Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with a delightful crunch that’s both healthy and satisfying? Dive into the world of our Apple Cinnamon Granola, a Paleo-friendly, grain-free, and vegan recipe that’s bursting with flavor and goodness! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a batch of this irresistible granola, perfect for snacking or topping off your favorite yogurt or smoothie. With its sweet notes of dried apples and warm cinnamon, this granola will have you coming back for more. Don’t miss out on the chance to make your mornings a little brighter—read on for the full recipe and tips to make it perfectly!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Paleo
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dried apples, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This ensures that your granola will bake evenly and become crispy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of nuts (such as almonds and walnuts) and 1 cup of shredded coconut. Stir them together to mix well.
- Add the 1/2 cup of chopped dried apples to the nut and coconut mixture. This will add natural sweetness and a chewy texture to your granola.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of salt. This mixture will serve as the sweetener and flavor base for your granola.
- Pour the honey or maple syrup mixture over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine everything thoroughly, ensuring that the nuts, coconut, and dried apples are evenly coated.
- Drizzle the 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil over the mixture and stir again until everything is well combined. The coconut oil helps to bind the granola and adds healthy fats.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, stirring the granola halfway through to ensure even cooking. The granola should turn golden brown and become fragrant.
- Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. It will continue to harden as it cools.
- After cooling, break the granola into clusters and store it in an airtight container. Enjoy your Apple Cinnamon Granola as a snack, breakfast, or topping for yogurt or smoothies!
Tips
- Choose Your Nuts Wisely: While almonds and walnuts are fantastic choices, feel free to mix in your favorites like pecans or hazelnuts for a unique twist on flavor and texture.
- Chop Your Dried Apples: Make sure to chop your dried apples into smaller pieces to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the granola and provide that delightful chewiness in every bite.
- Watch the Oven: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your granola as it bakes. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can lower the temperature slightly to prevent burning.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet granola, feel free to reduce the sweetener.
- Store Properly: After cooling, store your granola in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness. It can last up to two weeks—if it lasts that long!
- Add Extra Flavors: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the wet mixture for an extra layer of flavor that will elevate your granola even further.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Don’t hesitate to throw in some seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or even a handful of dark chocolate chips after baking for a decadent treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg
