Homemade Apple-Currant Granola with Maple Syrup and Honey

Prep: 15 minCook: 50 min8 servingsmediumAmerican
Homemade Apple-Currant Granola with Maple Syrup and Honey

This wholesome granola combines rolled oats, almonds, and warm spices with the natural sweetness of applesauce, maple syrup, and honey. Freeze-dried apple pieces and plump currants add bursts of fruity flavor throughout. Perfect for breakfast with milk or yogurt, this homemade version offers superior taste and texture compared to store-bought varieties. The slow baking process creates perfectly crispy clusters while the applesauce base keeps it naturally moist and flavorful.

VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Ingredients

Yield: 8 servings
  • 4 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup slivered almonds
    chopped walnuts1:1nut-variety

    Different nut flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons honey(optional)
    maple syrup1:1vegan

    Use extra maple syrup for vegan option

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 packets Trader Joe's Freeze Dried Fuji Apple Slices, broken into pieces
  • ½ cup dried currants
    dried cranberries1:1berry-swap

    Slightly more tart flavor

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the oven to 300 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper

  2. 2

    Combine honey, maple syrup, applesauce and coconut oil in a medium saucepan

  3. 3

    Bring the mixture to a boil then turn down to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often until the mixture thickens just a little

  4. 4

    Remove from heat and stir in vanilla

  5. 5

    Mix the oats, almonds, cinnamon, allspice and salt in a large bowl

  6. 6

    Pour the applesauce mixture over the oat mixture and stir to coat thoroughly

  7. 7

    Spread evenly on the baking sheet

  8. 8

    Bake the granola for about 45 minutes, stirring every ten minutes, until the granola is golden brown and crisp

  9. 9

    Remove from oven and stir in the dried apples and currants

  10. 10

    Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet

  11. 11

    Store the granola in a large, airtight container

Tips

Tip 1

Stir the granola every ten minutes during baking to ensure even browning and prevent burning around the edges.

Tip 2

Let the granola cool completely before storing as it will continue to crisp up during the cooling process.

Tip 3

For vegan version, simply omit the honey and the granola will still be perfectly sweet from the maple syrup and applesauce.

Good to Know

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in airtight container

Serve With

Serve with milk, on top of yogurt, or eat as a snack

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip stirring every 10 minutes to avoid uneven browning and burning

Watch

Don't add dried fruits before baking to prevent them from burning

Substitutions

Vegan Options

honey→
maple syrup1:1vegan

Use extra maple syrup for vegan option

Full guide →

General Alternatives

slivered almonds→
chopped walnuts1:1nut-variety

Different nut flavor profile

Full guide →
dried currants→
dried cranberries1:1berry-swap

Slightly more tart flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this granola without honey?

Yes, simply omit the honey and the granola will still be sweet from the maple syrup and applesauce. This makes it vegan-friendly.

How long will this granola keep fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The granola will maintain its crispness when properly stored.

Can I substitute other dried fruits?

Absolutely! Try dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots instead of currants. Add them after baking to prevent burning.