This Cinnamon Apple Granola is packed with enormous crispy clusters and flavored with notes of warm cinnamon, hints of spectacular apple pie spice and a sprinkling of dried apple chips! This easy granola recipe is delicious and perfect for breakfast, dessert and every snack in between!
If you love homemade granola, try this delicious dark chocolate granola and breakfast popsicles next!
Update: This post was originally published in September 2016. I made edits to the photos and added a recipe video to show you how easy this cinnamon apple pie granola is to make! However, the actual written words in this post remain the same.
Hi, friends! I’m so excited my favorite season is finally here – hey fall, nice to see ya!
Full confession, this little corner of the internet (you know, you + me), is about to be full-blown apples up in everything. I’ll try to practice a little self-restraint and limit the apple baked treats to every other post, but seriously, I make no promises. I AM blonde, so there is a strong possibility I will forget about all this talk of self-restraint.
Anyways, now that we have that out of the way, welcome the first apple speckled treat of the season – apple cinnamon granola!
Phew. I feel better now that I got ALL that TRUTH off my chest.
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Cinnamon Apple Granola Recipe
If apple pie and cinnamon granola had a baby and then a stork sprinkled it with cinnamon for good measure, THIS is what would have happened.
This homemade granola is the end all, be all of fall flavored granolas. BIG statement? Yes, but I back it up completely. (Besides pumpkin flavored goods don’t count on this site)
This granola is crunchy yet slightly tender and chewy with ENORMOUS crispy clusters, notes of warm cinnamon, hints of spectacular apple pie spice and a sprinkling of dried apple chips.
This cinnamon granola isn’t overly sweet like candy, it is the perfect mix of sweet n’ savory.
100% fall flavored fabulousness up in here.
How to make traditional granola from scratch?
Homemade granola is simple to make!
This easy apple granola only requires a handful of ingredients, such as rolled oats, sweetener, apple sauce, coconut oil, spices and dried nuts.
After collecting your ingredients, all you need to do is whisk together the sweetener, apple sauce, oil and spices and then toss in the oats and nuts. Next, you transfer the raw granola mixture to a sheet pan in an even layer, and bake, stirring once halfway through.
Voila! Homemade apple cinnamon granola!
How to eat cinnamon granola?
There possible uses for granola are honestly limitless! Here are some delicious ways to use homemade cinnamon granola:
- Use it as a topping for yogurt or chia seed puddings
- Layer granola with yogurt and fresh fruit for a breakfast parfait
- Use it as topping for baked apples or fruit crisps
- Add it to muffins or bake it into breads
- Mix granola into your breakfast oatmeal for added crunch
- Use it as a substitute for cereal and pour milk overtop
- Use it as a topping for smoothies or smoothie bowls
- Add it to pancake batter for added texture
- Toss the granola with more nuts and dried fruits for a homemade trail mix
- Use it as a topping for salads
The above are just a few ways to use granola! Honestly, granola is so versatile and more than just a quick snack on the go!
How long does apple granola keep?
After baking, you should allow the cinnamon granola to cool completely on the pan before transferring to a storage container. Granola will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
If you are looking for long term storage, granola also freezes well! Keep it in a freezer-safe airtight bag or container in the freezer for up to 2 months. (Tip: If freezing, leave out the any dried fruit chips or chewy dried fruits!)
Tricks for the best Cinnamon Apple Granola?
- Nuts: The classic granola recipe below calls for walnut and pecans, but you can use whatever nut(s) you love! Just make sure you are only roughly chopping the nuts. I use a zip-closure bag and a mallet, but you can use a cutting board and a knife. Just be careful if you use a food processor, you don’t want to over-process them into dust!
- Coconut Oil: While you can substitute canola oil, I highly recommend you don’t. You CAN’T taste the coconut AT ALL, but the coconut oil helps make this granola gloriously clustery. Please use coconut oil.
- Honey: Speaking of clusters, the recipe below calls for 1/3 cup of honey. You can cut the honey down to 3 tablespoons; however you won’t end up with huge clusters of granola. Moral – use all the honey.
