Delightfully Chunky Apple Cranberry Pecan Granola (Oil-Free & Naturally Sweetened!)

Experience the cozy flavors of fall with this irresistible apple cranberry pecan granola, featuring hearty oats and crunchy pecans, lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup and unsweetened applesauce. For an extra burst of texture and apple goodness, toss in baked apple chips after baking!

Lately, life has been a whirlwind of activity, balancing a busy work schedule with personal commitments. Just this past week, I was looking after my furry best friend, Harper, and we embarked on an unexpected, yet utterly charming, shopping adventure. Did you know some clothing stores welcome dogs inside? I certainly didn’t, until Harper and I found ourselves strolling through the double doors of a J-Crew, past the mannequins, with her panting happily beside me.

The experience was surprisingly therapeutic. While I tried on flannel shirts for a fall photoshoot, Harper made herself comfortable, sprawled on the changing room floor in what I can only describe as peak retail therapy bliss. When I paid for two plaid shirts at the register, a sales associate was completely enamored with Harper, who had truly mastered the art of canine charm. I’m pretty sure I never want to go shopping without my best girlfriend again – it truly lightened the mood!

Despite that delightful retail excursion, the week itself presented its fair share of challenges. There were numerous recipe fails, demanding yoga homework sessions, and a constant need for quick, nourishing meals to fuel late nights. It felt like I was constantly battling against a ticking clock, and sometimes, even my culinary experiments seemed to conspire against me.

However, amidst the chaos, I did manage to perfect an absolutely excellent, fall-inspired granola recipe that I’m thrilled to share with you today. This **Apple Cranberry Pecan Granola** isn’t just delicious; it’s also entirely gluten-free, oil-free, and naturally sweetened. It boasts generous chunks of tart cranberries, wholesome oats, crunchy pecans, and a delightful surprise of baked apple chips, making it a truly satisfying and healthy option for any time of day.

Why Make Homemade Vegan Granola?

With my incredibly busy schedule this week, I’ve rediscovered the joy and convenience of easy yogurt bowls for breakfast. They’re quick, customizable, and a perfect way to use up the dozen yogurts in my fridge that are nearing their expiration date by the end of October. Every express yogurt bowl, however, is only as good as its crunchy counterpart, don’t you agree? That’s where a fantastic homemade granola comes in!

Making your own granola at home offers numerous benefits over store-bought varieties. Firstly, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring it’s free from unnecessary added sugars, unhealthy oils, and artificial preservatives often found in commercial options. This particular recipe is a shining example, being entirely gluten-free, oil-free, and sweetened only with natural ingredients like maple syrup and applesauce. It’s a fantastic choice for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to enjoy a cleaner, healthier breakfast or snack.

Beyond health benefits, homemade granola is incredibly versatile and allows for endless customization. You can adjust the sweetness, experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, and even play with spices to create a flavor profile that perfectly suits your palate. It’s also often more cost-effective in the long run than repeatedly buying premium store-bought granolas. This **Apple Cranberry Pecan Granola** perfectly captures the essence of autumn with its warm, inviting flavors. This week, when trying to decide on the perfect combination, I called my sister: “Apple cranberry pecan or apple cranberry walnut?” I asked her. “Pecan,” her voice said firmly over speakerphone. And so, pecans were added, beautifully complementing the cranberries, apples, and cinnamon to create this chunky, fall-themed delight. It’s more than just a breakfast cereal; it’s a comforting treat that makes those hectic mornings a little brighter.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Apple Cranberry Pecan Granola

Creating this flavorful and healthy granola requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in its taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make this outstanding granola:

• **Gluten-Free Rolled Oats:** These form the hearty base of our granola, providing fiber and a satisfying chew. Using gluten-free oats ensures it’s suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• **Raw Pecans:** As per my sister’s excellent suggestion, pecans add a buttery, rich flavor and a delightful crunch that’s characteristic of fall baking.
• **Cinnamon:** The quintessential fall spice, cinnamon brings warmth and a fragrant aroma that pairs perfectly with apples and cranberries.
• **Maple Syrup:** This natural sweetener provides a lovely caramel-like flavor and helps bind the granola clusters. It’s an unrefined alternative to processed sugars.
• **Unsweetened Applesauce:** A secret ingredient for a truly apple-infused granola! Applesauce not only adds natural sweetness and moisture but also helps in forming those irresistible crunchy clusters without the need for added oil.
• **Almond Butter:** Creamy almond butter is a fantastic oil replacement in this recipe. It contributes healthy fats, protein, and a subtle nutty flavor, while also acting as a binder for the granola, creating wonderful, chewy clusters.
• **Dried Cranberries:** These tart and chewy berries add a vibrant burst of flavor and color, balancing the sweetness of the maple syrup and applesauce.
• **Baked Apple Chips:** For an extra layer of crunch and concentrated apple flavor, these add a delightful textural contrast.

