Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe

Introduction

This homemade apple cinnamon granola is a delicious and wholesome snack that’s perfect for breakfast or an anytime treat. Featuring a blend of oats, dried fruit, and warm spices, it’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 2 ½ cups old-fashioned oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup dried apples (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ¾ cup raw pecans (pieces)
• ½ cup large coconut flakes
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a small to medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to boil. Reduce heat to low and stir for an additional minute. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Step 3: Pour the warm mixture over the oats in a large bowl. Toss to coat the oats evenly. Add dried apples, coconut flakes, and pecans, then mix well until all ingredients are combined.
4. Step 4: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the granola mixture evenly across the sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely to room temperature.
5. Step 5: Once cooled, break the granola into large clusters. Stir in the dried cranberries for a burst of fruity sweetness. Enjoy immediately or store for later.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the granola.
• Swap dried apples for dried pears or apricots to change the flavor profile.
• Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a subtle tropical hint.
• If you prefer smaller granola pieces, press the mixture firmly on the baking sheet before baking and avoid stirring after baking.

Storage

Store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a month. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy it cold. Avoid storing with dried cranberries if you want to keep the granola crisp; add them just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute honey or agave syrup for maple syrup, but the flavor and consistency might vary slightly. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Is this granola gluten-free?

It can be, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Always check packaging to ensure there is no cross-contamination if you are sensitive to gluten.

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 364 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: About 4 cups 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola is a deliciously crunchy and naturally sweetened snack packed with wholesome oats, dried apples, pecans, and fragrant cinnamon. Sweetened with pure maple syrup and a touch of brown sugar, it’s perfectly baked to golden perfection and sprinkled with chewy dried cranberries for a burst of flavor. Ideal as a breakfast topping or a nutritious snack on-the-go.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ Tbsp. brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups old-fashioned oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. salt

Add-ins

• ¾ cup dried apples (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ¾ cup pecans (raw, pieces)
• ½ cup large coconut flakes
• ½ cup dried cranberries

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the granola.
2. Make the Base: In a small to medium-sized skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine olive oil, pure maple syrup, and brown sugar. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and stir for an additional minute to blend the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt to create the granola syrup.
3. Combine with Oats and Add-ins: Pour the warm syrup mixture over the oats in a large bowl. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the oats. Add dried apples, coconut flakes, and pecans. Stir until all ingredients are well combined to build the granola mix.
4. Bake the Granola: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly spread the granola mixture across it. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, until golden and toasted, stirring halfway if desired for even baking. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely to let it crisp up.
5. Finish and Serve: Once the granola is fully cooled, break it into large chunks. Stir in the dried cranberries last to preserve their texture and sweetness. Store in an airtight container or enjoy immediately as a snack or with yogurt or milk.

Notes

• Use gluten-free oats to make this granola gluten-free.
• Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds according to preference.
• For extra sweetness, increase maple syrup slightly but be cautious to avoid soggy granola.
• Mix dried fruits in after baking to keep them chewy and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cinnamon granola, homemade granola, healthy granola, gluten-free granola, baked granola, maple syrup granola, nutty granola, dried fruit granola