Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (2024)

No ratings yet

(Click the stars to vote)

3 comments

Jump to Recipe

Sep 3, 2019 Jul 5, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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)

    No ratings yet

    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

    Leave a Rating Instagram

    Categories:

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

    Enjoy!

    Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    Why are homemade granola not crunchy? ›

    Until I ran into a clever trick, courtesy of Julia Turshen's new cookbook Simply Julia for getting granola as crispy as you want it: add egg whites. Per Turshen, for every three cups of rolled oats you want to transform into granola, add a ¼ cup each maple syrup and olive oil.

    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.

    How do you make granola taste better? ›

    Dried cranberries – For a pop of sweetness and yummy chewy texture! I'm a cranberry fan, but goji berries, raisins, chopped dried apricots, dried currants, tart cherries, and blueberries would all be great. And if you prefer your granola without dried fruit, go ahead and skip it!

    Why does my granola not clump together? ›

    Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet.

    It'll help clumps stay together. Use the parchment to help break the granola apart: If the granola bakes into a solid sheet, the best way to break it up is to lift an edge of the parchment paper and separate it from the granola.

    What ingredients should you avoid in granola? ›

    Check the ingredient list, avoiding products that list sugar or sweeteners —including natural sweeteners like honey — within the first few ingredients. Instead, the first few ingredients should be whole foods, such as oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. You may also want to look for varieties high in protein and fiber.

    How do you keep homemade granola crispy? ›

    Whether it's homemade or store-bought, properly storing granola will help extend the shelf life and maintain crunchiness. Store granola in an airtight container or tightly sealed zip-top bag in a dry, dark place away from heat.

    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.

    How do I get my homemade granola bars to stick together? ›

    Honey – Along with the nut butter, it helps all these ingredients stick together! I love its warm amber flavor in this recipe. Vanilla extract – It amps up the bars' warm flavor.

    Is granola better with milk or yogurt? ›

    Yogurt and granola can be genuinely healthy, depending on the yogurt and granola you use. There are better and unhealthy forms of the two fixings. The best blend is Greek yogurt with granola, which is high in protein and fiber.

    Is it cheaper to make your own granola? ›

    Is Homemade Granola Cheaper? Initially, you'll have to spend more money on homemade granola than store-bought. However, over the long run (depending on your recipe) you'll most likely spend less on making your own granola.

    Why does my granola taste fishy? ›

    The oxidation products have strong rancid off-flavors including the typical “fishy note”, and the oxidized oil has a reduced nutritional value.

    Does homemade granola harden as it cools? ›

    NOTE: The granola will clump and harden while cooling - not during baking. Allow to cool before stirring in the raisins, cranberries, or craisins. If stored in an airtight container, your granola could last for 2 weeks.

    Why is my homemade granola dry? ›

    Keep in mind that the granola won't be dry right out of the oven — it will dry as it cools. So take it out of the oven when it looks lightly toasted and smells like cooked honey. We're going for a toasty smell here. Add dried fruit after baking.

    Why is my homemade granola soft? ›

    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.

    Does granola crisp up as it cools? ›

    Granola is done when it's golden brown and 99% crispy. It will become 100% crispy as it cools. I found that my granola takes 1 hr 15 minutes total at 250 degrees in my oven. Granola will store in an airtight container for several weeks.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Dr. Pierre Goyette

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5934

    Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

    Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Dr. Pierre Goyette

    Birthday: 1998-01-29

    Address: Apt. 611 3357 Yong Plain, West Audra, IL 70053

    Phone: +5819954278378

    Job: Construction Director

    Hobby: Embroidery, Creative writing, Shopping, Driving, Stand-up comedy, Coffee roasting, Scrapbooking

    Introduction: My name is Dr. Pierre Goyette, I am a enchanting, powerful, jolly, rich, graceful, colorful, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.