When my husband and I lived on the East Coast, and an epic snow storm was on its way, we’d go shopping for water, wood for the fireplace, and non-perishable dinner options. But usually we’d end up with a case of beer and ingredients for homemade granola. Not a common combo, but it was storm prepping at its finest. So when I made this healthy apple pie granola, it kind of brought back…
I don’t know why I always made a fresh batch of homemade granola when the DC weather announcers would predict the biggest snowfall in years. But there was something fun about checking our work emails the minute we work up, getting the glorious news that the metro and federal government was closed, and then running downstairs like giddy kids on Christmas day and have a bowl of homemade granola as the flakes started to fall.
‘Cause nothing says lazy-adult-snowstorm-day like granola in the morning, Netflix all afternoon, and beer by the fire in the evening. Now we live in Southern California and snow days are a thing of the past. It’s ok though – our snowstorm days now would look more like spilled milk in the morning, Sesame Street all day, and treating diaper rash all evening. I mean, seriously a good time and all, but I’ll stick with my fond pre-children memories.
As fall is approaching, I pondered the last time I made granola. It’s been YEARS. Hard to believe considering it was kind of my ‘thing’. So when all the fun fall-inspired food starts making their lovely appearances at farmers markets, the grocery store, and Pinterest, I HAD to make a granola that was my best version, and true to fall. What else could that be besides APPLE PIE?!
This is like the portable, crunchy version of apple pie you can eat pretty much any time of day. It’s the version of apple pie that you might sub for real apple pie because it’s THAT good. And it’s the version of apple pie that you can successfully make, because let’s face it – trying to make a pie crust is hard, and an art I will never, ever master.
Plus this clean and healthy apple pie granola will make your house smell oh so so so good and having your neighbors coming out of the woodworks to whiff in that sweet baked apple smell. No refined sugar here either, just simple and delightful ingredients.
The secret to incorporating that amazing apple flavor? Using a combination of spices and apple cider in this recipe, then adding dried apple chips. The best way to make your own apple chips is in a food dehydrator. BUT if you don’t have a dehydrator, don’t sweat it! You can make apple chips in the oven too. For the oven version, slice the apples VERY thin with a mandolin slicer and place on a parchment lined baking sheet in the oven at 225 degrees for one hour, then flip the slices and bake an additional hour to 1 1/2 hours). OR make life easy and buy a bag at your local grocer or here.
Simply combine all the ingredients (except for the apple chips) in a large bowl and then spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 300 degrees. BOOM – that’s it. So easy and you won’t believe the flavor! Crunchy fall goodness right there mmm hmmm.
You don’t need an excuse like a snowstorm to make this delicious breakfast or portable snack. In fact, it might be best to make it when you aren’t cooped up in your house all day, since that usually leads to eating the entire batch. Guilty as charged!
Apple treats kind of your jam? Try this paleo apple bread with maple caramel glaze!
What’s your favorite flavor of fall?
Simple and Clean Apple Pie Granola
- Yield: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced dehydrated apple chips
- 1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup apple cider (or juice)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
To make apple chips
- Slice apples using mandoline slicer (on the thinnest setting), then place slices on trays and dehydrate overnight. If you do not have a food dehydrator, place sliced apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 225 degrees for one hour, then flip the slices and bake an additional hour to 1 1/2 hours). Cut apple chips into small pieces for granola
To make granola
- Preheat oven 300 degrees
- Combine the oats, almonds, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, maple syrup, apple cider, and melted coconut oil. Mix well to coat evenly
- Pour mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading evenly
- Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the granola at the 15 minute mark
- Once granola is cooled, add the diced apple chips
Disclaimer: Please note that there may be some affiliate links on this page and I will earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. However, all opinions are my own. Thank you for your support.
Yeazz! Granola is the perfect lazy weekend baking project! It’s so fun, relaxing, makes the house smell AMAZZZE and…well…snacking!
AGREED. I could eat my walls after making this since the house smells SO good!
