Apple Cinnamon Granola

Up until this point I’ve been incredibly partial to pumpkin recipes on the blog, which I’ll admit is a bit deceiving considering anything apple-related is actually my jam this time of year. And while apples make an appearance in my Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Apple Cider Vinaigrette recipe, a moment of their own is long overdue.

Not only is my Apple Cinnamon Granola the perfect way to honor this fall favorite, butI also have more apple-inspired recipes up my sleeve to share with y’all soon  .

Yet when I’m looking to whip up something delicious for the week that doesn’t take much time or effort, granola is always the answer. For more granola-goodness, take a look at some of my other favorite flavor combos you might love:

• Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Granola
• Fig, Honey & Cardamom Gluten-Free Granola
• Cinnamon Raisin Grain-Free Granola

While fresh apples in the fall simply can’t be beat, the beauty of this recipe is that you can recreate it any time of year using dried apple rings. They’re chewy and delicious as is, but baking them with the rest of the granola ingredients gives them a nice crunch, which I love.

These, along with pecans and pumpkin seeds provide a variety of great flavors and textures that are quintessentially fall. But it’s no surprise that pecans make an appearance here as I simply can’t get enough of them, especially this time of year.

Plus, pecans are rich in several key nutrients including fiber, copper, thiamine and zinc and have been associated with many potential health benefits including improved blood sugar control, heart health and brain function. To learn even more about why they’re one of my favorites, check out my Why I’m Nuts About Nuts (& You Should be Too) post.

As for the pumpkin seeds, not only are they on-brand for fall as well, but they’re also an incredible snack or addition to just about any recipe. Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients and antioxidants shown to improve heart health, blood sugar levels, fertility and sleep quality and even protect against certain types of cancer.

I personally love them in my Sunflower & Pumpkin Seed Butter and Simple Seedy Crackers if you’re looking for more (tasty) opportunities to get this superfood into your diet.

While homemade anything is simply better in my opinion, granola is one of my favorite things to make myself not only because it’s insanely easy and makes my apartment smell like heaven, but also because it ensures no unnecessary, sneaky ingredients make their way in. I always strive to keep my recipes free from refined sugars and other gross additions, so this is one you can truly feel good about.

And in only 20-25 minutes you’ll have a big batch to enjoy for the week, which is exactly why granola makes for the perfect breakfast meal prep. Enjoy it with your favorite nut milk and fresh fruit or as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls – the options are truly endless.

Let me know if you give this fall-inspired recipe a try by leaving a comment below or tagging me on social media @goodness_with_g!