We begin by combining the dry ingredients: gluten-free oats, raw pecans, and a generous dash of warming cinnamon. In a separate saucepan, gently heat the creamy almond butter, pure maple syrup, and unsweetened applesauce on the stovetop. This warming step helps these liquid ingredients become more fluid, ensuring they evenly coat the dry mixture. Once warmed, pour this fragrant mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until every oat and pecan is well coated.

Spread the coated mixture onto a baking pan, pressing it down into an even layer. This firm press is key to achieving those coveted chunky granola clusters. Bake until the edges are beautifully browned and the granola is golden. The most important tip for maximum clusters and crunch? Once you remove the pan from the oven, resist the urge to touch the granola for at least 15 minutes! Allowing it to cool undisturbed is crucial for the clusters to firm up before you break them into delicious, bite-sized pieces.

Enhancing Your Apple Cranberry Pecan Granola with Baked Apple Chips

After the baking process is complete and your granola has cooled and formed glorious clusters, it’s time for the final touch that truly elevates the apple flavor in this delightful recipe: adding Bare Snacks Apple Chips. If you’ve been following my culinary adventures for a while, you’ll know I have an immense love for these baked apple chips.

These particular apple crisps are incredibly simple, made with just one ingredient – apples! They contain no added sugars, no oils, and absolutely no preservatives, making them a perfectly wholesome and natural addition to your homemade granola. Their crisp texture and concentrated apple sweetness are exactly what this granola needs to echo and intensify the subtle apple flavors infused from the applesauce.

It’s crucial to remember to stir these wonderful apple chips into the granola *after* baking. If you were to add them before, they would unfortunately burn in the oven, compromising their perfect crispness and flavor. By adding them post-baking, they retain their delightful crunch and bright, natural sweetness, contributing a fantastic textural contrast and a burst of genuine apple taste that beautifully accents the heartiness of this ‘nola. They transform an already delicious granola into an extraordinary autumn treat, providing an extra layer of flavor and crunch that makes every spoonful truly memorable.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Apple Cranberry Pecan Granola

This **Apple Cranberry Pecan Granola** is truly a versatile staple to have on hand, especially as the fall season unfolds. Its cozy flavors make it perfect for a variety of uses throughout the day.

For breakfast, it’s absolutely wonderful served with a splash of your favorite almond milk, transforming into a satisfying and crunchy cereal. Alternatively, sprinkle it generously over a bowl of creamy yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) for added texture and flavor. It also makes for an incredibly convenient and energizing snack; simply grab a handful when you need a quick pick-me-up.

Beyond breakfast and snacks, don’t limit this delicious granola! It can be crumbled over a sweet dessert, like baked apples, a fruit crisp, or even a scoop of vegan ice cream, to add a delightful crunch and warm, autumnal notes. For those who enjoy smoothie bowls, a sprinkle of this granola on top provides both texture and a nutritional boost.

Customization Tips for Your Granola:

• Grain-Free Option: If you’re looking for an entirely grain-free version, simply substitute the rolled oats with a blend of chopped nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Adjust the wet ingredients slightly to ensure proper coating.
• Consistency Control: I deliberately left the clusters very “chunky” in this recipe, as I love the satisfying bite. However, if you prefer a finer, more uniform consistency, you can pulse the cooled granola a few times in a food processor or blender to break it down to your desired texture.
• Nut Butter Alternatives: Don’t have almond butter on hand? No worries! You can easily substitute it with your favorite nut or seed butter, such as cashew butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter (SunButter), for a similar taste and binding texture. Just ensure it’s a creamy variety.
• Dried Fruit Variations: While cranberries are a classic fall choice, feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like chopped dried apples, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile.
• No Apple Chips? No Problem! If you don’t have access to baked apple chips, you can simply omit them. Alternatively, you can use thinly sliced dried apples, chopped into smaller pieces, to maintain that lovely apple flavor and chewiness.

This granola stores beautifully in an airtight container for several weeks, meaning you can always have a healthy, homemade option at your fingertips. Enjoy the versatility and deliciousness of this fall-inspired creation!

Discover More Homemade Granola Recipes

If you love the simplicity and deliciousness of this Apple Cranberry Pecan Granola, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of my homemade granola creations. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile, perfect for diversifying your breakfast and snack options. All are crafted with health in mind, often featuring oil-free and naturally sweetened ingredients. Here are some other delightful granolas to inspire your next baking adventure:

• Oil-Free Chunky Tahini Granola

• Strawberry Almond Butter Banana Granola

• Sweet Potato Spice Granola

• Triple Berry Granola

• Pumpkin Spice Pecan Granola

• SunButter Gingerbread Granola

• Chocolate Almond Butter Granola

• Lemon Blueberry Cashew Granola

I Want to Hear From You!

If you decide to try your hand at this delightful Apple Cranberry Pecan Granola recipe, please let me know how it turns out! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create more delicious content for you.

Be sure to leave me a comment, a star rating, and a review below so I can use your feedback to refine my recipes and bring you even more yums.

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You can also check out my Pinterest page to pin this recipe and many others like it to make later, ensuring you always have healthy inspiration at your fingertips.

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XO Lauren

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