- Cooling: When you remove the granola from the oven it will still feel a bit wet. Don’t worry, it will harden and turn crunchy after cools on the pan. DO NOT stir the granola while it’s cooling or you will prevent the large clusters from forming.
- Apple Chips: You can find apple chips in the chip or nut isle of your grocery store. I found mine located with the specialty nuts and fruit chips. If you can’t find them or don’t want to use them, you can either make your own or you can just leave them out.
Cinnamon Apple Granola recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert and EVERY snack in between. Get your tookis in the kitchen and bake your fall granola dreams come true.
Until next week friends, cheers – to apples in ALL the things!
XOXO
Cheyanne
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Homemade Cinnamon Apple Granola recipe and video tutorial👇
Cinnamon Apple Granola
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 1/3 Cup Honey *
- ¼ Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 2 TBS Pure Maple Syrup
- ¼ Cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce
- ¾ Cup Coconut Oil , melted*
- 1 TBS Apple Pie Spice
- ½ tsp each Cinnamon and Kosher Salt
- 4 Cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- ¾ Cups Walnuts - chopped
- ½ Cup Pecans – chopped
- 1 Cup Dried Apple Chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a small bowl whisk together the honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple sauce, oil, apple pie spice, cinnamon and salt.
- In a medium bowl, add the oats, walnuts and pecans. Stir in the honey mixture. Transfer to a large baking sheet in a thin layer (use two pans if necessary).
- Bake in the oven for 1 hour, stirring once halfway through, or until granola is toasted and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and DO NOT stir. The granola will still feel wet. Allow granola to cool on the counter for 15-20 minutes. Add in the apple chips and toss to combine.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Video
Notes
Notes:
*You can reduce the honey to as little as 3 TBS, but the granola will not be as clustery.
*You can substitute canola oil for the coconut oil, but the granola will not be as clustery.
*You can either leave apple chips whole or crush them, depending on preference.
*You can freeze the granola for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
©No Spoon Necessary. All images and content are under copyright protection. Please do not use any images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe please do not list instructions, instead link directly back to this post.
Looks like a promising recipe! What temp should it baked at?
Hi Divya,
You can find that information in the first step of the recipe instructions: “Preheat oven to 250 degrees F”.
Cheers and happy New Year!
This one snuck right by me. Great video! This looks so delicious, crumbly and perfect snack or addition to any yogurt or ice cream! Take care.
Your apple pie granola looks amazing! It would make a delicious topping for Greek yogurt in the morning.
I know I commented on this before – but I wanna know – has your disdain for pumpkin pie weaned any? I’m with you on the overpriced PSL’s but gah – I breath pumpkin year round! P.S. LURRRVE the video girlie! You really rocked it – I need to come over with some apple pie for ya and pumpkin pie for me and have you show me your mad video rocking skillz! Happy Thursday, my sweet friend! XOXO
I know I commented on this before – but I wanna know – has your disdain for pumpkin pie weaned any? I’m with you on the overpriced PSL’s but gah – I breath pumpkin year round! P.S. LURRRVE the video girlie! You really rocked it – I need to come over with some apple pie for ya and pumpkin pie for me and have you show me your mad video rocking skillz! Happy Thursday, my sweet friend! XOXO
Love your video – can’t believe how GREAT your very first video looks! Also, I’m glad this apple pie granola is back in my life because you know I adore all things apple and all things granola so this is definitely happening over the weekend! XXOO
I just got back from a weekend away with some girlfriends and homemade granola that my friend Beth had made was a huge hit, so I came back with granola on my mind. And lookee here…a gorgeous one to try!
Love the video, Cheyanne! And a what a wonderful, warming dish this is. Perfect for the long winter ahead 🙂
Love your video, Cheyanne – congrats it’s awesome. Was it hard and time consuming to do? I’m scared of trying to do video – – lol! And love this granola – perfect for fall!
Thank you so much, Geraldine!! I’m going to email you to answer your question about making videos! <3
OMG a video?? You made me a video Cheyanne I’m so excited. First and foremost I’m about cinnamon granola. Actually its not allowed in my house because i could eat multiple servings in one sitting. I love when you update recipes. Great video, I just wish I could see your smiling face at the end.
