Homemade apple cinnamon granola is full of warm fall flavors, using simple ingredients, and much cheaper than store-bought granola. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a delicious snack using what you have on hand, and the whole family will enjoy it.
Once you make your own granola, you’ll ditch the store-bought version forever! I love knowing the exact ingredients and it can be made in different ways so you won’t get burned out eating the same variety. Not to mention, it’s budget friendly and great for meal prep.
My salted nut roll bars and no bake energy balls also make a great afternoon snack using just a handful of ingredients.
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🍎 Ingredients:
- Ingredients:
- whole oats – Use old fashioned oats. Rolled oats have a better texture than quick oats.
- walnuts – or your other favorite nuts and seeds.
- ground nutmeg and cinnamon – can also swap for apple pie spice.
- vanilla extract – to deepen the flavor.
- canola oil – helps to crisp up the oats. You can also use coconut oil or sunflower oil if your prefer.
- honey and light brown sugar – adds sweetness and can be adjusted to your liking.
- salt – goes well with the spices and compliments the sweetness.
- applesauce – can use sweetened or unsweetened applesauce based on your preference. This helps to bind the granola and adds a little flavor too.
- dried apples – see the variation section for making homemade apple chips.
- peanut butter chips and yogurt raisins – these are optional and can be replaced with other favorites.
For a full list of ingredients and their measurements, 📋 please view my printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Optional Garnish:
This homemade granola recipe is a perfect addition to a yogurt parfait, smoothie bowls, as an ice cream topping, or can be served with fresh fruit for a healthy snack.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten free version – use certified gluten free oats.
- Seeds – add flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or any of your favorites for a nice crunch.
- Add-ins – Shredded coconut, other dried fruits and spices can be used. This healthy apple cinnamon granola recipe is very forgiving and customizable.
- Vegan – use pure maple syrup in place of the honey.
- Apple chips – if you have fresh apples you need to use up, this is a great way! Peel and slice the apples. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cook at 200 degrees for 2-3 hours until they have dried, flipping occasionally. Store bought dried fruit normally has more added sugar, so these will be less sweet.
🔪 Instructions:
PREP: Line a baking dish with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 1: In a large bowl or in the baking dish, combine the oats, nuts, and any seeds if your would like.
Step 2: Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, oil, salt, honey, applesauce, and brown sugar to a small bowl and stir to combine.
Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and stir so everything is covered evenly.
Step 4: Spread the granola mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes in the preheated oven, stirring every 10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Adding the yogurt raisins and peanut butter chips once the granola has cooled ensures they will not melt.
Step 5: Once the granola turns deep golden brown and seems to be dried out, remove from the oven.
Step 6: Allow the granola to cool to room temperature. Use a wooden spoon to gently toss the apples, yogurt raisins, and peanut butter chips into the granola.
SERVE: Add the granola over the top of your Greek yogurt bowl with a drizzle of almond butter or to your ice cream sundae and enjoy.
- If spreading the apple pie granola on a large baking sheet, know that it will take less time to bake. We like using a baking dish to reduce the number of bowls and make clean up easier.
- Use any add-ins that would normally be found in the granola bars to make different versions
Recipe Tips for Apple Cinnamon Granola
Fun Fact
While apple pie seems to be an all-American dessert, it’s actually native to Europe. -Parlee Farms
Recipe FAQs
A batch of apple cinnamon granola will last up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight or glass container.
Yes, that’s why it’s important to let it cool completely before using or storing. When it first comes out of the oven it will still be somewhat soft and chewy.
Homemade granola can be healthier than store-bought granola, but it depends on the ingredients and the amount of sweeteners and add-ins that are used. Granola from scratch also will not contain preservatives and are less processed.
More Delicious Apple Recipes
If you tried this Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the 📝 comments below.
Apple Cinnamon Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole oats not quick-cooking
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, almonds, pepitas, etc.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon 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 apples chopped
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 cup yogurt raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix together whole oats, walnuts, and any other nuts or seeds you’d like to add.
- In a small bowl, mix together nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, oil, honey, salt, brown sugar, and applesauce. Stir to combine.
- Combine oat mixture and wet mixture. Stir well to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring gently every 10 minutes.
- Granola is ready when it has dried out and turns golden brown. Watch that you do not burn the granola.
- Allow granola to cool completely. Toss gently with the apples, peanut butter chips, and yogurt raisins.
Notes
Store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks. Notes: If desired, use a sheet pan. It will cook quicker when it’s pressed in an even layer. We like the baking dish so we can mix directly without using more bowls. The brown sugar and honey are used as a sweetener. Maple syrup/white sugar can be used in their place. Adjust the amounts as desired. Any dried fruits, nuts, spices, and add-ins can be used in granola. They are adjustable and optional.
Nutrition
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