Elevate your snacking with this delightful Fresh Apple Granola, a symphony of warm cinnamon, tangy tart cherries, crunchy slivered almonds, and wholesome pumpkin seeds. It’s the ultimate homemade treat, perfect for a quick bite or a thoughtful gift!
Homemade Fresh Apple Granola: Your New Favorite Fall Snack
Granola has long been cherished as a versatile snack, a fantastic addition to lunchboxes, and a quick, nutritious breakfast topper for yogurt. But have you ever tried making it with fresh apples? The moment I first blended the crisp sweetness of apples with the warm embrace of cinnamon in this recipe, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. This Fresh Apple Granola isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, transforming your kitchen into an autumnal haven with its incredible aroma and delivering a taste that perfectly encapsulates the cozy essence of fall.
Why settle for store-bought when you can create a batch of wholesome, flavorful granola right in your own kitchen? Homemade granola offers unparalleled freshness, allowing you to control every ingredient for a healthier, more customizable treat. Forget artificial flavors and excessive sugars; with this recipe, you get pure, unadulterated goodness that’s both satisfying and energizing. It’s an ideal choice for health-conscious snackers, busy parents looking for quick meal prep ideas, or anyone who simply appreciates the delightful crunch and natural sweetness of real ingredients.
This post is proudly sponsored on behalf of #AppleWeek. Our generous sponsors, Swiss Diamond, Envy Apples, Imperial Sugar, Nordic Ware, Rodelle Vanilla, Flahavan’s Irish Oatmeal, Nairn’s, and The Spice House, have supplied us with their wonderful products for recipe development and an exciting giveaway for our valued readers. As always, all opinions and culinary enthusiasm shared here are entirely my own.
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Get ready for a week filled with apple inspiration! As part of Apple Week, I’ll be sharing a bounty of delightful apple-infused creations. Today, we’re diving into this irresistible Fresh Apple Granola. But the apple adventures don’t stop here! On Monday, expect a comforting recipe for Applesauce Coffee Cake, and by Wednesday, prepare for a fun Copy Cat Dairy Queen Apple Pie Blizzard! I’m thrilled to be participating in Apple Week alongside a fantastic group of talented food bloggers. This exciting event has been masterfully organized and meticulously planned by Carlee from Cooking with Carlee. Her incredible coordination skills have brought together amazing sponsors for all of us, and for YOU! We’ll delve into the exciting details of the giveaway in just a moment. First, let’s talk about how incredibly simple this Fresh Apple Granola recipe is to prepare, and how utterly *amazing* your kitchen will smell as it bakes.
Making your own granola is a deeply rewarding culinary endeavor. It’s not just about the final product, but the entire process – the chopping of fresh apples, the mixing of wholesome oats and nuts, and the anticipation as those warm, comforting aromas fill your home. This particular recipe stands out because it leverages the natural sweetness and moisture of fresh apples, creating a unique texture and depth of flavor that dried apples just can’t replicate. It’s an autumn essential, transforming a simple ingredient into something extraordinary.
Essential Ingredients for Your Fresh Apple Granola
Crafting this delicious Fresh Apple Granola requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of crunch, chewiness, and sweet-tart flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few insights into why they work so well:
- Quick Oats: I personally love Bob’s Red Mill for its consistent quality. Quick oats are ideal for granola as they bake up beautifully crisp, ensuring a satisfying crunch in every bite. While rolled oats can also be used, quick oats tend to create a lighter, more delicate texture.
- Slivered Almonds: These add a delicate nutty flavor and a delightful crunch. Almonds are also packed with healthy fats and protein, making your granola more filling and nutritious.
- Chopped Fresh Apples: The star of the show! Leaving the skins on adds fiber and a beautiful rustic color. I recommend using firm, crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Honeycrisp offers a fantastic balance of sweetness and tartness, and holds its shape well during baking, providing tender apple pieces throughout the granola.
- Dried Tart Cherries: These are crucial for adding a burst of tangy flavor that beautifully complements the sweet apples and warm cinnamon. Their chewy texture also creates a lovely contrast with the crisp oats and nuts.
- Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds): I often use the lightly salted variety for an extra layer of flavor complexity. Pepitas contribute a distinct nutty taste and a vibrant green color, plus a good dose of healthy fats and minerals.
- Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Salt: Brown sugar provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness compared to white sugar. Cinnamon is the quintessential fall spice, tying all the apple flavors together. A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
- Honey, Olive Oil, and Vanilla: Honey acts as a natural binder, helping the granola clump together into those coveted clusters, while adding a unique sweetness. Olive oil helps achieve a crispy texture and promotes even browning. Vanilla extract, a baking staple, adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
In a generously sized bowl, combine the quick oats, diced fresh apples, dried tart cherries, slivered almonds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Ensure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed, laying the foundation for an incredibly flavorful granola.
A huge thank you to Swiss Diamond for this exceptional new paring knife! Its precision made quick work of dicing our fresh apples.
The preparation process for this apple cinnamon granola is remarkably straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. The key is to ensure an even distribution of ingredients before baking, which guarantees every bite is packed with flavor and texture. Starting with quality tools, like a sharp paring knife from Swiss Diamond, makes the apple preparation swift and enjoyable.
Thoroughly mix all the dry ingredients until well combined. This initial step is vital to ensure that the delicious apple, cherry, almond, and pumpkin seed flavors are evenly distributed throughout your granola.
On your stovetop, in a small saucepan over medium heat, gently warm the brown sugar, honey, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and fragrant. Once ready, pour this luscious sugar mixture over your bowl of dry oat mixture. Stir diligently until every single oat, apple piece, and nut is thoroughly coated. This sweet, sticky coating is what gives the granola its characteristic clusters and irresistible flavor.
A heartfelt thank you to Rodelle for generously supplying this bottle of their exquisite gourmet pure vanilla! Its rich aroma and deep flavor truly elevate this granola.
Rodelle vanilla isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a touch of luxury that transforms ordinary recipes into extraordinary culinary experiences. The quality of vanilla truly makes a difference in baking, and Rodelle’s gourmet pure vanilla extract, sourced with integrity, ensures your creations have that perfect depth of flavor. In this granola, it harmonizes beautifully with the cinnamon and apple, creating a warm, inviting aroma that makes the entire house smell incredible.
Once coated, spread your granola mixture evenly across the prepared cookie sheet. Bake until it’s wonderfully dry and achieves a beautiful, light golden-brown hue. The baking process transforms the mixture, making the oats crisp and the apples tender. Remember to stir occasionally during baking to ensure even toasting and prevent sticking.
Doesn’t that perfectly golden, crunchy granola look absolutely irresistible? The delicate pieces of apple, combined with the vibrant cherries and nuts, make for a visually appealing and incredibly tasty treat. Let it cool completely to achieve maximum crispness before storing.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Fresh Cinnamon Apple Granola: Versatility at Its Best
This Fresh Cinnamon Apple Granola is so much more than just a breakfast cereal. Its delightful blend of flavors and textures makes it incredibly versatile, suitable for various meals, snacks, and even gifting occasions. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- Thoughtful Gifts: Package your homemade granola in charming jars, tie a ribbon around them, and present them as unique and heartfelt gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends, or hostesses. It’s a personal touch that shows you care.
- On-the-Go Snacking: Keep a baggie of this granola in your purse, backpack, or desk drawer for a quick, energizing, and satisfying snack anytime, anywhere. It’s a much healthier alternative to processed snacks.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer it with your favorite Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a vibrant and delicious breakfast or dessert parfait. The crunch of the granola contrasts beautifully with creamy yogurt.
- Ice Cream Topping: Sprinkle generously over a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an unexpected crunch and burst of apple-cinnamon flavor. It’s an easy way to elevate a simple dessert.
- Homemade Trail Mix: Combine with other nuts, seeds, pretzels, or chocolate chips to create a custom trail mix that’s perfect for hiking, camping, or just fueling your day.
