Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe

I just whipped up this homemade apple cinnamon granola and it tastes like a cozy fall hug in every crunchy bite, its kinda sweet and nutty and totally makes my mornings feel like the perfect chill start even on hectic school days.

I think my homemade apple cinnamon granola is a healthy treat that mixes old fashioned rolled oats, walnuts and shredded coconut with cinnamon, a pinch of salt, coconut oil, raw honey, vanilla and a fresh diced apple. I like how it gives you a nice boost of fiber and protein.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats provide hearty carbohydrates and fiber, helping keep you full and energetic.
• Chopped walnuts deliver protein and healthy fats with a nutty crunch that elevates flavor.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut adds a light, natural sweetness with good texture and fiber.
• Ground cinnamon infuses warm spice and antioxidants that boost taste and offer subtle health perks.
• Diced apple is refreshing and juicy, supplying natural sugars and extra fiber for goodness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/3 cup raw honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored and diced into small pieces

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

3. In a small bowl, stir the 1/3 cup melted coconut oil, 1/3 cup raw honey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix really well so all the oats and nuts get coated.

5. Gently fold in the chopped apple pieces, making sure the apple is distributed evenly though there might be small clumps.

6. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet so it bakes uniformly.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring around halfway through to avoid burning and to get an even toast.

8. Once it looks golden and smells yummy, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.

9. Break it into lumps or pieces and enjoy your Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola as a snack or over yogurt.

Equipment Needed

1. An oven preheated to 325°F
2. A baking sheet along with parchment paper
3. A large bowl for mixing the dry ingredients
4. A small bowl for the wet ingredients
5. Measuring cups and spoons to get all the portions right
6. A spoon or whisk to stir and combine the wet mix
7. A knife and cutting board to peel, core, and dice the apple
8. A spatula to help evenly spread the mix over the baking sheet

FAQ

• Q: How long will the granola keep fresh?
  A: It should stay crunchy for about 1 to 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature
• Q: Can I swap out coconut oil for something else?
  A: Yeah, you can use avocado oil or even butter if you dont mind the slight change in taste and texture
• Q: Can I mix in other nuts or dried fruits?
  A: For sure, almonds, pecans or dried cranberries work great if you want to mix things up a bit
• Q: How can I make my granola extra crunchy?
  A: Try stirring it a few times while its baking and let it cool completely, the cool down helps it crisp up
• Q: Can I adjust the sweetness?
  A: Yep, if you dont like honey much, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute

Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of walnuts, you can try using pecans or almonds for a different nutty crunch.
• If you dont have coconut oil, use melted butter or even olive oil to keep your granola crispy.
• Raw honey can be swapped with maple syrup or agave nectar if you’re looking for a twist.
• Not in a vanilla extract? Try a bit of almond extract or even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon as a substitute.
• If you’re out of apples, diced pears or dried apple bits work nicely too.

Pro Tips

1. Try stirring the granola around halfway through baking so it toasts evenly. I’ve noticed that if you stir it too much it becomes too powdery, but if you dont stir it at all some parts might burn.
2. Be gentle when folding in the apple pieces so they keep some of their crunch and flavor. You don’t want to mash them all into mush which kinda ruins the texture.
3. Mix your melted coconut oil, raw honey, and vanilla real well ahead of time so everything coats properly. This helps prevent clumping later and ensures every bite has the right amount of sweetness.
4. Make sure you spread the mixture out nicely on the baking sheet. If it’s too bunched up, some parts might get overcooked while others stay a bit soggy.