Apple Cinnamon Pecan Granola
This wholesome, easy-to-make Apple Cinnamon Pecan Granola is the ultimate cozy breakfast meal prep or afternoon snack. Packed with warm autumn spices and natural sweetness, it bakes up into delightful, loose, and crunchy clusters that pair perfectly with yogurt or milk.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 2 medium rimmed baking sheets half sheet
- Parchment paper
- 1 large airtight storage container or large mason jar
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 large Granny Smith apple finely chopped into tiny, uniform cubes
- 1 cup raw pecans coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup pepitas pumpkin seeds
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Oat & Apple Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, finely diced fresh apple, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Pour in the pure maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly with a spatula until evenly coated. (Keep the unwashed bowl on the counter!)
First Bake (12–15 Mins)
- Divide the oat and apple mixture between the two baking sheets in a single layer. Bake for 12–15 minutes so the fresh apples start drying out.
Glaze the Pecans in the Same Bowl
- While the granola bakes, toss the chopped raw pecans and pepitas into the unwashed mixing bowl. Stir them around to coat them in the leftover maple and vanilla mixture on the sides of the bowl.
Add Pecans & Final Bake (10 Mins)
- Pull the baking sheets out of the oven. Scatter the glazed pecans and pepitas over top, give the tray a gentle toss, and bake for another 10 minutes until the apples are shriveled/dried and the pecans are fragrant and lightly golden.
Cool Completely
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the trays so the oats and apples crisp up into a light, loose granola before storing or serving over Greek yogurt.
Notes
- Baking Style: Unlike clumping granolas, this version is intentionally formulated to bake loose and crisp for easy scattering over yogurt bowls and power bowls.
- Organic Oats: Use Bob's Red Mill Organic Oats as the hearty, fibrous base for the best texture and structure.
- Crunchy Nuts: Incorporate Terrasoul Pecans for a buttery richness and wonderful autumn crunch.
- Seed Boost: Add Terrasoul Pepitas for a subtle earthy crunch and extra nutritional boost.
- Flavor & Sweetness: Infuse with pure Vanilla Extract and balance the natural sweetness with a pinch of Maldon Sea Salt.
- Storage: Store your cooled batch in an airtight container or mason jar to maintain ultimate freshness.