoroughly so maple syrup coats all ingredients.

Bake on the bottom rack to avoid overcooking.

Watch closely in the last minutes to prevent burning.

Let cool before breaking into clusters; they will harden as they cool.

Store in an airtight container; best enjoyed within 1–2 days.

Almonds score a ‘1’ on the SIGHI low histamine list—can substitute with more seeds if needed.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snack, Sweet treat
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American, British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cluster
  • Calories: 64
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 2mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0.004g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

If you’re craving more seed snacks, you’ll love this air fryer pumpkin seeds recipe—crispy and savory.

Looking for breakfast ideas? These easy and cozy pumpkin breakfast cookies are soft and just sweet enough.

Or bake something a little richer like my amazing vegan pumpkin chocolate chip bread. And don’t miss these healthy baked pumpkin donuts that kids and adults both love.

Want more cozy kitchen ideas like this one? Visit my Pinterest board where I share all my favorite fall treats and snacks.

FAQ

What’s the best time to eat pumpkin seeds?

Anytime you need a snack. I like them mid-morning or just after lunch. They’re also great before a workout.

What are seed clusters?

Seed clusters are crunchy little bites made from mixed seeds, nuts, and a sticky sweetener like syrup. You bake them until crisp and break them into chunks.

Does the size of a pumpkin affect the number of seeds?

Yes, usually. Bigger pumpkins tend to have more seeds, but smaller ones can surprise you too.

What are the benefits of eating pumpkin seeds?

Pumpkin seeds are full of nutrients. They’re rich in magnesium, protein, and healthy fats. They help you feel full and give a nice energy boost.

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