This apple pie granola looks FAB, Cheyanne! I’m so glad you reposted since I missed it the first time around. I’m a huge granola fan… and while I do like pumpkin, I most definitely prefer apple recipes for fall! 😉
No way that’s your first video?! It’s amazing!! I love it! I need you to teach me your ways:)
Considering the fact I read this post a year ago, I’ve decided to go straight to the video:) Congrats on the video, it’s very well done. Now I need to make this granola for Andrey. I’ll probably add some dried apples as well for more texture and flavors.
I totally feel your pumpkin apathy. I never used to get it either! Then a couple of years ago I made some pumpkin bread because I felt obligated, smack in the midst of PSL season, and I fell hard. Now I’m securely on the pumpkin baked goods train, although I’ve never had a pumpkin latte and don’t plan to. That said, this granola is my DREAM breakfast/snack/dinner. Granola is one of my favorite things and you just made it about a bazillion times better, Chey! Have a great week, girlie!
It’s ok if you don’t like pumpkin as long as you like apples. 🙂 This granola looks right up my alley and you did an amazing job on your video! I’m dying to whip up a batch of this and I know it will make the house smell SO good!
OMG – I can’t get over the idea of apple pie and granola having a baby! So cute!! These pictures are amazing, Chey!! I just want to grab my spoon and dig in! It’s apple season – wooohoooo! One of my favorite times of year! Thanks for re-posting! This is a winner, my friend! Pinned! XOXO
I remember this one Chey! Woohoo for the fabulous video!! It looks AWESOME! But then I wouldn’t expect anything but awesome from you and NSN! I’ll be making more of this yummy granola all fall long. Hope you have a great week!
High five girlfriend for a kick a## video!! Yay! Love it and this recipe is pretty sweet too! Just what I would start my day with or even for an afternoon snack. Cheers to a fab week, Chey! XO
Yay!! I had been looking for a good fall flavored homemade granola recipe, and of course you create one! Thank you!! I can’t wait to pour this on my oatmeal and yogurt 😀
Apples are the BEST part of fall. Thank you for this delightful recipe!
You know what I Never liked pumpkin as a child, in fact, I hated it. But now the scenario is changed, I adore pumpkin like anything. SO I can eat all the pumpkin for you! 🙂 And this apple pie granola, this is a genius girlfriend. Apple and cinnamon is a combo which is hard to resist. Isn’t it? 🙂 And this cinnamon granola would make a perfect autumn breakfast. 🙂
You don’t like pumpkin…WOW! That’s ok because that means there’s more in the world for me. lol I love granola that tastes like dessert and it doesn’t get better than apple pie either! This must make the house smell like fall and I love all those apple chips and pecans!
I will eat ALL the pumpkin for you, because that is what friends do for friends. 🙂 Meantime, we are on the same apple wavelength because I just made my third giant vat of applesauce for the season…and now I definitely know where my NEXT apples are going, because we are giant granola fans around these parts. Woot!! Hope you had a fabulous weekend, my friend – here’s to fall!
While I can’t quite wrap my brain around the no pumpkin thing, I’ll definitely say this – fall needs more apple-y goodness in it’s life. Pumpkin really shouldn’t get all the love, it just isn’t right. Can I just eat this by the handful? I don’t REALLY need to put it on yogurt or something, right? I’m feeling like the most direct route to my mouth, the better on this one. Btw, for me the downfall of many a granola recipe is when it’s overly sweet, so I love that yours isn’t that way! It sounds and looks absolutely perfect, Cheyanne 😉
Girl – if you say poppin’, it’s a thang!!!! Yep. Loving this gorgeous granola. I do happen to like, er….love pumpkin myself, and so I’m extra appreciative that you’re leaving more for ME! You so generous my friend. Back to your apple pie granola….wow! This really packs fall flavor with the cinnamon. We have an exchange student from Shanghai living with us for the school year and he just informed me that among other things he does not like cinnamon. Eek. It’ll be a long year under our roof I’m thinking. This cinnamon granola looks perfect for sprinkling on yogurt for breakfast, count me in! Hope you and Boy are having a fabulous weekend!
