• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Salted Plains
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Breads & Muffins
    • Cookies & Bars
    • Pies, Cakes, & Tarts
    • Ice Cream & Sorbet
    • Treats & Confections
    • Custards & Puddings
    • Drinks & Cocktails
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Entrees
    • Dairy-Free
    • Vegan
    • Savory
    • Travel Adventures
  • #14092 (no title)
  • Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Winter Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Winter Recipes
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Salted Plains » Recipes » Vegan

    Apple Cinnamon Granola (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

    Published: Oct 5, 2015 · Modified: Sep 30, 2021 by Tessa · This post may contain affiliate links · 20 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Easy Apple Cinnamon Granola recipe with dried apples, walnuts, pepitas, and hemp hearts, is gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free.

    Cinnamon Apple Granola #glutenfree #vegan | saltedplains.comThere is something to be said for preparing more wholesome breakfasts for the week.

    This apple cinnamon granola doubles as breakfast or a delicious snack.

    Cinnamon Apple Granola #glutenfree #vegan | saltedplains.comNow that fall has finally settled in here, we've taken to starting our weekend mornings with impromptu breakfast picnics on the rooftop of our building.

    Making pancakes and coffee, then balancing trays of plates, maple syrup, bacon, and mugs, our spread has so far made it up and back without with a spill or lost pancake.

    As I type this, I wish I was bringing you a pancake recipe. But, these cool, crisp rooftop mornings did inspire some autumn-worthy granola.

    Cinnamon Apple Granola #glutenfree #vegan | saltedplains.com

    Cinnamon Apple Granola #glutenfree #vegan | saltedplains.com

    As most granola recipes go, this cinnamon apple granola comes together pretty quickly.

    I decided to make my own dried apples for this granola but store-bought dried apples would be a fast and easy option. While making your own dried apples isn't difficult, it does take a couple of hours at low heat in the oven.

    Rounding out the cinnamon and apples, walnuts, pepitas, and hemp hearts add crunch and protein.

    If you're like me, the more clumps and clusters in my granola, the better. There are several tips and tricks out there for getting "clumpier" granola.

    But what's worked best for me is slightly packing down the layer of granola on the baking sheet, stirring once halfway through baking, and packing it down once again before returning to the oven for the remainder of baking time.

    Allowing the granola to cool completely before removing it from the pan is also key to the clumps you desire.

    Cinnamon Apple Granola #glutenfree #vegan | saltedplains.com
    Cinnamon Apple Granola #glutenfree #vegan | saltedplains.com

    Want a quick and easy way to make apple chips? Check out this air fryer apple chips recipe!

    Apple Cinnamon Granola

    This simple granola uses dried apples as a mix-in. You can use store bought dried apples for a quick assembly, or make your own at home.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 460kcal
    Author: Tessa

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups gluten-free oats
    • 1 cup walnuts chopped
    • ¼ cup pepitas
    • ¼ cup hemp hearts optional
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • ¼ cup coconut oil melted
    • ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon maple syrup grade b preferred
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 1 cup dried apples or more if desired for homemade dried apples, see below

    For homemade dried apples:

    • 4 cups water
    • juice of 1 lemon
    • 2 apples sliced about ⅛th of an inch

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl, combine oats, walnuts, pepitas, hemp hearts, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
    • In a smaill bowl, whisk together coconut oil, ⅓ cup maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour over dry ingredients and stir until the oat mixture is evenly coated.
    • Pour mixture onto baking sheet, spread, and pack down flat (using a piece of parchment or plastic wrap is an easy, mess-free way to do this).
    • Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir about halfway through, pack back down, drizzle tablespoon of maple syrup over the top, and bake for the remaining time or until granola is golden brown. If it looks like the walnuts are browning up quickly, tent a piece of foil over the pan for the remaining baking minutes.
    • When done, granola should look golden brown. Place baking sheet on wire rack and let granola cool completely. When cool, break up granola into pieces and stir in dried apples. Store in an airtight container.

    To make homemade dried apples:

    • Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine water and lemon juice. Add apple slices and allow to soak for 20-30 mins. This will reduce browning.
    • Remove apples from lemon water and place on a paper towel. Press another paper towel over the top to remove excess liquid. Place slices on baking sheets and put one tray on upper and one tray on lower racks and bake for one hour.
    • Remove, turn over slices, and bake for one more hour. If you would like crispier apple slices, bake for up to 30 minutes to an hour additional. I baked mine for two and a half hours total.

    Notes

    Adapted from my Whole Grain Sorghum Pecan Granola. Dried apple guidance from Eating Well.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 113mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 49IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @SaltedPlains or tag #saltedplains!
    Cinnamon Apple Granola #glutenfree #vegan | saltedplains.com

    SaveSave

    SaveSave

    « Olive Oil Cupcakes with Figs and Honey (GF + DF)
    Coconut Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies »

    Share this post:

    Share on PinterestShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. danielle is rooting the sun

      October 23, 2015 at 12:54 am

      5 stars
      hello to you tessa! i'm just discovering your blog - though your recipes are quite lovely! and your accompanying photography is beautiful to the eye. i love this recipe in particular for its perfect autumnal flavors (i'm a huge apple fan in general) - totally delicious ingredients, too (walnuts, pepitas, hemp hearts!). it's nice to find you! happy coming weekend. ♥

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 23, 2015 at 6:50 pm

        Hi Danielle! So glad you found me! I am a big apple fan as well and love when they are in season. Never a fruit I tire of. :) Thank you for your kind words. Happiest weekend to you!

