Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (2024)

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Sep 3, 2019 Jul 5, 2023

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Apple Cinnamon Granola has your favorite fall flavors in a breakfast yogurt toppingor healthy snack. With apples, oats, nuts, and cinnamon, it will fill your house with incredible autumn aromas as it bakes. And a few white chocolate chips add the perfect hint of vanilla flavor. This homemade granola recipe is gluten free and makes a great gift!

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (4)

Crunchy Cinnamon Apple Granola

This Apple Cinnamon Granola recipe will make your kitchen smell incredible while it’s baking. It’s bursting with the flavors of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. In addition, there’s plenty of crunch, chewy bits, and sweet, creamy bursts from the white chocolate chips you add after it cools. And of course, there is tons of apple flavor from applesauce and dried apples.

Not to mention, it has lots of crunchy clusters, which is what my boys beg for, like Maple Brown Sugar Granola Clusters. Because if it’s granola clusters that get them to eat their yogurt for breakfast, it’s granola clusters they’ll get! I mean, I’m sure they’d prefer Caramel Apple Ice Cream for their apple fix, but any time they request something healthy, I’m all over it. I mean, they do love Cauliflower Tots.

Plus you control the ingredients, so you can keep the amount of sugar and fat under your control.

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (5)

Ingredients

It’s truly the combination of ingredients that make it both delicious and good for you:

  • Oil – avocado oil is healthy and neutral-tasting oil. You can also use canola oil or melted coconut oil, though that does contribute a bit of a coconut flavor.
  • Egg white – this is one of the key ingredients for forming yummy granola clusters. It helps to bind the ingredients together.
  • Applesauce – also helps to form the chunks while adding a hint more sweetness and apple flavor.
  • Coconut sugar – an unrefined sweetener with a lower glycemic index and some additional health benefits, but brown sugar works just as well.
  • Kosher salt – a hint of salt in a sweet recipe always enhances the flavors.
  • Vanilla – another flavor enhancer, and I always recommend using a pure vanilla extract versus imitation for a richer flavor. If you are gluten free, be sure you use a vanilla extract that is gluten free, such as Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract.
  • Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice – warm spices add the quintessential fall flavors.
  • Old fashioned oats – I do not recommend quick oats in granola, and if needed be sure to get certified gluten free oats.
  • Ground flaxseed – this is a great way to sean in some extra superfood goodness, like omega-3s.
  • Chopped dried apples – these are the chewy style of dehydrated apples, not the crispy freeze-dried ones. Many brands add extra sugar and preservatives to their dried fruits, so I do like to use dried apples that are organic so that they maintain as many of the nutritional benefits as possible.
  • White chocolate chips – technically these are optional, but I like the little creamy pockets they add. While I typically love Ghirardelli chocolate chips for baking, their white chocolate chips are NOT gluten free, so I usually stick with Nestle White Chocolate Chips.
Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (6)

Apple Cinnamon Granola recipe tips to create perfect chunky clusters…

  • Be sure to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet to prevent the granola from sticking.
  • In one bowl you’ll mix together all of your wet ingredients, then toss the dry ingredient together in another bowl.
  • Do not add the dried apples or white chocolate chips before baking or the apples will burn and the chips will melt.
  • Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and make sure everything is moist.
  • Press it into a single layer on the baking sheet. This is the first step to ensure you get those nice, crunchy clusters.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, and about halfway through, stir gently so that the middle can get crisp without the edges burning. But be careful not to break up the large clusters while stirring.
  • Bake till golden and dried out.
  • Let it cool on the baking sheet in order to let the clusters crisp up.
  • After it’s cool you can toss in the dried apples and white chocolate chips.
Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (7)

What can you do with Cinnamon Apple Granola? How do you store it?

  • Store the granola in an airtight container for up to several weeks.
  • Package in jars or cellophane bags to give out as gifts.
  • It’s delicious to eat by the handful, or in a bowl with milk.
  • If you’d love a breakfast that tastes like dessert, this granola recipe is the perfect addition to theseApple Crisp Yogurt Parfaits.
Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (8)

There are plenty of healthy ways to get your apple a day. Try these apple recipes:

  • Whole Wheat Apple Pumpkin Muffins combine your favorite fall flavors in one tasty muffin.
  • Peanut Butter Apple Nachos with Strawberry Salsa is the perfect after school snack with the PB&J flavor combo.
  • Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast Bars have whole grains and protein and amazing apple cinnamon flavor.
  • Cinnamon Caramel Apple Energy Balls only have four ingredients.
  • Slice ’em thin and make these Ginger Cinnamon Apple Chips from Rachel Cooks.
  • If you prefer warm and creamy to crunchy, start your day with Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal from Two Peas and Their Pod.
  • Or sip your apples through a straw with an Apple Pie Smoothie from Texanerin Baking.

What are some other ways to make homemade granola?

  • Coconut Chia Granola Clusters
  • Tropical Pineapple Coconut Granola
  • Maple Nut Granola
  • PB and J Granola

Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe

You’ll love the aroma of fall spices wafting through your home as you bake this delicious granola. It’s filled with crunchy clusters, flavors of apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg, plus chewy dried apples and creamy white chocolate chips. That is why it will become one of your favorite healthy snacks or additions to a wholesome breakfast this autumn. With just a few minutes of prepping the ingredients and a half hour in the oven, it’s easy to make your own granola at home.

I hope you’ll leave a comment and give it a FIVE STAR rating or share a photo on this pin on Pinterest!

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (9)

    Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (10)

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    Apple Cinnamon Granola

    A healthy breakfast or snack with the warm flavors of fall that makes it taste like an apple crisp dessert.