- Pancake or Muffin Batter Booster: Fold some granola into your pancake or waffle batter for added texture, flavor, and a wholesome crunch. It also works wonderfully in muffin recipes, giving them a delightful crumbly topping.
- Salad Enhancer: Believe it or not, a sprinkle of this sweet and savory granola can add an exciting element to fresh green salads, especially those with fruit or a vinaigrette dressing. It offers a surprising texture and a hint of sweetness.
- Over Oatmeal: For an extra boost of flavor and texture, sprinkle a handful over your morning bowl of hot oatmeal.
- Fruit Crisp Topping: Use it as a quick and easy topping for baked apples or fruit crisps instead of a traditional crumble mixture.
There is an abundance of benefits to be had during #AppleWeek! Firstly, you’ll gain access to HUNDREDS of delicious new apple-centric recipes to inspire your culinary adventures. Secondly, you’ll learn about all of our incredibly generous sponsors and the high-quality products they offer. And of course, the most exciting part – the chance to win some truly amazing PRIZES!
AppleWeek Prize Pack #1 from Swiss Diamond
Imagine transforming your cooking experience with Swiss Diamond’s XD 10-piece Ultimate Kitchen Kit! This premium set, available in select stores, features Swiss Diamond’s most advanced diamond-reinforced nonstick coating. Developed in Switzerland, this new coating boasts 20% more real diamond crystals than their HD coating, resulting in a significantly tougher cooking surface. This means 40% more durability and 40% better food release compared to their Classic HD nonstick cookware. Ideal for healthy cooking with minimal oil, these pans offer quick and easy cleanup with just hot soapy water. They are PFOA-free and produced using eco-friendly methods. The tempered glass lids come with adjustable steam vents, and the ergonomic handles and knobs are oven-safe up to 500°F.
Swiss Diamond, a high-end cookware and kitchenware brand established in 2001, operates its manufacturing facility in Sierre, Switzerland. The brand’s name reflects its Swiss origins and its classic cookware line, which utilizes a revolutionary nonstick coating made with genuine diamond crystals. These diamonds ensure exceptional durability, superior heat conduction, and a long-lasting nonstick surface. Swiss Diamond is dedicated to meeting consumer needs by using safe, high-quality materials, emphasizing innovative design with traditional European craftsmanship, and adhering to environmentally responsible production processes. Experience the difference that precision engineering and premium materials can make in your daily cooking.
AppleWeek Prize Pack #2 from Envy Apples
AppleWeek Prize Pack #3 from The Spice House
The Baker’s Gift Box
For over six decades, The Spice House has been dedicated to sourcing premium spices, bringing the finest selections from around the globe directly to your kitchen since 1957. Their commitment to freshness and flavor is evident in their process: they engage in small, weekly batch grinding and blending. This meticulous approach ensures that every spice you receive is as fresh and flavorful as possible, making a real difference in your cooking and baking. The Baker’s Gift Box is a treasure trove for any baking enthusiast, featuring a curated selection of high-quality spices that will elevate all your sweet creations, including future batches of apple granola!
Prize Pack #4 from Rodelle Vanilla
A Baker’s Dream Come True!
This incredible Rodelle prize package is truly a baker’s ultimate dream! The lucky winner will receive a comprehensive collection of Rodelle’s finest products, including: pure vanilla extract, gourmet Dutch-processed baking cocoa, gourmet vanilla extract, exquisite gourmet vanilla beans, organic vanilla extract, organic chocolate extract, fragrant almond extract, versatile vanilla paste, and an array of fun baking supplies to help you whip up your next batch of delightful goodies with ease and excitement!
At Rodelle, the belief that quality ingredients make all the difference is at the core of their philosophy. This passion drives them to offer a complete line of superior baking ingredients, premium vanilla products, and gourmet spice blends. While high-quality vanilla extract may come with a slightly higher price tag, the unparalleled flavors it imparts are absolutely worth every penny! Rodelle maintains a strong commitment to ethical sourcing, working directly with a farmer-owned co-op in Madagascar, Sahanala. This partnership ensures a true farm-to-table vanilla experience that directly benefits vanilla farmers and their families, fostering sustainable practices and community well-being. You can learn more about Rodelle’s vertical integration efforts here. Or, easily find out where to purchase great Rodelle ingredients near you here, ensuring you always have access to the best for your baking needs.
