Hey there, fellow food adventurers!
It's that time of the year when the weather turns a bit nippy, and all you crave is a warm hug in a bowl, right? Well, I've got just the thing for you – my utterly scrumptious, super-duper healthy Apple Pie Granola! Forget those store-bought sugary cereals; we're going all-in on homemade goodness.
I recently came back from Krakow, a lovely city but a bit chilly at this time of year, and all I wanted was my warm bed, my kitchen and some wholesome, good-for-you food, so, I came up with this!
What makes this granola so special? It's not just the irresistible crunch or the comforting apple pie flavor; it’s the fact that we’re swapping out loads of sugar for the natural sweetness of apple sauce and a touch of maple syrup. Plus, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free, which is a win-win for everyone. We're talking a bowl of pure delight packed with fiber, healthy fats, and all things good.
Why you'll love this Apple Pie Granola:
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Made with rolled oats, crunchy buckwheat, nuts, seeds and a touch of cinnamon.
- Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugars here! We use apple sauce and maple syrup for the perfect sweetness.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: Suitable for almost any diet. Just be sure to buy certified gluten-free oats!
- Super Customizable: Swap out the nuts and seeds for your favorites, or try different dried fruits.
- Perfect for Any Time: Breakfast, snack, or a crunchy topping for your vegan yogurt. It works anytime!
Apple Pie Granola Recipe
Yields: About 2 cups Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 30g raw buckwheat groats
- 30g dried cranberries or sultanas
- 30g hazelnuts or almonds
- 60g smooth apple sauce
- 7g ground flax seeds
- 30g drippy almond butter or refined coconut oil
- 30ml maple syrup or other liquid sweetener
- 100g whole rolled oats (use GF if required)
- 25g pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ⅛ tsp fine salt
Instructions:
- Soak: Soak buckwheat groats in boiling water for 20 minutes. At the same time soak the cranberries and nuts in cold water, then drain all well.
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 130°C (265°F) fan function or 150°C (300°F) without the fan. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine apple sauce, ground flax, almond butter (or oil), and maple syrup. Stir well and let it sit for 10 minutes to activate the flax.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add oats, pumpkin seeds, soaked and drained buckwheat, cranberries, chopped nuts, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Bake: Spread the mixture evenly on the baking tray. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Stir about halfway through, rotating the tray too.
- Cool: Let the granola cool completely on the baking tray. It will crisp up as it cools. Store it in an airtight container.
Tips for the Best Granola:
- Raw Buckwheat: Use raw buckwheat groats, not kasha (roasted buckwheat).
- Sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup to your liking but a little is better than none, trust me.
- Crunch Factor: Let it cool completely for maximum crunch!
- Storage: Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
This granola is so versatile. Serve it with your favorite vegan yogurt, add a splash of plant-based milk, or just grab a handful as a snack. For an extra treat, add some fresh seasonal fruit. I love some berries, or maybe some sliced banana.
So there you have it! A ridiculously easy, healthy and delicious granola recipe that's perfect for anyone and any time.
If you make this recipe please do tag me on social media, it really makes my day to see your lovely creations!
Enjoy and happy crunching!