Name: Apple pie granola Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ Cup (100g) firmly packed pitted dates; 1 (140g) apple, peeled, cored and roughly chopped; 3 tablespoon coconut oil, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 Cups (180g) rolled oats; 1 Cup (100g) pecans, chopped (or walnuts or almonds); 1 tablespoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a snack that captures the warm, comforting essence of fall in every bite, this Apple pie granola is an absolute must-try. Packed with the natural sweetness of dates and apples, a cozy hint of cinnamon, and the satisfying crunch of nuts and oats, it transforms simple pantry staples into a crunchy, flavorful treat. Whether you sprinkle it atop your yogurt, enjoy it by the handful, or share it with friends, this Apple pie granola offers a delightful escape into the flavors of homemade goodness that brightens any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward but mighty ingredients lets the flavors shine through beautifully. Each component plays a key role—bringing sweetness, texture, aroma, or richness that makes this dish so memorable.

Dates (½ cup, 100g): These naturally sweet little gems blend smoothly to bind the granola and add caramel-like depth.
Apple (1 medium, peeled and chopped): Provides fresh juiciness and that unmistakable apple pie flair.
Coconut oil (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps the granola crisp up perfectly in the oven.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts the flavor with warm, fragrant notes that complement the spices.
Rolled oats (2 cups, 180g): The hearty, wholesome base that delivers crunch and fiber.
Pecans (1 cup, chopped): Or swap with walnuts or almonds for a buttery nutty texture that contrasts the oats.
Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The signature spice that gives the Apple pie granola its cozy, autumnal charm.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness to deepen all the flavors.

How to Make Apple pie granola

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 160C (325F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking. In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, chopped apple, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Process until the mixture turns smooth and creamy, although a few small pieces of apple and dates are perfectly fine. This creamy fruit base will form the flavorful glue that holds your granola together and infuses every bite with that luscious apple pie essence.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients bring the bulk of crunch and the aromatic spice that make the Apple pie granola so addictive. The cinnamon’s warmth will infuse both the nuts and oats, preparing them for that cozy bake.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Pour the fruit cream from the food processor into the bowl with the oats and nuts. Stir thoroughly until every oat and nut is coated evenly. It’s important for all the dry ingredients to be embraced by the sweet and spiced mixture so that the granola bakes into perfect clusters that hold together beautifully and taste spectacular.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spread the granola evenly across the lined baking sheet. Bake it in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Be sure to stir the granola once during baking to encourage even toasting without burning. Once the granola turns golden and fills your kitchen with that irresistible apple pie aroma, take it out and let it cool completely on the pan. This cooling step helps it crisp up just right before you store it.

How to Serve Apple pie granola

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Apple pie granola on top of creamy Greek yogurt or vanilla-flavored cottage cheese to add a crunchy, flavorful contrast. You can also add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top for an extra touch of sweetness that plays beautifully with the cinnamon and apple notes.

Side Dishes

This granola pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads or a bowl of warm oatmeal. It can also be a star component alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting dessert that sings with fall flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Use your Apple pie granola as a topping for baked apples or pears, adding texture and an extra hit of flavor. You can also incorporate it into homemade granola bars or scatter it over pancakes or waffles for a special weekend brunch treat. The possibilities are endless and every presentation feels like a celebration of cozy, crunchy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple pie granola fresh and crunchy by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay delicious for up to two weeks, making it an ideal make-ahead snack or breakfast topper that you can reach for anytime.

Freezing

If you want to keep your granola for longer, freezing is a great option. Store it in a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag and it will last for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying to bring back its full flavor and crunch.

Reheating

While this granola is fantastic cold or at room temperature, you can warm it up gently in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes if you like it toasty. Just spread it on a baking sheet and heat at 150C (300F) for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring once to revive that fresh-baked crunch and boost those cozy apple pie aromas.

FAQs

Can I use dried apples instead of fresh apples?

Using fresh apples provides moisture and a natural juiciness that dried apples can’t fully replicate, so for best results stick with fresh. However, if you must use dried apples, soak them briefly in warm water to soften before blending.

Is it possible to make this granola nut-free?

Absolutely! You can omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version that still delivers a satisfying crunch and flavor complexity.

How sweet is the Apple pie granola? Do I need to add sugar?

The combination of dates and apple provides plenty of natural sweetness, so there’s no need to add extra sugar. You get a wholesome, subtly sweet snack that’s deliciously balanced without being overpowering.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats have the right texture and absorb moisture better for this recipe. Quick oats tend to become mushy when baked, so it’s best to stick with rolled oats to get that perfect crunchy crunch in your granola.

How do I prevent the granola from sticking together?

Stirring once during baking helps prevent clumping into a solid block. Also, make sure to spread it in an even layer on the baking sheet. After baking, letting the granola cool completely before storing ensures it stays crisp and separate.

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple pie granola is like capturing the cozy essence of homemade comfort food in a crunchy, wholesome snack. It’s simple to prepare but impressively flavorful, and once you try it you’ll want to keep it on hand for breakfast, snacks, or even a little sweet indulgence. Give it a go and enjoy every joyful bite of the season’s best flavors brought together in your very own kitchen.

Apple pie granola Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups of granola 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Pie Granola is a delicious, wholesome breakfast or snack option that captures the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie in a crunchy granola form. Made with natural sweetness from dates and apples, combined with rolled oats, pecans, and cinnamon, this granola is perfect for a healthy start to your day or an energizing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

½ Cup (100g) firmly packed pitted dates
1 (140g) apple, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
3 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 Cups (180g) rolled oats
1 Cup (100g) pecans, chopped (or walnuts or almonds)
1 tablespoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 160C (325F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the granola doesn’t stick and for easy cleanup.
Blend Wet Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, chopped apple, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary. Some small pieces of apples and dates remaining are fine, but the mixture should mostly be a creamy consistency.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and nuts.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the creamy date-apple blend into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are coated and combined.
Spread and Bake: Spread the granola mixture evenly over the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even baking and browning.
Cool and Store: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.

Notes

You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds according to your preference or availability.
Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
For added sweetness, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup before baking, but this is optional due to natural sweetness from dates and apples.
Ensure the granola cools completely before storing to retain its crispness.
Feel free to add dried fruits or seeds after baking for variation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American