Prize Pack #5 from Imperial Sugar
A Sweet Tooth’s Dream Come True!
The fortunate winner of this prize pack will receive a fantastic assortment of baking essentials from Imperial Sugar: one case of 2-lb granulated sugar (a total of 20 bags) and one case of 2-lb light brown sugar (a generous 24 lbs). Additionally, the prize includes a high-quality silicone baking mat and a custom apron, perfect for enhancing your baking adventures and keeping you stylish in the kitchen!
For an impressive 175 years, Imperial Sugar has been a beloved and trusted name in family kitchens throughout the Southern United States. Sweet things truly do happen when people gather together in the kitchen, and this is why Imperial Sugar has remained at the heart of countless family traditions and cherished celebrations across generations. It’s often the secret ingredient in those treasured family-favorite recipes, lovingly passed down from one generation to the next. Home cooks instinctively know that when you bake with passion and Imperial Sugar, you’re not just creating a treat – you’re making lasting memories. Visit ImperialSugar.com to explore over 100 years of time-tested recipes, engaging kids’ crafts, helpful how-to videos, valuable coupons, exciting giveaways, and so much more, all designed to inspire your inner baker.
Prize Pack #6 from Flahavan’s Irish Oatmeal and Nairn’s Oatcakes
Flahavan’s and Nairn’s have collaborated to curate an truly “oatstanding” prize pack, brimming with their naturally creamy, sustainably produced Flahavan’s Irish Oatmeal and our absolute go-to gluten-free grahams from Nairn’s. We have a good gut feeling that you are going to absolutely adore this wholesome and delicious combination!
Flahavan’s Irish Oatmeal has a rich heritage, being sustainably grown and milled in County Waterford, Ireland, by the Flahavan’s family since a remarkable 1785. For generations, they have meticulously sourced the finest oats from the same dedicated Irish farming families, ensuring consistent quality and supporting local communities. Flahavan’s oats are milled in small batches and undergo minimal processing, honoring a 230-year-old milling tradition that includes a unique double kilning process. These oats are certified non-GMO and naturally gluten-free, providing a pure and nourishing start to your day.
Nairn’s Gluten Free Grahams are exceptional in more ways than one. To start, they are crafted exclusively with the finest wholegrain oats – a natural source of energy and scientifically proven to help reduce cholesterol. Furthermore, with only 45 calories per piece, they offer a healthy and guilt-free alternative to traditional grahams, boasting an impressive 40% less sugar! But the real sense of well-being comes from knowing that every single delicious, gluten-free bite is rigorously batch-tested to Elisa standards, ensuring they are genuinely safe and enjoyable for everyone, especially those with gluten sensitivities.
Prize Pack #7 from Nordic Ware
Perfect for baking all of these delightful AppleWeek treats, Nordic Ware will generously provide one fortunate winner with their charming apple cakelet pan and a versatile prism baker’s bundle, which includes both a quarter and a half sheet pan! These high-quality baking tools are designed to help you create culinary masterpieces with ease and style.
Nordic Ware, a proud family-owned and operated kitchenware company since 1946, has steadfastly built its esteemed reputation as an internationally recognized kitchenware brand. As a leading manufacturer and innovator in the industry, Nordic Ware produces the vast majority of its exceptional products right here in America, at its headquarters in Minneapolis. Their extensive product line includes a wide array of bakeware, cookware, grillware, microwave-safe items, and innovative kitchen gadgets and accessories, all designed with quality and functionality in mind. With Nordic Ware, you’re not just getting a product; you’re getting a piece of enduring American craftsmanship.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Aren’t all of these prizes absolutely FANTASTIC? Don’t miss your chance to win some incredible kitchen essentials and gourmet ingredients!
