Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cinnamon Granola is a deliciously crunchy and fragrant breakfast or snack option. Packed with warm spices, nuts, and bursts of apple sweetness, it’s perfect for topping yogurt, smoothie bowls, or enjoying by the handful.

Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans, almonds, pepitas, etc.)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup canola oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup applesauce
• 1 cup dried apple, chopped
• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• 1 cup yogurt raisins

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, and any other nuts or seeds you want to include.
3. Step 3: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, canola oil, honey, salt, light brown sugar, and applesauce until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture and stir thoroughly to evenly coat all the ingredients.
5. Step 5: Spread the granola mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring gently every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
6. Step 6: The granola is done when it has dried out and turned a golden brown color. Be careful not to let it burn by monitoring closely during the last minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely. Once cooled, toss gently with the chopped dried apple, peanut butter chips, and yogurt raisins before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting canola oil with coconut oil for a subtle tropical flavor.
• For a nut-free version, replace walnuts with extra seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra spice warmth.
• Mix in fresh apple chunks after baking for a juicy contrast to the crunchy granola.

Storage

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a month. To refresh the crunch after storage, toast the granola lightly in a dry pan or oven before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

It’s best to use rolled oats because they provide a better texture and crispness. Quick oats may result in a softer, less crunchy granola.

Can I substitute the peanut butter chips?

Yes, you can swap the peanut butter chips with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or skip them entirely if you prefer.

Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 116 reviews

This Apple Cinnamon Granola recipe is a delicious and wholesome homemade granola packed with rolled oats, nuts, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the sweet flavors of applesauce and dried apples. Baked to a golden crisp, this granola is perfect for breakfast or as a snack, enhanced with peanut butter chips and yogurt raisins for a delightful texture and taste combination.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 8 cups 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats (not quick cooking)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans, almonds, pepitas, etc.)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup light brown sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup canola oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ cup applesauce

Add-Ins

• 1 cup dried apple, chopped
• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• 1 cup yogurt raisins

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix dry oats and nuts: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats with the chopped walnuts or any other preferred nuts or seeds, stirring to distribute evenly.
3. Prepare wet mixture: In a smaller bowl, whisk together ground nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, canola oil, honey, salt, light brown sugar, and applesauce until thoroughly combined.
4. Combine mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the oat and nut mixture. Stir well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture for consistent flavor and texture.
5. Spread in pan and bake: Transfer the combined granola mixture to the lined baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring gently every 10 minutes to promote even baking and prevent burning.
6. Check doneness: The granola is ready when it has dried out and is golden brown in color. Be careful to watch it closely to prevent any burning.
7. Cool and add extras: Allow the baked granola to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, gently toss the granola with chopped dried apples, peanut butter chips, and yogurt raisins to incorporate the final additions without melting the chips.

Notes

• You can substitute the walnuts for other nuts or seeds like pecans, almonds, or pepitas based on preference or allergies.
• If you prefer a sweeter granola, you can increase the honey slightly or add more brown sugar.
• For a nut-free version, replace the walnuts with additional seeds or oat clusters.
• Make sure to stir the granola regularly during baking to ensure even toasting and to avoid burning, especially around the edges.
• Store cooled granola in an airtight container for up to two weeks for best freshness.

Keywords: apple granola, cinnamon granola, homemade granola, baked granola, breakfast granola