I have a serious weakness for granola, and I eat it almost every morning (regardless of whether or not it’s a snow day)! This healthy fall-spiced option sounds delicious! And I agree — now that I’m a mom, snow days are kind of my worst nightmare! 🙂
I can see why – granola is delicious!! Isn’t it funny how mom life changes those once simple pleasures! And yet there are so so so many more simple pleasures with children 🙂
Ah yes! East Coast snow storms! I moved from Upstate NY to NC last year and although the weather can still be yucky here, it is nothing like the north east. Thank goodness!! What an awesome recipe! At my house, we are all about apples right now. I’ll definitely be making this soon.
Since moving to California, it’s been beautiful every single day. And yet sometimes I really do miss the icky weather! But we can pretend to be cooped up and devour granola the whole day!
Yummm! Looks so good 🙂 I love granola in the fall, especially on greek yogurt!
Such a good way to start the day!
I’ve never tried to make my own granola it feels too intimidating. I need a baker like you to move in next door, we can swap for something!
Ha. You can be my workout motivator and I’ll be your baker. Done deal. But in all seriousness, you can TOTALLY do this Amanda. It’s not hard, promise!
This looks amazing! I’m a huge fan of DIY granola so I’m going to have to give this a try
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I hope you do Sarah! It’s such a different twist on the traditional 😉
This looks amazing! Definitely bookmarking. 🙂
Thanks Lexi!
I don’t have a dehydrator, so I’ll have to try and make some apple chips in my oven! Granola looks delish. 🙂
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Yep throw those thin ‘lil apple slices in the oven. You got this girlfriend!
Ok I LOVE apple chips! And this looks like the quintessential fall treat (yet it’s healthy)! Served on some yogurt or with almond milk this would be the perfect breakfast!
Right?! They are soooo addicting. I love the idea of serving this with yogurt!
I could seriously go to town on a big bowl of this yumminess! And your pictures are so pretty! Since moving from NYC to Fort Lauderdale and now having a toddler in the mix, your paragraph about lazy-adult-snowstorm-days rang so true! Oh how things have changed…
Oh you are a saint for moving that far with a toddler! WOW. Kudos to you momma. Things have certainly changed but we wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world. xoxo
Yum this is such a homey recipe! Where did you used to live on the east coast?
It totally is! The hubs and I lived in DC for a few years before being transferred to the West Coast 🙂 I miss it!
Well that’s all kinds of simple!! Great mix of textures & flavors – can’t wait to give this one a try! It will definitely be a hit with our family!
My family certainly loved it. I hope yours does too Kelly!
Yum! I’ve never made granola, but it looks so delish 🙂
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It’s SO easy to make Morgan. You have to give it a whirl 😉
This granola is infused with so many wonderful fall flavors! And those apple chips looks amazingly fresh.
Thanks Alisa! Apple chips are my weakness!
Yum! This looks like a delicious granola for fall… love anything apples!
ME TOO. Especially with all those apple spices. It just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy!
Yessss to apple pie in granola form! Granola reminds me of fall/winter too because it’s just so comforting, not that I only eat it in fall or winter though haha! Loving that you not only used apples for the awesome apple flavor but apple cider as well. This look super crunchy and delicious, pinning 🙂
<3 thanks for the pin love! And heck yeah about eating granola year-round. Because really, who doesn't love granola - regardless of the season!
This is soooo lovely! Those dried apple chips look amazing and such a nice addition. Can’t wait to try your version sometime.
I hope you do Julie! The apple chips just add that much more depth to an already yummy granola!
LOL I got caught in a blizzard on the East Coast a few years ago. My sister and I made a hefty list, went to the local grocery store and left with frozen pizza, eggs and avocados, how funny is that! I’ve never had or made apple granola, this looks delicious and the perfect fall snack.
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Oh my gosh – I can SO relate. Those are the best stories and memories though! Next time a storm is headed your way – this is your go-to girlfriend!
GIRL. I love all things fall, so you KNOW I’m down to inhale this apple pie granola 😛
I’m down if you’re down for pigging out on this ALL fall!
This looks so yummy! I love having some apple recipes to balance out all the pumpkin ones. 😉