Explore More Apple Delights: New Recipes for Today, Sunday, September 23:
As part of Apple Week, our fellow food bloggers have been busy crafting and sharing an array of inspiring apple recipes. Take a peek at these wonderful new additions:
- Apple Cinnamon Cakelets by Amy’s Cooking Adventures: Small, sweet, and spiced — perfect for individual servings!
- Apple Fritters by Seduction in the Kitchen: A classic fried treat, elevated with fresh apples.
- Apple Pecan Sticky Bun Bites by Soulfully Made: Irresistible gooey bites of apple-pecan goodness.
- Apple Pie Monkey Bread by The Bitter Side of Sweet: All the flavors of apple pie in a fun, pull-apart bread.
- Apple Pull Apart Bread by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures: A comforting, easy-to-share bread bursting with apple flavor.
- Apple Sage Turkey Breakfast Sausage by Simple and Savory: A savory and unexpected use of apples for breakfast.
- Apple Slaw by Girl Abroad: A refreshing and crunchy side dish with a sweet-tart apple twist.
- Apple Spice Cake by Mildly Meandering: A classic, moist cake full of warm spices and apple pieces.
- Applejack Rabbit Cocktail by Karen’s Kitchen Stories: A sophisticated beverage for apple lovers.
- Applesauce Nut Bread by Palatable Pastime: A comforting and moist bread, perfect with coffee or tea.
- Cider Braised Chicken Breasts by Everyday Eileen: A hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for a cool evening.
- Cider Doughnuts by The Redhead Baker: A quintessential fall treat, tender and spiced.
- Fresh Apple Granola by An Affair from the Heart: (That’s this delightful recipe you’re enjoying now!)
- Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies by Jolene’s Recipe Journal: A sweet sandwich cookie with irresistible fall flavors.
- Seared Steak with Envy-able Apples by Culinary Adventures With Camilla: An elegant main course featuring the unique taste of Envy apples.
- Warm Spiced Apple Topping by Family Around the Table: A versatile topping for pancakes, ice cream, or yogurt.
Now that you’ve had the chance to enter our fantastic giveaway and explore a myriad of other tempting apple recipes from across the web, let’s get straight to the heart of the matter – the detailed recipe for this irresistible Fresh Apple Granola, so you can start creating your own batch today!
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Print Recipe
Fresh Apple Granola
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cup quick oats
- 1 medium apple cored and diced, skin left on (Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds, lightly salted preferred)
- 1/2 cup diced dried tart cherries
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Rodelle Gourmet Pure Vanilla recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, dried tart cherries, quick oats, slivered almonds, pepitas, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a small saucepan, over medium heat, gently warm the brown sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and olive oil. Continue stirring until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and syrupy. Carefully pour this warm sugar mixture over the oat and apple mixture in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly until every component is evenly coated with the sweet liquid.
- Spread the coated granola mixture in a single, even layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, stirring occasionally (every 10-15 minutes) to promote even toasting. Continue baking until the granola appears dry, is lightly golden brown, and feels crisp.
- Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet to room temperature. This crucial step helps the granola to crisp up further and form delightful clusters. Once fully cooled, transfer your Fresh Apple Granola to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Disclaimer: A big thank you to our amazing #AppleWeek Sponsors: Swiss Diamond, Nordic Ware, Envy Apples, Imperial Sugar, The Spice House, Rodelle Vanilla, Flahavan’s Irish Oats, and Nairn’s for generously providing the fantastic prizes free of charge. These wonderful companies also supplied our participating bloggers with samples and products to use for developing our AppleWeek recipes. All opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. The AppleWeek giveaway is exclusively open to legal U.S. residents, age 18 and up. All entries submitted by the winner will be thoroughly checked and verified to ensure fairness. By entering this giveaway, you grant the right to use your name and likeness in connection with the promotion. The ultimate odds of winning are determined by the total number of eligible entries received. Seven (7) distinct winners will be randomly selected to receive a prize package. Please note that the prize packages will be shipped directly from the respective giveaway sponsors. The AppleWeek Bloggers involved in this promotion are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway, along with their immediate family members residing in their household, are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. This offer is void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social media channel mentioned in the AppleWeek posts or entry forms.