Apple Cinnamon Granola

An easy fall breakfast recipe for Apple Cinnamon Granola. Packed-full of healthy ingredients like whole-grain rolled oats, pecans and hemp hearts this granola will keep you full all morning long!

The BEST Apple Cinnamon Granola

There are moments when I find myself so immersed in this health-conscious, foodie-obsessed world that I forget that not everyone else lives in the same bubble that I do. I would say that most of my friends are foodies but then I find myself explaining how to pronounce quinoa (hi Dad!) and remember that I’m probably in the minority when it comes to my food knowledge. 

Which brings me to seeds. I am pretty much guaranteed to have most types of seed stocked in my pantry at all times. Hemp, chia, flaxseed… you name it. Which is why this granola recipe is a go-to in our household! 

Here’s What You Need:

• Rolled oats – make sure you grab gluten free oats if needed.
• Pecans – the perfect nut pairing for this granola! Feel free to swap for a different nut like walnuts or almonds if you’d like.
• Hemp hearts – a great way to add protein and healthy fats to this granola.
• Cinnamon – Feel free to add any other spices including nutmeg, cloves, ginger or even a pre-mixed apple pie spice.
• Coconut oil – helps bind the flavors to the rest of the ingredients.
• Unsweetened applesauce – adds a delicious apple flavor.
• Honey or maple syrup – either will work.
• Vanilla extract
• Egg white – optional but it helps make the granola clump up into bigger granola clusters!
• Unsweetened dried apple rings – do not use fresh apples in this recipe as it will affect the taste and texture.

What are Hemp Hearts?

I love adding hemp hearts into my apple cinnamon granola but sometimes I feel bad for hemp hearts. I feel like they’re often overshadowed by the more commonly known flax or the always trendy chia. All three are amazingly beneficial for your body but let’s not favour one over the other, okay?!

Hemp hearts have some pretty awesome health benefits. They’re super high in protein (2 tablespoons has about 10 grams of protein!), a good source of omega-3s and 6s as well as a low-carb alternative to other seeds (source).  It’s a powerhouse seed that everyone could benefit from.

If you’re new to the world of hemp hearts, try out this Apple Pie Granola! It’s the perfect way to introduce hemp to your diet and also up the protein from your usual granola. And it’s amazing. Need I say more?

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Granola

Making homemade granola is super simple and this apple cinnamon granola recipe is no exception. It’s so much better than store-bought granola in my opinion. 

STEP 1: COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS

Combine rolled oats, pecans, hemp hearts and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add in the coconut oil, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract and egg white. Stir until the dry ingredients are coated with the wet.

STEP 2: SPREAD ONTO BAKING SHEET + BAKE

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread out the granola mixture on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip the granola as best you can. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Don’t remove from the pan until it’s completely cool! 

STEP 3: STIR IN APPLE RINGS.

Mix in the dried apple rings and then store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. 

What to Eat with Apple Cinnamon Granola

Granola is so versatile! Here are some ways I like to enjoy it:

• By the handful… Seriously this granola is a delicious and filling snack on its own.
• Over yogurt – for a protein-packed breakfast parfait.
• Sprinkled on a smoothie bowl
• On top of frozen yogurt or ice cream
• In a bowl topped with milk
• As a topping for pancakes, waffles or french toast
• Over sliced apples with nut butter

More Granola + Oatmeal Recipes:

• Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal
• Pumpkin Spice Granola
• Raspberry Chocolate Yogurt Parfait
• Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Muffins
• Apple Pie Steel-Cut Oats

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