Whaaat? No pumpkin? AND no chocolate! Well the chocolate I know can’t be helped, but girl… you must be cringing at Pinterest blowing up with all things pumpkin 😛 I happen to love pumpkin, but I’ll take something that’s cinnamon/apple over pumpkin any time. And granola is always a morning fav – I love it on my yogurt or just with some milk.
No pumpkin for you then my dear! Good grief.. no chocolate, no pumpkin?! How do you survive?? But I get it. We all have things we don’t care for (although an allergen for cocoa), so I won’t judge (OMGee no pumpkin pie?!?!). I LOVE granola.. it’s a staple around here. I make a batch at least once a week and you got that LOW and SLOW bake down my dear! That makes THE BEST extra crunchy granola!! Dessert, here I come!! xo
I hated pumpkin pie and everything pumpkin for years, but now I’m fully over on the dark side eating all the pumpkin things. But apple will always be my favorite fall flavor, and this granola looks like my bag. I could eat this all day long!
Lol, I wasn’t always a fan of pumpkin until a few years ago either but apples ALWAYS win for me when it comes to fall flavors! 🙂 LOVE this gorgeous granola girl! I want to start every morning with a big bowl of this!
I hear you about pumpkin pie. I go through all the trouble to make a homemade one every single year for Thanksgiving and then i eat a piece and think “all that trouble for this?” Everyone else always raves but I would just rather have a big ol’ piece of dark chocolate cake! lol! Me likely this granola thou’ and I say bring on all the apple recipes! Woohooooo to Fall 🙂
Wowie, this granola looks incredible Cheyanne! Cinnamon Apple Pie sounds like the most amazing flavour too! Such a great Autumnal recipe. Thank you for sharing! Pinned <3
Yay!!! More pumpkin for me 😉 I was just thinking I could eat that orange gourd year round (& I’m actually planning on it!) I don’t really like the over commercialization of it, I just love making tons and tons of fall treats with it. BUT – I also love apples!! I can’t wait to go apple crazy once I go apple picking 🙂 This granola is so perfect for fall!
Your post sounds a little confusing today, Chey…Do/Do not do…Like/ Do not like…Pumpkins vs Apples. I would like to ask: why apples? Why not fresh figs in September? They’re beautiful now. Try them. Ups, I forgot about your “fig issue”:) This apple granola sounds and looks fantastic. It needs to be sprinkled over ice cream. Over pumpkin spice ice cream:) Great job! Enjoy your weekend, buddy.
My husband is not crazy about pumpkin either, a pain for me, if it would like just as much as I do, I could actually get to eat it more often. It really depends on the dish, I think, sometimes is ok, sometimes not…. But this granola – he would love this!
Love the pumpkin story and I actually used to hate pumpkin… This granola looks so good! Love apples, pinned to make it soon!
haha it’s fine, a lot of people do not like pumpkin! Love this granola , so perfect for fall!
Um… please don’t blow my face up with apples. LOLOL. We’re besties, remember? We promise to keep each other’s faces intact and everything! We sometimes might even put food into each other’s faces because we care so much… Lolol. Also, you don’t like pumpkin?!?!?!? Please give me my friendship bracelet back. … J/k! Different strokes for different folks (yep, this is why we’re friends… that saying might just be worse than “whatevs” haha). Please, SO do not limit the apple. Bring all to me, Chey! I can’t wait to see even more apple-centric recipes from ya! Pinning, duh. Love it mah bestie. Muah!
I forgive you for not liking pumpkin, and really, it just makes you cooler because you know the thing about pumpkin spice everything being soooo basic? Not that I agree, BUT more pumpkin for me 🙂 We can agree on the apple thing though, because I LOVE apple things, especially in the fall, and this apple pie granola is where it’s at – wait, do people still say that? Anyway, pinning because I need this in my life.
