Name: Spiced Apple Pecan Granola
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; ½ cup pecans (chopped); 1 cup dried apple rings (chopped small); ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ⅛ tsp ground ginger; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ⅛ tsp ground allspice; ¼ tsp salt; 2 tbsp light brown sugar (packed); ⅓ cup pure maple syrup; ⅓ cup avocado oil; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

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While last week was a stressful one, I feel this one is already off to a more pleasant start. For starters, it is finally starting to feel like autumn here in California. Hello, chunky sweaters and hot cocoa. This cool weather is giving me all of the autumn feels, so I made a fall inspired granola. This Spiced Apple Pecan Granola is reminiscent of the flavors of apple pie and it is oh so good!

Here is what’s in this Spiced Apple Granola:

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are the oats of choice most of the time when baking. They hold their shape better when baked in the oven. Visually, you can see the difference between old-fashioned oats and quick-cooking oats. Quick-cooking oats are cut into more pieces during processing, in addition to being rolled thinner. For the purpose of this recipe, old-fashioned rolled oats are necessary. They hold their own much better.

Spices: The spices in this granola are the ground spices you find in an apple pie spice blend. This includes cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. This spicy blend is perfect with apples, and in this case, oats.

Maple Syrup: You want to use the pure maple syrup, not the artificially flavored stuff. Pure maple syrup is 100% maple sap, while the artificial kind is simply maple flavored sugar syrup.

Dried Apple Rings: The apple in this recipe comes in the form of dried apples. When I say dried apples, I mean the dried, but slightly chewy kind. The apple rings are chopped into little pieces before being incorporated into the granola.

Pecans: You can buy pecans already chopped into pieces or chop them yourself. The key is to use pecan pieces so they will incorporate and eat better in the granola.

Oil: My first oil suggestion for this recipe is avocado oil for its health benefits and neutral flavor. You can, however, also use coconut oil. It may bring in a subtle coconut flavor to the final product though.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is in this recipe to amp up the flavor.

How to make Spiced Apple Pecan Granola

This recipe is really simple and quick to put together. The first step is to preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. You will want to line a baking sheet tray with a sheet of parchment or a silpat.

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped apples, pecans, brown sugar, and spices. In a small bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour the liquid ingredients over the oat mixture, and stir together until everything is coated and well incorporated.

Pour the oat mixture onto the center of the prepared baking sheet. With a rubber spatula, gently press the granola down into a rectangle.

Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Rotate the pan, and bake for approximately 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, break into little pieces. Store granola in an airtight container for about 5 to 7 days.

Things to consider:

Make sure your dried apple rings are fresh. The apple bits do slightly harden after baking, as dried cranberries do when baked in granola.
If you are in the mood for an even more intense apple flavor, pulse freeze dried apples in the food processor. Add the apple dust alongside the other dry ingredients.
Avocado oil can be substituted with another oil such as canola or coconut. However, avocado oil is healthier and has a nice neutral flavor.

This Spiced Apple Pecan Granola is perfect for this time of year. Enjoy with yogurt or milk. Or, just eat it straight from the tray with your hands (wink, wink.)