    Prep: 15 minutes mins

    Cook: 30 minutes mins

    Total: 45 minutes mins

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper.

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, egg white, apple sauce, sugar, vanilla, salt, and spice.

    • In a large bowl, toss together the oats, flax seed meal, and walnuts.

    • Pour the wet mixture over the oats mixture, and toss to combine.

    • Spread granola on the prepared baking sheet, and spread into an even layer.

    • Bake 350°F for 15 minutes. Stir gently, being careful not to break up large clumps.

    • Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden and dry. Cool on the baking sheet.

    • Once completely cool, sprinkle the dried apples and white chocolate chips over the top and transfer to an airtight container.

    • Then make this Apple Crisp Yogurt Parfait.

    Notes

    Apple Crisp Granola Recipeoriginally shared on Princess Pinky Girl.

    Nutrition Facts

    Apple Cinnamon Granola

    Amount Per Serving (0.25 cup)

    Calories 127Calories from Fat 63

    % Daily Value*

    Fat 7g11%

    Saturated Fat 1g5%

    Sodium 108mg5%

    Potassium 99mg3%

    Carbohydrates 13g4%

    Fiber 2g8%

    Sugar 5g6%

    Protein 2g4%

    Vitamin C 0.2mg0%

    Calcium 19mg2%

    Iron 0.7mg4%

    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Author: Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips

    Course: Breafast, Snacks

    Cuisine: American

    Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (11)

    Did you make this?

    Leave a rating below and tag @cupcakesandkalechips on Instagram and hashtag it #cupcakesandkalechips

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    Categories:

    • Breakfast Ideas
    • Desserts
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Family Friendly
    • Gluten Free
    • Mains
    • Snacks
    • Sweet
    • Vegetarian

    Enjoy!

    Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    Why is my homemade granola not crunchy? ›

    I aim to let it hit room temperature, whatever that may be; the real point is to give it ample time to shed excess heat and steam. This should take about 45 minutes; if left out indefinitely, the granola can turn sticky or soft, so do try to put it away as soon after cooling as you can.

    What binds granola together? ›

    Flaxseed is wonderful for this, because after 30 minutes it soaks up the water, and turns into a gluey mass that will bind all your granola ingredients together. Also, flaxseed is the most concentrated source of essential omega-3 fatty acids. It has tons of fiber too.

    Do you eat granola with milk or yogurt? ›

    Milk: one of the simplest ways to enjoy granola is served up in a bowl with your favorite milk just like a breakfast cereal. Serve it with either dairy milk or dairy-free milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Yogurt: make yourself a yogurt bowls with some fruit and granola for crunch.

    How to make soft granola crunchy? ›

    Not only can you transform that soggy, chewy granola back to being blissfully crunchy, but it's easier than you might think. All it takes is spreading the granola in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and heating it in a 400 degree oven for five minutes — essentially re-baking it.

    How to know when homemade granola is done? ›

    If the granola is clumpy, use a spatula to press it into the pan. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Bake, stirring halfway through, for about 20 minutes total. The granola is ready when golden-brown and the almonds have toasted — it will still feel wet coming out of the oven but will dry as it cools.

    Why is my granola still soft? ›

    If they are soggy after storage, they may have been stored while still warm. To fix this, spread the granola on a baking sheet and heat it in a 400-degree oven for about 5 minutes. This quick high temp bake is only for reheating and should only be done for a few minutes to prevent burning.

    How to get homemade granola to clump together? ›

    Clumpy Granola Method: Add Chickpea Flour

    This no-stir approach calls for spreading the granola in an even layer on the baking sheet so it will naturally clump together as it bakes.

    How do you keep granola from falling apart? ›

    Chia seeds are often praised for their binding powers. In fact, they secure ingredients so well that they can even be used as an egg replacer. Adding just a spoonful of chia seeds to your favorite granola bar recipe will make a huge difference in its texture.

    What is the best binder for granola? ›

    Nut butter is a super flavorful fat that serves multiple purposes in granola. It acts as a binding agent—along with additional coconut oil and whatever natural sweetener I've chosen—helping to pull the dry ingredients together into a wet, sticky mass for baking.

    Is it okay to eat granola every day? ›

    Yes, granola can be eaten daily. As part of a balanced diet and if the portions are checked. Go for healthier options with less added sugars and saturated fats to get the most out of it.

    What to mix with granola? ›

    Trail Mix. Simply add dried fruit, like raisins, craisins, or banana chips and nuts or seeds to granola. You'll have a homemade trail mix in an instant!

    Is granola anti-inflammatory? ›

    Many types of granola contain healthy ingredients that may offer numerous benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and gut health.

    Why does my homemade granola taste bitter? ›

    Most granola recipes add the nuts in the beginning and the nuts just cook too long and become bitter. Also cooking at a low temperature means there is no constant stirring like most recipes. You only stir when you add the nuts and coconut.

    Does homemade granola get crunchy as it cools? ›

    Your homemade granola will continue to crisp up as it cools. It's tempting to start eating it as soon as it comes out of the oven, but if you let it rest for 15 minutes on the sheet pan, it'll be extra crisp and toasty – totally worth the wait!

    How do you fix bland granola? ›

    Salt and Spice

    For flavorful granola, don't skip the salt! Too little and your flavors won't sing. I prefer using fine-grain sea salt in this one (I always cook with fine-grain sea salt), but regular salt will do, too (just use a little less). I added cinnamon to this batch for some subtle warming spice.

    How can I get my homemade granola to clump? ›

    Clumpy Granola Method: Add Egg White

    The egg white is whisked until frothy (20 to 30 seconds will do it), then stirred into the oat mixture. The idea is that the egg's protein will help the oats bind to each other and create delicate clusters.

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