Apple Cinnamon Granola
A crunchy, sweet and nutty granola with hints of cinnamon and dried fruit, perfect for breakfast or snacking, suitable for health-conscious or busy mornings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, pecans, sesame seed, salt, and cinnamon.
- Stir in honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla; mix thoroughly. Divide mixture into two equal parts.
- Bake half of the oats mixture in a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- Stir in half of the dried fruit. Cool completely.
- Stir with a fork until crumbly.
- Repeat the process with the remaining oats mixture.
- Serve with cold milk.
- Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier granola, consider toasting the oats mixture for a few extra minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a vegan version, or swap out pecans for walnuts if preferred. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the warmth of the cinnamon flavor. If you'd like a fruity twist, mix in some dried cranberries or apricots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Apple Cinnamon Granola with cold milk for a classic breakfast or snack. It also pairs beautifully with yogurt for a delicious parfait. For a delightful twist, try it as a topping for Sugar-Free Strawberry Pie, adding texture and flavor to the dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store the granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to two weeks. If you prefer a crunchier texture, reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help revive its crispiness while enhancing the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Cinnamon Granola contains roughly 882 calories, with 21g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 796mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts or seeds in this granola?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to substitute the pecans with your favorite nuts such as almonds or cashews. You can also add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for additional crunch and nutrition.
How can I make this granola gluten-free?
To make this granola gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats. Most oats are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur during processing, so check the packaging. All other ingredients listed are gluten-free.
Can I add fresh fruit to the granola?
Fresh fruit is best added after baking and cooling the granola. Consider topping your bowl with slices of banana, fresh apples, or berries for added flavor and nutrition. However, avoid baking fresh fruit, as it may release moisture and affect the granola's texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).