Haha – no, no, I don’t think you are being “lame” – more like “corny” and girl, corny can be cute – right?! Buy – what’s this about you not liking pumpkin pie???? At first I was shocked, stunned, but then I realized if we meet one day and a pumpkin pie is in front of us, I don’t have to worry about you trying to guilt me into sharing it with you – it would be ALL MINE! Oh but wait – I don’t think I’d feel the same if there was a bag of this cinnamon blow-your-face-up-with-apple pie granola on the same table. Yeah – nope – no way would I not try to guilt you into sharing this because -oooh CINNAMON!!! Cheyanne, wanna know a little secret? I carry a canister of cinnamon in my purse and those times I’ve had soft serve fro yo, I’ve sprinkled cinnamon on it – ooh so good – and now you have me wanting some of this cinnamon blow-your-face-up-with-apple pie granola with me to throw on top of said fro yo! Ahhh…a girl can dream!
You just showed all that fall doesn’t have to be just pumpkin recipes /highfive Love this apple granola. JUST delicious. For perfect autumn healthy breakfast! Sharing! Have a great weekend Cheyanne 😉
I am seriously in the pumpkin camp. always have been. long, long before those pumpkin lattes came on the scene. (and i cannot tolerate anything in my coffee other than a little cream and sugar.) but i live in a house divided by pumpkin and those naysayers happen to loooove apples and nuts. so i’m thinking this granola over my pumpkin yogurt (yes, that’s a thing) in the morning would be utter perfection! loving all the fall flavors in this granola!
No judgment on not liking pumpkin, it needs a lot of dressing/spicing up before its good (in my opinion) and I’m not a huge pumpkin pie fan either, I over did it as a kid and that was it. This granola is crunchy apple heaven! I just love apple chips and you can never go wrong with maple syrup! BTW – the left over granola milk at the bottom of the bowl from this would be so awesome, I would drink every last drop. Take care.
I don’t eat pumpkin that much either – unless it’s pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving – but I have been thinking about a pumpkin short bread for the blog. I’m in the fall apple camp though so I love this granola. Apple chips and apple sauce sound like a fantastic addition! Have a great weekend, Cheyanne.
Funny, I was never a squash or pumpkin let alone sweet potato fan until about 3 years ago. Hmmm, does that have anything to do with me food blogging? I like to try things I never have liked as time changes and low and behold I didn’t mind pumpkin and the others so much. I will say I’d take a pecan pie over a slice of pumpkin. Did you catch that? A pie over a slice. Yep, love the pecan pie! And I’m loving these big chunky pieces of apple granola goodness. Bring on the apple Chey!
I just can imagine all these wonderful flavors together! yum yum, I can only forgive your not loving pumpkin because of your loving butternut squash! I am sure I would adore this granola with those apple chips!! XOXO Girl!
I’m away from my kitchen right now – but the first thing my tookis and I will do upon our return is make this granola!! I’ve had my share of horror stories when it comes to homemade granola – so this is exactly what I need to get my confidence back! I say YES to apples, always..and like you, YES to pumpkin, sometimes! I don’t like pumpkin pie either..I thought I was the only one. Keep the apples coming, milady! Cheers! xoxo
What?!!?!?! You don’t like pumpkin? How did I not know this? Whatevs. 🙂 It’s a good thing you like apples because this granola is totally rad, dude.
I’m definitely questioning your life choices… Haha but I get it! I feel like lots of people don’t like pumpkin. I LOVE it, but only when it’s done well and not artificial and fake (I might get one PSL a season and then I always regret it!). And I LOVE me some pumpkin pie, though I didn’t always!
However, apple is probably my all-time favorite fall flavor, especially when combined with cinnamon. So, I am absolutely loving this granola!!
haha I like pumpkin but definitely not to the extent that other people do! And I actually mostly like it in savory dishes (and then like homemade pumpkin muffins!). Apples totally win for me in fall – they are the absolute best! So bring on ALLLLL the apple recipes! Like this granola … holy cow this looks and sounds fantastic! Do you deliver?? Especially when it’s only like 10 minutes away??? 🙂
I’ll let you know if my son Casey thinks “what’s poppin” and “whatevs” are a thing anymore because let me tell you, he always let’s me know when I’m saying something that’s clearly out and I think is still in! Lol! Kind of like woot! woot! It drives him crazy when I use that one! (That’s why I keep saying it!)
