Healthy Apple Pie Granola Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a snack that tastes indulgent but feels nourishing, look no further than this Healthy Apple Pie Granola. Imagine the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie transformed into crunchy, wholesome clusters that make your mornings brighter and your snack times happier. With fresh apple chunks, warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the perfect touch of natural sweetness from maple syrup, this granola is just bursting with goodness. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves that all-American apple pie vibe but is craving something a little lighter and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in building the flavor, texture, and aroma you’ll adore. From hearty oats that give it a satisfying crunch to naturally sweet apples that add moist bursts of freshness, every component is simple yet crucial.
- 2 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed): The crunchy and chewy base that makes this granola filling and hearty.
- ½ cup walnuts (chopped): Adds a lovely nutty richness and a pleasant crunch.
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the granola with that unmistakable warm spice reminiscent of apple pie.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: A pinch that elevates the autumnal flavor profile.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ⅔ cup red apple (about 1, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4 inch cubes): The star ingredient that brings juicy brightness and a natural sweetness—Honeycrisp is my favorite!
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil: Helps everything bake up golden and crisp while adding a subtle tropical note.
- ¼ cup real maple syrup (or honey): Provides gentle sweetness with a rich depth that white sugar simply can’t match.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a smooth, fragrant finish.
How to Make Healthy Apple Pie Granola
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the granola doesn’t stick and to help with even cooking. Setting this up ahead makes the whole process flow easier.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients with Apples
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss in the cubed apples—these will cook beautifully in the oven, softening just enough while still holding their shape and creating those delightful fruity pockets within the granola.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Combine
Pour melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract over the oat mixture. Stir well to make sure every oat and apple cube is thoroughly coated—this step is key for flavor and that gorgeous golden color after baking.
Step 4: Spread and Press the Granola
Transfer the mixture onto your lined baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer. Press down firmly with a spatula—the thickness you choose here influences your granola’s crunch factor. I love pressing it thin for maximum crispiness with chunky clusters.
Step 5: Bake and Stir for Perfect Texture
Bake for about 22 to 28 minutes, stirring halfway through. When you stir, press the granola back down again for those crisp clusters to form. It might look a bit soft when it first comes out, but that’s normal. The magic happens as it cools and crisps up beautifully.
Step 6: Cool and Break Into Clusters
Let the granola cool undisturbed for at least 20 minutes. This waiting game is worth it because once cooled, you can break it into bite-sized clusters that add a wonderful texture and make it easy to enjoy on the go.
How to Serve Healthy Apple Pie Granola
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Healthy Apple Pie Granola over a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for a simple, satisfying breakfast. A few fresh apple slices or a pinch of extra cinnamon on top makes it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs spectacularly with a fresh fruit smoothie or alongside a chilled glass of almond milk. It’s also fantastic when scattered over warm oatmeal or even sprinkled on a salad with dried cranberries and a splash of apple cider vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, use the granola as a crunchy topping on individual baked apples or layered parfaits in mason jars. It also works brilliantly mixed into your favorite muffin or pancake batter to lend a surprising crunch and bursts of apple flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Healthy Apple Pie Granola in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it fresh and crunchy for up to one week—perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it for longer, place the granola in a sealed freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying, and it’ll taste just as delightful as day one.
Reheating
If you enjoy your granola warm, gently reheat small amounts in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. This re-crisps the clusters and warms the spices, making it feel fresh-baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or cashews all complement the apple and spice flavors beautifully. Just chop them roughly to maintain that satisfying crunch.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture and a cleaner look in the granola, but if you love the rustic feel and extra fiber, you can leave the skins on.
Can I make this granola vegan?
Yes! Simply use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the recipe completely plant-based without sacrificing sweetness or flavor.
How do I keep the granola crunchy?
The key is to spread it in a thin, even layer and press firmly before baking. Cool it completely on the baking sheet without stirring, so the clusters set properly and stay crunchy.
Can I add dried fruit to this granola?
Definitely! Stir in some dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates after baking and cooling to add a chewy texture and extra bursts of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Making Healthy Apple Pie Granola at home is one of those simple joys that feel like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re starting your day or need a wholesome snack, this recipe brings together comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients in a way that’s genuinely irresistible. Give it a try—you just might find this becoming your go-to granola recipe for a long time to come.
Print
Healthy Apple Pie Granola Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A wholesome and flavorful Healthy Apple Pie Granola recipe that combines the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with juicy red apples and crunchy walnuts, sweetened naturally with maple syrup and enhanced by the richness of coconut oil. This granola is easy to make, gluten-free if desired, and perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups old fashion rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ⅔ cup red apple (about 1 honeycrisp apple), peeled, cored, and cut into ¼ inch cubes
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup real maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and cubed apples. Pour the melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until all oats and nuts are evenly coated with the wet mixture.
- Spread Granola: Spread the granola mixture evenly over the lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to press it down firmly. Pressing the granola into a thin, compact layer will help achieve a crunchier texture after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 28 minutes. Halfway through baking, around 11-14 minutes, remove the granola and stir it to break it up, then press down again with a spatula if you prefer chunkier clusters.
- Cool and Store: Once baking is complete, allow the granola to cool undisturbed on the baking sheet for at least 20 minutes. The granola will crisp up as it cools. After cooling, break it into clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Notes
- For gluten-free granola, ensure the rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
- The granola may look slightly soft right out of the oven but will crisp up as it cools—do not overbake.
- If you want chunkier granola clusters, press the granola down firmly after stirring halfway through baking.
- Use Honeycrisp or another sweet-tart apple variety for best flavor and texture.
- Store granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 55g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: apple pie granola, healthy granola recipe, gluten-free granola, breakfast granola, homemade granola, apple granola clusters, cinnamon granola
