Apple Cinnamon Granola

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I am lucky enough to be surrounded by a lot of apple trees, so my fall months are spent making aaaaall the apple cider we can drink, apple pancakes for brunch, and ninja creami apple pie ice cream just because.

I also make this family favorite cinnamon apple granola in bulk for breakfast, for a snack and topped with yoghurt and fruit for dessert. Bonus, that every mouthful taste just like apple pie.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Budget friendly – I love that this homemade granola is super affordable and made entirely of everyday store cupboard staples. Vary flavors to suit your taste and mood.
• Easy to make – It is pretty much mix, bake, cool, eat and repeat. I got you.
• Works with all apples – You can pretty much use any fresh apple variety you want. Some will be sharper than others. I prefer using the sweeter varieties.
• Prep-ahead. Prep ahead a big batch & double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.
• Kids love cooking – They really love the mixing, as well as trying it at all stages.

Ingredient Notes

I love that you only need simple ingredients to make this treat. Below is a list of ingredients needed for this recipe. Follow my tips on each ingredient for best results.

For the syrup

• Maple syrup – This is not too sweet. But you can double the maple syrup if you prefer.
• Water – I just use this to add extra moisture to the oats before cooking.
• Vegetable oil – I tend to just use a neutral oil, like vegetable oil, to help crisp up the granola. I have also used coconut oil with great success.
• Vanilla extract and salt – just use your favorite vanilla extra and salt to add flavor.

For the oats

• Oats – You need old fashioned rolled oats (not the quick cook or steel cut oats).
• Spices – I use ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves to recreate that classic apple pie flavor. If you prefer, you can use some apple pie spice.
• Fresh apple – You need one fresh apple, peeled and diced to a little smaller than 1 cm cubed, or the apple won’t dry properly. I prefer sweeter apples, like honeycrisp apples for a sweeter tasting granola.
• Almonds – I am addicted to almonds. so of course almond would be my choice. Since I use sliced almonds, I add them in halfway through baking.
• Dried fruits – You can add in optional dried fruit at the end. I tend to add coconut flakes, diced dried apricot, banana chips and more.

How To Make Apple Granola

Use the process shots below as a visual guide to help you make this. Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Heat the oven to 275F / fan assisted 120C / 140C / gas mark 1 and line 2 baking trays.
2. Mix syrup ingredients together in a pot and warm gently on the stove until combined.
3. Thoroughly combine the oats, apple and spices in a mixing bowl.
4. Spread mixture in a thin layer on the baking trays (you might only need one) and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Then add in the nuts, mix again and bake for another 20 minutes.
6. Remove the granola from the oven and allow to cool completely.
7. Stir in the dried fruits if using and then serve.

   

 Bintu’s Tips and Variations

I really love switching things up in the kitchen. Here are some tips for easier cooking and variations for you to try if you want something a little different

• Cut the apples a little smaller than 1 cm cubes. Otherwise they won’t dry out properly.
• If you prefer clumpy granola, then make extra maple liquid, avoid stirring it whilst baking and cooling. The less you stir, the more it clumps. Your granola, your way.
• Vary the nuts. Cashews, walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts are all great choices.
• Vary the spices. My other favorite spices are ground cardamom and ground ginger.
• Vary the grains. You can add grains like quinoa into this granola.
• Do make sure to bake the granola at the temperature the recipe calls for. If you cook it at a high temperature you risk the granola burning before drying out.

• 

Storage

This one is a great recipe to make ahead. Store the cooled granola in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. I have stored this for up to 6 weeks with no problems, as long as the apple is properly dried.

More Granola Recipes

Below are some other homemade granola recipes you might like.

• Almond Butter Granola.
• Low Carb Granola.
• Pistachio and goji berry granola.
• Gingerbread Granola.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite way to serve this is with some milk or some thick Instant Pot Yogurt as well as sprinkled over these grilled peaches and alongside this sweet Air Fryer Pineapple for breakfast or brunch.

I also sprinkle it over Fruit Salad, over delicious Instant Pot Baked Apples, and as a fun and crunchy topping for Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie Bowl and apple crisp.

Watchers Points

There are 6 Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving.

Originally published Oct 2014*

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