Healthy Apple Pie Granola Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Apple Pie Granola combines warm spices, crunchy oats, and juicy apples for a delicious snack or breakfast. It’s lightly sweetened with real maple syrup and perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome treat.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• ½ cup walnuts (chopped)
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅔ cup red apple (about 1 red apple, peeled, cored, and cut into ¼ inch cubes) (I love Honeycrisp)
• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
• ¼ cup real maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cubed apples. Pour in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir until all oats are completely coated.
3. Step 3: Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and press down using a spatula. A thinner layer will result in crunchier granola.
4. Step 4: Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, stirring the granola halfway through. For extra-chunky granola, press the granola back down with your spatula after stirring. The granola might look slightly underdone but will crisp up as it cools.
5. Step 5: Let the granola cool undisturbed for at least 20 minutes. Once cooled, break it into clusters and store as desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite type of apple for different flavors, such as Fuji or Gala. Just be sure to peel and cube them evenly.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds to vary the nutty flavor.
• For a sweeter granola, add a splash more maple syrup or drizzle honey after baking.
• If you prefer a nut-free version, omit nuts and add extra oats or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Storage

Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place it in a sealed freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy it cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Frozen apples can add extra moisture and may affect the crunchiness. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing to maintain texture.

Is this granola suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, this granola is naturally gluten-free.

Healthy Apple Pie Granola Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 93 reviews

This Healthy Apple Pie Granola combines oats, walnuts, and fresh apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, sweetened naturally with maple syrup and flavored with vanilla. Baked to a crisp perfection, this granola offers a crunchy, aromatic, and wholesome snack or breakfast option that captures the cozy flavors of apple pie in a nutritious, easy-to-make granola.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 4 cups 1x
• Category: Granola
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups old fashion rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅔ cup red apple (about 1 red apple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4 inch cubes; Honeycrisp recommended)

Wet Ingredients

• ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
• ¼ cup real maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and cubed apples. Pour the melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the oats and ingredients are well coated.
3. Spread and Press: Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to press the granola down firmly; a thinner layer will result in a crunchier texture.
4. Bake and Stir: Bake the granola for 22 to 28 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time. After stirring, press down the granola again with your spatula to create chunky clusters. Though it may appear slightly underbaked after removing from oven, it will crisp as it cools.
5. Cool and Store: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 20 minutes without disturbance. Once cooled, break it into clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Notes

• Using fresh apples adds moisture, so ensure to spread the granola thinly for optimal crunch.
• Pressing the granola down before and after baking helps form larger clusters.
• Maple syrup or honey can be substituted depending on your preference or dietary restrictions.
• For gluten-free granola, use certified gluten-free oats and ensure other ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
• Store granola in an airtight container to maintain crispness and freshness.

Keywords: apple pie granola, healthy granola, baked granola, homemade granola, apple cinnamon granola, gluten free granola, breakfast, snack