Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with a delightful treat that’s both healthy and satisfying? Say hello to Easy Cinnamon Apple Granola! This scrumptious recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon, the crunch of nuts, and the sweetness of apples, all baked to perfection. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a batch that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly and your taste buds dancing with joy. Perfect as a snack, a topping for yogurt, or a wholesome breakfast, this granola is sure to become a favorite in your home. Dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to create your own delicious granola that’s far better than store-bought!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds)
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your granola cooks evenly and becomes nice and crispy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, diced apples, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey or maple syrup until it becomes more fluid. This will make it easier to mix into your dry ingredients.
- Pour the warmed honey or maple syrup over the oat and nut mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to thoroughly combine everything, ensuring that the oats and nuts are well-coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as ovens can vary.
- Once the granola is golden brown and fragrant, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crunchier as it cools.
- If desired, stir in the dried fruit after the granola has cooled. This will add a nice chewy texture and extra flavor.
- Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container for storage. It can be enjoyed as a snack, over yogurt, or with milk for breakfast.
Tips
- Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts. Walnuts and almonds are great, but pecans or hazelnuts can add a unique twist to your granola.
- Go for Freshness: Use fresh, crisp apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp apples bring sweetness.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: Honey and maple syrup are both delicious, but you can also try agave nectar or brown sugar for different flavor profiles.
- Add a Crunch: For extra crunch, consider adding some seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to the mix.
- Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on your granola while it bakes. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want it to burn. Stirring halfway through helps achieve an even golden color.
- Storage Tips: Store your granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can last for up to two weeks, but trust us, it won’t last that long!
- Serve it Up: Enjoy your granola with yogurt, milk, or even as a topping for smoothies. You can also eat it straight out of the container for a quick snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
