![- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), roughly chopped - 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1 cup dried apples, diced - 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries The base of this granola starts with rolled oats. They provide great texture and are a healthy choice. I love using walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. They also bring healthy fats. Unsweetened coconut flakes add a tropical taste, making each bite special. Maple syrup sweetens the mix naturally. It pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon. Coconut oil adds richness and helps the granola bake to a golden color. I always use pure vanilla extract for depth of flavor, while sea salt balances the sweetness. Dried apples give a fun chewiness, while raisins or dried cranberries add a burst of sweetness. This mix of flavors and textures creates a delicious granola. You can find the full recipe to make it at home. - Best brands for rolled oats: Bob's Red Mill, Quaker - Quality nuts selection: Diamond, Planters - Preferred coconut flakes: Sweetened Coconut, Let’s Do Organic Choosing the right brands can make a big difference. Bob's Red Mill and Quaker offer top-quality oats. For nuts, I trust Diamond and Planters for their freshness. When it comes to coconut flakes, I recommend Let’s Do Organic. They provide the best flavor and texture. - Gluten-free options: Look for certified gluten-free oats - Nut alternatives for allergies: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds If you need gluten-free options, be sure to pick certified gluten-free oats. They taste great and keep the recipe safe for those with gluten issues. For nut allergies, sunflower or pumpkin seeds work well as substitutes. They still provide crunch and nutrition without the risk. - Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). - Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup chopped nuts, and 1/2 cup coconut flakes in a large bowl. Mix well with a spatula. This blend gives the granola its crunchy base. - In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. This mixture adds sweetness and flavor. - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated. - Spread the mixture on the baking sheet. Flatten it out with a spatula. - Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through for even baking. - When golden and fragrant, take it out and let it cool. This cooling time makes it crispy. - Once cooled, add 1 cup diced dried apples and 1/2 cup raisins or cranberries. Stir gently. You can find the detailed recipe [Full Recipe]. To get your granola nice and crunchy, follow these tips: - Baking time recommendations: Bake your granola for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want it golden, not burnt. - Stirring method during baking: Stir the mixture halfway through baking. This helps it bake evenly and avoids clumping. You can boost the flavor of your granola with simple changes: - Additional spices to consider: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a warm taste. A pinch of allspice can also add depth. - Sweetener substitutions: If you want a change, use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup. Each will give a different flavor. This granola is great on its own, but pairing it adds more fun: - How to pair with yogurt and fruits: Serve granola over yogurt with fresh berries. This adds creaminess and a burst of flavor. - Ideas for smoothie bowl toppings: Use granola as a crunchy topping on smoothie bowls. It adds texture and makes your bowls more appealing. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your homemade Maple Cinnamon Apple Granola! {{image_4}} If you want a nut-free granola, you can easily swap out the nuts. Use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead. They add crunch and nutrition without the nut allergy risk. You can also use extra coconut flakes for texture. Just remember, the nutty flavor will change, but it will still taste great! You can mix up the dried fruits in your granola. Try using dried cherries or apricots for a different twist. These fruits give a nice tartness that pairs well with the sweetness of maple. For a fresh kick, add some chopped apples or pears right before serving. They add juiciness and a nice crunch! Want to spice things up? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the mix. These spices give a warm flavor that is perfect for fall. You can also use seasonal spices, like pumpkin spice, for a festive touch during the holidays. It will make your kitchen smell amazing while it bakes! To keep your Maple Cinnamon Apple Granola fresh, use an airtight container. This helps lock in crispness. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. Store it at room temperature for the best taste. Avoid storing it in the fridge as it can make the granola soggy. When stored correctly, your granola stays fresh for about two weeks. Check for any signs of spoilage. If you see moisture or a strange smell, it’s time to toss it. Fresh granola should smell sweet and nutty. If you want to keep granola longer, freezing is a great option. Spread it on a baking sheet and freeze it for about an hour. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to eat it, just let it thaw at room temperature. To maintain its crunch, avoid microwaving or reheating it. For the best texture, use it within three months of freezing. Yes, you can easily make this granola vegan. Simply replace the honey with maple syrup. Also, use a plant-based oil instead of coconut oil. This keeps the flavor while making it vegan-friendly. To get those crunchy clusters, use more sweetener. Sticky ingredients like honey or maple syrup help hold the oats together. Press the granola firm on the baking sheet before baking. This creates nice chunks as it bakes. Absolutely! You can add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch and boost nutrition. Pumpkin seeds are high in protein, while sunflower seeds give healthy fats. Feel free to mix in your favorites! You can easily change the sweetness. If you want it less sweet, reduce the maple syrup. If you like it sweeter, add more maple syrup or sprinkle in some brown sugar. Adjust to fit your taste! This blog post covered how to make tasty granola, from key ingredients to storage tips. You learned the best brands for oats and nuts. I shared ways to make nut-free or vegan options. Remember, small tweaks can change the flavor completely. The right baking time gives you that perfect crunch. By following this guide, you can enjoy your granola in many ways! Now, get ready to create your own delicious batches and enjoy every bite.](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/64cc44e6-42e9-4cc6-9b65-501a19a86a61-250x250.webp)
Maple Cinnamon Apple Granola
Elevate your breakfast with this delicious Maple Cinnamon Apple Granola that's perfect for busy mornings! Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruit, this recipe is easy to make and loaded with flavor. Discover how to combine simple ingredients into a crunchy, flavorful treat that will keep you fueled all day. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your mornings delightful!