Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it transforms my kitchen into a cozy haven filled with the irresistible aroma of apple cinnamon. Plus, the crunchy, wholesome goodness of homemade granola feels like a comforting hug in every bite, making it the perfect snack for my busy millennial lifestyle.

The blend of flavors in my Apple Cinnamon Granola is like a warm hug. There’s the familiar comfort of rolled oats and wholesome nuts, but even more enticing are the sweet apple slices, which seem to become even more flavorful when lightly toasted.

I love the granola with a splash of milk, but it’s equally good left dry, to be munched on anytime.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Rich in fiber; provides complex carbohydrates; heart-healthy.
• Raw almonds: High in protein and healthy fats; crunchy texture.
• Walnuts: Excellent source of omega-3; boosts brain health.
• Unsweetened dried apple slices: Natural sweetness; adds fiber and vitamin C.
• Coconut flakes: Provides healthy fats; adds tropical flavor.
• Brown sugar: Sweetener; contributes to caramel flavor.
• Honey: Natural sweetener; antioxidant properties.
• Ground cinnamon: Warm spice; supports digestion and adds aroma.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup raw almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsweetened dried apple slices, chopped
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) and take a large baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper.

2. In a big bowl, combine the rolled oats, almonds, walnuts, dried apples, and coconut.

3. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, and coconut oil over low heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

4. Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the following: vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.

5. Warm the blended mixture and pour over the oat mixture. Stir well until the oat mixture is all coated and nicely combined.

6. Distribute the granola mixture evenly over the prepared baking sheet.

7. In the oven that has been warmed up to the necessary heat, place the following ingredients for 25–30 minutes. This is a “bake in the oven” recipe; the instructions say nothing about using a microwave. If you are trying to cook this whole recipe in a microwave, you will not be an MVP (Most Valuable Pioneer), and you will not enjoy your granola.

8. Take the granola out of the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet. It will become crisp as it cools.

9. After it has cooled, break the granola into clusters and place them in a container that is impervious to air.

10. Savor the apple cinnamon granola that you made yourself. Combine it with yogurt and milk, or enjoy it unadulterated, as a snack. In any of these combinations, you’ll experience the full flavor, warmth, and crunch of this simple-to-make cereal.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Small saucepan
6. Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Airtight container

FAQ

• Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?This recipe is best with good, old-fashioned rolled oats. They make the granola have the right texture. If you use quick oats, they might result in a mushier granola.
• What can I use instead of coconut oil?Melted butter or another neutral oil will work just fine if you prefer to use these ingredients.
• How do I store the granola once it’s made?Airtight container at room temperature = two weeks max. That’s the granola life; enjoy it!
• Can I add other spices to the recipe?Of course, you can also try other spices like ginger or cloves in your experiments to see how they affect the flavor of your dish.
• Is there an alternative to honey for a vegan version?Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used to replace honey in order to make the recipe vegan.
• How do I make the granola crispier?Distribute the granola in an even layer and bake it longer at a lower temperature. Stir it occasionally to ensure that it becomes equally crisp all the way through.
• Can I add fresh apples instead of dried ones?Dried apple slices are the best option for this recipe. Fresh apples are too moist and will not provide the correct texture.

Substitutions and Variations

For the uncooked almonds, you can substitute 1 cup of pecans that have been chopped.
If you don’t have walnuts, you can use 1/2 cup of hazelnuts instead. They won’t taste exactly the same (see reasons below), but if you’re nutting this recipe up, hazelnuts will work just fine.
Replace the unsweetened dried apple slices with 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to make a tangy flavor.
If you would rather, use maple syrup rather than honey, in equal amounts, for a natural sweetener that is different.
Use an equal amount of melted butter, instead of coconut oil, for a deeper flavor.
Ingredients

Pro Tips

1. Mixing Coating Carefully When combining the wet ingredients with the oat mixture, ensure you stir thoroughly for even distribution. This helps each granola cluster to be flavorful and prevents some parts from being undercoated.

2. Press for Clusters If you prefer larger clusters, press down the granola mixture firmly on the baking sheet before baking. This helps create those satisfying crunchy clusters.

3. Rotate for Even Baking Halfway through baking, gently rotate the baking sheet and stir the granola to ensure that it browns evenly, avoiding any burnt edges.

4. Customization Feel free to adapt the mix-ins to your liking. You could add other nuts or seeds like pumpkin seeds, or toss in some dried cranberries or raisins after baking for added variety.

5. Cooling Matters Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crispiness. Disturbing it before it’s fully cooled can prevent the formation of clusters.