Homemade Apple Cinnamon Granola with Maple and Walnuts
This crunchy granola combines wholesome rolled oats, walnuts, and pepitas with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and finished with dried apples and cranberries, it creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for breakfast over yogurt, as a snack, or sprinkled on smoothie bowls. The coconut oil helps achieve that signature golden crunch while keeping everything together.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ¾ cup walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup pepitas
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 ½ cups dried apples, chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries, unsweetened
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare baking sheet with cooking spray or parchment paper
- 2
Place oats, walnuts, and pepitas on baking sheet and toss together
- 3
Drizzle maple syrup and melted coconut oil over mixture and toss with wooden spoon
- 4
Season with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt and toss again
- 5
Bake for 10 minutes, remove and toss, then bake another 10-15 minutes
- 6
Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes before adding dried apples and cranberries
Tips
Watch granola carefully in final 10-15 minutes to prevent burning - it should be golden brown
Let granola cool completely before storing to maintain maximum crunchiness
Toss mixture every time you add new ingredients for even distribution
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
Can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in sealed container
Serve over yogurt, with milk, or eat as snack
Common Mistakes
Don't skip tossing halfway through baking to avoid uneven browning
Let cool completely before adding dried fruit to prevent it from getting chewy
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this oil-free?
Yes, you can omit coconut oil and use extra maple syrup, though granola will be less crispy and more crumbly.
How long does homemade granola keep?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this granola stays fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Can I substitute different dried fruits?
Absolutely! Try dried cherries, apricots, or raisins in place of apples and cranberries using the same amounts.