Homemade granola is not only easy, but it’s delicious too — especially when it’s infused with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon. This pantry-staple spice not only adds depth and natural sweetness, but it also brings a nostalgic, cozy vibe to every bite. When you make your own granola, you get to control the ingredients, including the amount of sugar added (store bought granola usually has way too much!).This apple cinnamon granola recipe is a variation of our Stovetop Granola Base Recipe, which is great when you don’t want to turn your oven on.
Must-Know Cooking Skills to Level Up your Kitchen Game
Want to whip up this recipe like a pro? Brush up on the basics with these quick how-to videos:
Take it a step further with our Knife Skills 101 course, and you’ll be slicing and dicing like a seasoned chef in no time!
Culinary Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Granola
Measure the ingredients in the order listed to make clean-up easier! Measure the brown sugar first; it needs to be measured in a clean spoon, otherwise it will stick to the bottom. Then, by measuring the oil before the maple syrup, the syrup will just slide right out!
Cook the granola until golden, but don’t expect it to be hard when you remove it from the stove. It will harden as it cools.
Add the dried fruit once the granola cools to prevent it from hardening.
If you have kids, let them help you with this recipe! It’s very kid-friendly.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Brown Sugar: substitute cane sugar, although the flavor will be slightly different.
- Canola Oil: substitute avocado oil.
- Maple Syrup: use the real stuff! Sub with agave or honey if you don’t have maple syrup on hand.
- Vanilla: substitute or add ¼ teaspoon almond or coconut extract.
- Cinnamon: substitute apple spice, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, pumpkin spice, or a combination.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: substitute quick oats. We don’t recommend using steel cut oats.
- Chopped Pecans: sub your favorite raw nut or seed. If using toasted or roasted nuts or seeds, add them near the end of the cooking time so they do not burn.
- Dried Apples: use any variety of dried fruit. If using larger fruits such as dried apricots, figs, or prunes, dice into smaller pieces before adding.
Recipe Variations
This apple cinnamon granola recipe is very forgiving; think outside the (granola) box!
For a higher protein granola add more nuts and/or seeds in place of the oats.
Want to make this granola without nuts? Substitute the same volume of pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
We love buying our spices from The Spice House. Click on the picture below to view & try out hundreds of flavorful spices and herbs!
Need some granola flavor inspiration?
Try out our base recipe, take a look at our variations, and then have fun experimenting with your favorite ingredients to YOUR Taste!
Equipment Recommendations
You just need a few basic tools for this recipe. Here’s your shopping list:
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – precision makes a difference.
- Spatula – for scraping up every last drop of flavor
- 10” Skillet – for toasting and tossing!
Want to upgrade your kitchen tools? Don’t miss our Essential Equipment Guide for all the must-haves!
Is this a Healthy Granola Recipe?
Granola can definitely be part of a healthy diet. The star ingredients in our apple cinnamon granola recipe are oats, pecans, and dried apples.
Oats
Oats are whole grains packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—especially unique phytonutrients like avenanthramides. These powerful compounds help lower cholesterol, lower inflammation, support gut bacteria, and even boost immunity and immune cell activity.
They also deliver complex carbs that fuel steady energy and brainpower—perfect for powering through your morning without crash mode.
Pecans
Pecans are loaded with plant protein, fiber, and heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, plus vitamins like E and B-complex .
Research shows that pecans—and nuts in general—support blood sugar control, brain function, healthy blood pressure, and even inflammation reduction. Plus, their fiber-to-cals ratio helps keep you full longer.
Dried Apples
Dried apples offer concentrated vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants—without refined sugars.
While drying may reduce vitamin C, most phytonutrients and fiber remain intact, making them a great shelf stable nutritious option when eaten in moderation .
Serving Suggestions for Apple Cinnamon Granola
This simple granola recipe is great for an easy breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even a healthy dessert!
- Top a yogurt parfait made with plain yogurt and fresh fruit
- Garnish a smoothie bowl
- Eat by itself for a tasty, balanced snack!
Learn how to build a healthy balanced meal with our Whole Life Plate, meal plan, and book!
Storage Tips
Allow granola to cool completely. Homemade granola will keep for at least a month in an airtight container at room temperature.
Looking for oven baked granola recipes?
We got you covered! Check out the base recipe and our favorite variations!
Share the Love – Leave Us a Review!
Unlike many other recipe blogs, we encourage you to tweak our recipes to suit your taste. Try it out, leave us a review, and tell us what changes you made! We love hearing how you make it your own.
FAQS
Is Bare Apple Cinnamon Granola Healthy?
While Bare apple cinnamon granola is made from whole grains, there are some ingredients you won’t find in a homemade granola. We don’t see a need to add additional protein to our granola or to fortify it with an extracted fiber. We like to keep things natural and simple. Our granola has 1 less gram of added sugar too!
What Are the Benefits of Apple Cinnamon Granola?
Granola is a great source of whole grains and plant based protein. Whole grains are packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They help lower cholesterol, lower inflammation, support gut bacteria, and even boost immunity and immune cell activity. The majority of Americans are extremely lacking in fiber!
What Are the Best Apples for Granola?
Use dried unsweetened apples for granola. Stay away from the freeze-dried kind. They don’t remain crisp for long. Dice the apples into smaller pieces if you prefer!
Apple Cinnamon Granola - Stovetop Style
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Dash salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped raw pecans
- ¼ cup chopped dried apples
Instructions
- Heat a large (10-12”) skillet over medium-low heat. Add oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir with a spatula until melted and combined.
- Add oats and pecans. Stir frequently for 7–10 minutes until toasted and golden brown.
- Remove from heat and spread on parchment paper to cool. It will crisp as it cools.
- Once cool, stir in dried apples. Store in an airtight container and enjoy!
