Fall Apple Cinnamon Granola

There’s something about the combination of apples and cinnamon that makes fall feel a little cozier. This homemade apple cinnamon granola brings those comforting flavors together with hearty oats, crunch almost, and pumpkin seeds for a delicious, high fiber addition to your day.

Lightly sweetened with maple syrup and baked until golden, this granola is perfect sprinkled over yogurt, enjoyed with milk, topped on a smoothie, or eaten alone as an afternoon snack. It’s easy to make, stores well, and will fill your kitchen with the wonderful smell of fall.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 3/4 cup unsweetened apple chips, divided
    • 3/4 crushed into a powder
    • 1 cup broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds – substitute with another seed or nut if you prefer)
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (or more if you enjoy the spice)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Prepare 3/4 of the apples by crushing them into a power using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Set aside the remaining 1 cup of apple pieces to add after baking.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl stir together the oats, pepitas, almonds, and powdered apples.
  4. Prepare the cinnamon mixture in a separate bowl. Whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, sea salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Mix everything together. Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Spread and bake. Spread the granola in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet and press down firmly with a spatula. Bake for 20 – 24 minutes, stirring and flipping halfway through, until lightly brown and fragrant. Because the apple powder will brown more quickly than the oats, keep an eye out to ensure it doesn’t burn.
  7. Allow to cool. Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely. It will crisp up as it cools. Once cooled, sprinkle in the remaining apple chips.
  8. Enjoy! If not eating immediately, be sure to store this in an airtight container.