Autumn Apple Granola

Because today is my one year anniversary of releasing this blog, it seems only fitting that I post a recipe for my blog and instagram’s namesake: granola. Fall is in full swing right now and so I tried to create a recipe that included all of the flavors of the season. While having others taste test it, they have said it tastes like anything from a beautiful fall day to an apple pie to a pumpkin spice latte. Whether you put it on yogurt, eat it as a cereal, or just have it as a snack by itself, the flavors of this granola are sure to bring back autumn memories.

Ingredients

• 4 cups quick oats (or old-fashioned work, too)

• 1.5 cups raw, unsalted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ginger

• 1/4 tsp cloves

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (less than 30 seconds in microwave)

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup

• 1/4 cup apple butter

Materials

• Parchment paper

• Rimmed baking sheet or baking pan

Directions

Prep time: 10 min, Cook time: 23-25 min

1.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet or baking pan with parchment paper.

2.) Combine the dry ingredients (oats, seeds, salt, & spices) into a large mixing bowl.

3.) Slowly mix the wet ingredients (vanilla, oils, maple, and apple butter) into the dry mix. Make sure to thoroughly combine. Ensure that all of the oat mixture is lightly covered and not too soggy.

4.) After mixing up the granola, you're ready to stick it in the oven. Spread it out about a half-inch thick evenly over the pan and put it into the oven for about 23-25 minutes total, stirring midway through so it browns evenly.

5.) Once the granola is light brown, take it out and let it cool completely while still in the pan. It will take around 40 minutes or so for it to cool enough to become the ideal granola consistency. Break it apart into clumps when it is firm. It is now ready to eat or store!

No matter what time of the year you decide to make this granola, I hope it reminds you of crisp fall days, apple pies, and pumpkin spice lattes. It only takes a few simple ingredients to bring back such happy memories!

Happy granola-ing!!!!