Ok, so this granola. So totally perfect for fall. Warm cinnamon, apple pie spice, pecans, walnuts…I love it all! I’m a huge granola fan. Breakfast, snackin’, any time of day. Adding this one to my list of favorites. Have an awesome weekend Chey!
You are a genius, my dear…I love apples and you know what? I used to eat 11 apples a day…now think about it, it’s pretty scary…all day I wanted nothing, but just apples…this is going to be my next granola :-))
Must be really yummy ♥
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I can’t wait to see all your apple creations, because I’m all about the Fall stuff – apples, pears, pumpkin, squash. You name it 🙂 Love this granola and all those apple chips!
‘Poppin.’ is totally cute and I use ‘whatevs’ on the regular<—–yes, on the regular. I'm cool like that #notreally 😀
What? You don't like pumpkin? Oh no! But, I'll forgive you 'cause I get to eat more of it and, plus, you shared this delicious recipe 🙂
Hubby and I love granola, especially on yogurt and homemade is soooo much better than store bought. I could just tip that whole bowl of granola straight into ma piehole 😉 Pinned, of course.
Have a wonderful weekend, sweets! xoxo
hahah, “Because all this lack of pumpkin consumption over here at the SuBourbon Country Cottage just means more pumpkin for YOU.” . . that’s one way to look at it! 🙂 I not into the PSL at Starbuck’s but I do love a slice of pumpkin pie and baked treats with pumpkin. . I think it’s also just quintessential fall for me. . seeing pumpkins. . 🙂 brings me to my happy place!!!! Well, or maybe I should say pumpkins and apples! 🙂 haha. . love this granola!!! We forgive you about the pumpkin b/c you brought this fab granola today!
My husband doesn’t care for pumpkin, and I know a lot of people that don’t like it either, so I don’t think you’re in the minority! I happen to love it (and the overpriced PSLs) but I’ll forgive you for not liking it! 🙂 I have some foods that I’m embarrassed to admit that I don’t like as a blogger (cucumbers, coconut) so we all have our own endearing qualities haha! I am a full-on apple lover, especially when it comes to granola. I made a similar version last fall, so I’m loving your twist on this! Sounds perfect for breakfast or to munch on as a snack! Pinned, of course! Hope you have a great weekend!
I get you, since I’m married to that. He doesn’t really go for pumpkin. Will he eat it? Yeah, maybe. But usually not. I enjoy it to a degree, but no PSLs for me. It’s just too much, tons of overkill.
Apples I can get behind all the time, so this granola is making me super happy!
I forgive you for not loving pumpkin (though that hurts my heart a little) if it means more apple deliciousness coming our way! I’ve been on a serious apple kick lately too – cannot get enough! And apple chips are my jam! I order huge bags from Amazon and eat them daily with my morning yogurt. So seriously good. But you know what I love more? Granola! It goes so fast around here because I just grab a handful here and there ALL day long. So I seriously can’t wait to try this apple pie granola – all that delicious fall flavor ready to stuff in my face!! Pinned! Have a wonderful weekend! XO
This granola looks absolutely delicious, Cheyanne! The perfect breakfast for autumn! 🙂
Heeelllooo Cheyanne! I actually had to laugh at your pumpkin story – I don’t like pumpkin soup…. But I do love pumpkin pancakes! I’m sort of distracted now. I’ll get to the bit about your recipe ;p
I loooooove apple pie, and I have to try this granola!! I make granola nearly every week, but usually don’t include any fruits. I didn’t think of dried apple though, that sounds way nicer than dried cranberries etc! Will have to pin this for later 😉 See you soon!
Viv
You don’t like pumpkin? That is quite the confession for a food blogger haha.
I like it, but I am not crazy obsessed with it like some people. Now, apples, those I am obsessed with. I could eat apples with cinnamon all day long and I HAVE to try this granola.
My husband just recently told me how much he loves granola. The poor guy only ever gets it when he is eating out for breakfast. I felt rather sorry for him. He also loves apple pie – maybe I will surprise him on the weekend with your beautiful cinnamon apple pie granola! 🙂