Description
This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola is a delightful and healthy snack featuring oats, dried apples, pecans, and a sweet cinnamon maple glaze. Perfectly baked to a crunchy golden finish, this granola combines wholesome ingredients with warm spices, making it ideal for breakfast or a nutritious snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ Tbsp packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tsp vanilla
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 coconut (large flakes)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the granola evenly.
- Make the Base: In a small to medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the olive oil, pure maple syrup, and brown sugar. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to boil, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat and stir for another minute, then remove from heat. Stir in cinnamon, vanilla, and salt to create the flavorful granola syrup.
- Mix with Oats: Transfer the syrup to a large mixing bowl with the oats. Toss thoroughly to coat all oats with the syrup. Add the dried apples, coconut flakes, and pecans, stirring until evenly combined for a balanced texture and flavor.
- Bake the Granola: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly spread the coated granola mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, stirring once halfway if desired for even browning. Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature, which will help it crisp up.
- Break Into Pieces: When cooled, break the granola into large clusters and stir in dried cranberries. The granola is now ready to enjoy as a snack, topping for yogurt, or with milk.
Notes
- Use gluten-free oats if you require a gluten-free version.
- For a sweeter granola, increase the brown sugar or maple syrup slightly.
- To enhance crunchiness, you may spread the granola thinner or bake an additional 5 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Add other nuts or seeds like almonds or pumpkin seeds for variety.