        Reply
    2. Amy | Club Narwhal

      October 13, 2015 at 6:02 pm

      Tessa, this granola looks like my every dream come true! What a perfect fall breakfast ;)

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 14, 2015 at 12:00 am

        Aw, yay! I seriously have been eating this every day and can't get enough of it. ;) Thank you, Amy!

        Reply
    3. Amanda Paa

      October 12, 2015 at 1:21 pm

      yes, the clump-ier the better! i've had success only sometimes with this, so i appreciate your tips. and i really need to try making my own apple chips. i know these don't require it, but i'm wishing for a dehydrator this christmas.

      ps- love these photos, as always. xo

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 13, 2015 at 1:10 pm

        Oh, yes, a dehydrator would be great to have! I have been making so many apple chips - can't get enough.
        Thank you, sweet friend!! xo.

        Reply
    4. Leslie @ flora foodie

      October 09, 2015 at 10:06 pm

      You are absolutely right, preparing a great weekday breakfast sets a day up SO well. I'm with you on the workouts, too. I'm just a much better person when I get a workout and a good breakfast in. You're killing me with rooftop pancake breakfast picnics though! Loving that. I want breakfast picnics!!!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 12, 2015 at 1:41 pm

        Breakfast picnics are the best!! :) Thanks, Leslie!

        Reply
    5. Lindsey | Mabel & the Wooden Spoon

      October 08, 2015 at 1:27 am

      The apple slices! OMG. So pretty. And, yep. I had a looooong work shoot today and left the house without a decent breakfast. I'm still feeling the effects! It's totally worth a few hours on Sunday to make something hearty for the week ahead.

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 09, 2015 at 2:23 am

        Oh no! It really does change the whole day, doesn't it? I know the feeling.

        I love these apples slices so much I've made extra batches to keep in my bag so I can snack on them. Thank you, Lindsey!! xo.

        Reply
    6. Pang {circahappy}

      October 07, 2015 at 4:19 pm

      I would choose YOUR autumn-worthy granola over any pancake any day, Tessa :)
      For some reason, the aroma of this freshly baked granola from your photos carry through time & space to my place.
      <3 <3 <3

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 07, 2015 at 4:51 pm

        Haha, thank you, Pang! I thought it might be a bit of a tease to talk about pancakes and not deliver one. ;) Thanks so much for your kind word, sweet lady. xo

        Reply
    7. Zainab

      October 06, 2015 at 4:44 pm

      I am a sucker for any kind of granola and just love it!! Thanks for this fall perfect one :)

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 06, 2015 at 11:16 pm

        Haha, me too, I know the feeling! :) Thank you, Zainab!

        Reply
    8. Medha @ Whisk & Shout

      October 05, 2015 at 7:59 pm

      This granola looks lovely! The homemade dried apples are stunning :)

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 06, 2015 at 3:29 am

        Oh, thank you, Medha! The dried apples double as a tasty snack too. I've had a bag with me at all times as of late. ;)

        Reply
    9. Abby @ The Frosted Vegan

      October 05, 2015 at 1:03 pm

      I have to admit, there was some irony as I read this post today :) I was hurriedly shoving a piece of toast in my mouth as I rushed out the door because I didn't prepare a good breakfast for the week this weekend and I totally missed my morning workout! I totally agree, preparing for the week ahead makes life so much easier and smoother, which is really why I should do it a lot more often. By the way, I made your teff brownies to take to a GF friend tonight and they are SO good! Thank you sweet lady for the amazing recipe!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 06, 2015 at 3:25 am

        Haha, that's too funny. Sounds like a normal morning for me! ;) I don't know why I resist preparing for the week so much - I'm going to blame it on procrastination.

        Oh, yay! I am so happy to hear you liked the brownies. Thanks so much, Abby! xo.

        Reply
    10. Kathryn

      October 05, 2015 at 8:49 am

      Oh my, I bet this smells amazing as it's baking!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 06, 2015 at 3:22 am

        It does!! :)

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tessa! I create gluten-free, real food recipes that are approachable and delicious.

    More about me →

    Winter Recipes

    • Curried Broccoli Cauliflower Soup (with Coconut Milk)
    • Healthy Vegan Hot Chocolate
    • Dairy-Free Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
    • Healthy Gluten-Free Banana Bread

    Popular Recipes

    • Corn Flour Pancakes with Strawberry Compote
    • Healthy Chewy Granola Bars (Gluten-Free)
    • How to Make Berry Infused Vodka
    • Gluten-Free Brownies (Dairy-Free)
    • Vegan Brazilian Cheese Bread (Gluten-Free)
    • Old Fashioned Bourbon Thyme Cocktail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    Services

    Contact Me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases that won’t change your price but will share some commission.

    Copyright © 2022 Salted Plains