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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup diced dried apples - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup sliced almonds - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional) - 1/2 cup raisins or cranberries When making apple cinnamon granola, each ingredient plays a key role. Rolled oats form the base, giving a hearty texture. Diced dried apples add natural sweetness and chewy bites. Chopped pecans and sliced almonds provide crunch and healthy fats. Honey or maple syrup acts as a sweetener and binds the mixture. Coconut oil adds richness and helps with baking. Ground cinnamon brings a warm flavor, while vanilla extract enhances the taste. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. Sunflower seeds are optional but add extra crunch and nutrients. Raisins or cranberries can provide a burst of flavor and sweetness. This recipe serves eight. Each serving is about 200 calories. It has healthy fats, fiber, and some sugars from the honey and fruit. - Calories: Approximately 200 per serving - Fats: Around 8 grams - Sugars: About 6 grams The health benefits are impressive. Rolled oats provide fiber, which aids digestion. Nuts offer protein and healthy fats. Dried fruits add vitamins and minerals. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels. Together, these ingredients create a satisfying snack that fuels your day. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. 1. Preheating and preparing the baking sheet Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. 2. Mixing dry ingredients In a large bowl, combine two cups of rolled oats, one cup of diced dried apples, half a cup of chopped pecans, half a cup of sliced almonds, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. If you like, add a quarter cup of sunflower seeds. This mix gives your granola a great crunch. 3. Combining wet ingredients In another bowl, whisk together a quarter cup of honey or maple syrup, a quarter cup of melted coconut oil, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything blends well. This mixture will sweeten and flavor your granola. 1. Oven baking times and techniques Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well coated. Spread the mixture on your prepared baking sheet. Press it down slightly to form an even layer. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. 2. Stirring and monitoring for even baking Halfway through baking, stir the granola. This step helps it bake evenly and prevents burning. Keep an eye on it, as you want it golden brown. 1. Cooling down procedure Once baked, remove the granola from the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will harden as it cools. This is key for the right texture. 2. How to store for freshness After the granola cools, mix in half a cup of raisins or cranberries for added sweetness. Transfer the granola to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place. This keeps it fresh and crunchy for days. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make the best granola, texture is key. Start with rolled oats; they give a hearty base. Mix your dry ingredients well. This ensures even flavor and crunch. Press the mixture down on the baking sheet. This step helps form those delightful clusters. Avoid overbaking to keep the granola crispy but not burnt. Bake at 350°F for just 20 to 25 minutes. Stir halfway through to cook evenly. Keep a close eye on it as it turns golden. Remove it from the oven when it looks just right. You can boost flavor with spices like nutmeg or ginger. These add warmth and depth to your granola. If you want more sweetness, adjust the honey or maple syrup. Start with less and add more until it suits your taste. You could also try adding cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. A pinch of sea salt can enhance all the flavors too! Apple cinnamon granola pairs well with yogurt. Just sprinkle some on top and add fresh apple slices. This makes a great breakfast or snack! You can also use it as a crunchy topping for smoothie bowls. Just blend your favorite fruits, pour, and add granola for crunch. Another fun idea is to mix it with oatmeal. It adds texture and flavor, making your morning meal more exciting. Find the full recipe [here](#). {{image_2}} You can easily make this recipe your own. Here are some ideas: - Alternative nuts or seeds: Swap out pecans and almonds for walnuts, cashews, or pumpkin seeds. Each nut adds a unique crunch and flavor. - Using fresh apples instead of dried: If you prefer fresh fruit, dice up a tart apple like Granny Smith. Just add it to the mix just before baking. Want to change up the taste? Try these flavor twists: - Making it a nut-free version: Omit all nuts and add more seeds, like hemp or chia. This makes it safe for those with nut allergies. - Adding chocolate or other fruits: Stir in dark chocolate chips or dried mango. These add a sweet touch and make your granola even more fun. Making this granola fit your diet is easy. Here are some options: - Vegan or gluten-free adaptations: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan treat. Choose certified gluten-free oats to keep it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. - Low-sugar versions: Reduce the honey or maple syrup to cut down on sugar. You can also add more spices like cinnamon to boost flavor without extra sweetness. With these variations, you can create a granola that suits your taste and needs. Check out the Full Recipe for the base to get started! To keep your apple cinnamon granola fresh, use an airtight container. This helps keep out moisture and air. Regular storage bags do not seal as well. If you must use them, double-bag your granola. Store your granola in a cool, dry place. A pantry shelf is perfect. Your granola will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you see any signs of moisture, toss it out. You can freeze granola for longer storage. To freeze, pack it tightly in an airtight container. Label the container with the date. Granola can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, take it out and let it thaw. You can leave it at room temperature for a few hours. Or, microwave it in short bursts to speed up the process. Once thawed, use it as you normally would. Enjoy this healthy snack in your yogurt or smoothies! For the full recipe, check out the Apple Cinnamon Granola section above. Homemade granola can last up to two weeks. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze granola. Just place it in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. Thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to eat. You can use fresh apples in granola, but they add moisture. This can make the granola clump together and lose its crunch. Dried apples work better since they keep it crispy. If you want to add fresh apples, consider adding them after baking. This way, you get their flavor without altering the texture. Leftover granola is a great topping for yogurt or smoothies. You can also use it in baking. Try adding it to muffins, pancakes, or cookies for extra crunch. Mix it into oatmeal for a hearty breakfast. You can even sprinkle it on salads for a sweet twist. To make this recipe gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free oats. Some brands may process oats with gluten-containing grains. Check labels to ensure they are pure. You can also use gluten-free sweeteners, like maple syrup. This makes the entire recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Granola offers several health benefits. It is high in fiber, which helps digestion. The nuts and seeds provide healthy fats and protein, keeping you full. Oats are known to lower cholesterol and improve heart health. With fruits like apples, you get vitamins and antioxidants, making granola a great snack. You now know how to make delicious apple cinnamon granola at home. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your granola. Granola is healthy, tasty, and easy to customize. Use fresh apples, substitute nuts, or even make it vegan. Store it right for freshness, and enjoy it in many ways. With this guide, you have all the tools to create your favorite snack. Enjoy your granola journey!

Apple Cinnamon Granola

Start your day with a deliciously crunchy homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola! This simple recipe combines rolled oats, dried apples, pecans, and a hint of cinnamon for a healthy breakfast or snack. With easy steps, you'll have a tasty treat ready in no time. Perfect for topping yogurt or enjoying on its own, this granola is both nutritious and satisfying.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup diced dried apples

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)

1/2 cup raisins or cranberries for added sweetness

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, dried apples, pecans, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds (if using), and salt.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.

        Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.

          Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down slightly to form an even layer.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking, or until golden brown.

              Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet; the granola will harden as it cools.

                Once cooled, add the raisins or cranberries, mix well, and transfer to an airtight container for storage.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the granola in a bowl topped with yogurt and fresh apple slices, or use it as a crunchy topping for oatmeal or smoothie bowls. Enjoy!