You’ll love this cinnamon apple pie granola for its perfect blend of textures and flavors, and now you have yet another reason to love apple season! The combination of crunchy oats, toasted pecans, and tender apple pieces creates a delightful contrast in every bite. The warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, add comforting fall flavors, while the maple syrup brings just the right amount of natural sweetness.

Whether you enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or simply on its own as a snack, this granola is both satisfying and nourishing. Plus, it’s easy to make, naturally sweetened, and free of refined sugars, making it a wholesome treat you can feel good about.

Homemade granola recipes are an easy and delicious way to add fiber and healthy fats to your day. Made with simple ingredients, this gluten-free homemade apple pie granola recipe will surely be a hit!

For those who follow a gluten-free diet, this recipe is perfect! Old fashioned oats are naturally gluten-free, and loaded with nutrients. The spices, liquids, and nuts used in the recipe also allow it to be gluten-free, and lower in sugar the granola from the grocery store.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Homemade Apple Pie Granola

Simple Ingredients for Homemade Apple Pie Granola

Apples- You can use any variety of fresh apples in this recipe, but tart options like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work especially well to balance the flavors.

Oats- The oats in this recipe provide a hearty, crunchy base that toasts beautifully in the oven, offering a rich source of fiber and a satisfying texture.

Pecans- The pecans add a buttery crunch and a dose of healthy fats, enhancing the granola with their rich, nutty flavor.

Apple pie spice- The nutmeg and cinnamon bring warmth and depth to this apple granola, infusing it with cozy, autumnal flavors. These spices perfectly complement the sweetness of the apples and maple syrup, creating an irresistible aroma as the granola bakes.

Coconut oil-Coconut oil helps bind the ingredients together and gives the delicious granola a rich, crisp texture, while adding a subtle, tropical undertone to the flavor. Olive oil could also be used in place of coconut oil, if you prefer.

Maple syrup- Maple syrup naturally sweetens the granola with its rich, caramel-like flavor, balancing the spices and adding a delightful hint of sweetness without being overpowering.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Granola in Just Minutes

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl combine oats, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and chopped apples. Pour coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in until completely coated.
Spread oat mixture in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet, flatten mixture, and bake for 22-28 minutes. Stirring halfway through.
Remove from oven when golden brown and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes.

Tips on How to Make the Best Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe

Adjust Sweetness: Customize the sweetness to your taste by adjusting the amount of maple syrup or adding other natural sweeteners like honey or agave.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices, nuts, or even add-ins like coconut flakes or nut butter for added flavor and texture.
Mix Well: Ensure all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined before adding wet ingredients, so every piece of granola is evenly coated.
Let It Cool: Allow the granola to cool completely to room temperature on the baking sheet before breaking it into clusters and storing. This helps your granola stay crunchy.

How to Store This Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe

Cool Completely: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet before storing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup to protect your crunchy clusters.
Use an Airtight Storage Container: Once the granola cools completely, transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will help keep it crunchy by minimizing exposure to air and moisture.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight, such as a pantry or cupboard. You can keep your granola store in an airtight container for 1 week.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats?

Quick oats can be used, but they will result in a different texture. Rolled oats provide a heartier crunch, while quick oats may become softer and less crunchy.

Can I substitute nuts or seeds?

Yes! Baked on your preferences, allergies, and sensitivities, you can swap the pecans for any nut or seed of your choice. Pumpkin seeds, almond slivers, and walnuts would be great in this recipe.

What’s the best way to serve granola?

Granola is versatile and can be served with a yogurt parfait, milk, or used as a topping for smoothies, oatmeal, or desserts. It can also be enjoyed as a snack on its own!

How can I make granola clumpier?

To achieve clumpier granola, increase the amount of sweetener or fat (like coconut oil) in the recipe, and avoid stirring it too much while baking. Letting it cool completely before breaking it apart also helps.