I love granola. The crunchy texture makes it so desirable to top a bowl of yogurt, a smoothie or even some oatmeal.
Typically I buy my granola (Cascadian Farm Oat and Honey Granola) which is one of the few granolas I have found that doesn’t have ingredients I am allergic to which is pretty much everything.
I found a great recipe for a Mix and Match Applesauce Granola that was perfect for me because I was able to make it to my liking.
Mix-n-Match Applesauce Granola
3 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 cups puffed rice cereal (I used Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice) 1 tsp ground cinnamon 3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground ginger
pinch ground cardamom
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup plain applesauce
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract up to 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts up to 1 cup dried fruit
nut suggestions: almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, etc
dried fruit suggestions: cranberries, raisins, apricots, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.
Preheat the oven to 325F and line a large baking sheet (or two smaller sheets) with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine oats, puffed rice cereal, and spices. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, applesauce (do not use chunky applesauce), maple syrup and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients along with chopped nuts and stir to combine. Spread on prepared baking sheet(s) in an even layer.
Bake for 30 minutes, then turn over the granola carefully using a large wide spatula, and bake for additional 15 minutes, until crisp and golden. Depending on the size of your baking sheet, the center might not be fully dried if your granola layer is thick, so if necessary remove the edges of the cooked granola to a cooling rack and let the rest cook for another 10-15 minutes until done.
Cool on pan or on a wire rack.
Break granola up as desired and stir in dried fruit. Store in an airtight container.
Makes about 8 servings, more depending on add-ins
I used all maple syrup in this recipe but next time I would use half maple syrup and half honey. The maple flavor was a little too much for me. For the dried fruit, I used craisins and dried cherries.
Otherwise, this is some of the best homemade granola I have ever had. Matt thought I bought it in the store. This is a great recipe – I highly recommend it!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This granola looks amazing! I need to make some!
The only problem with me and granola is that I tend to overdo the portion just a bit. It’s so hard not to.
I like the addition of puffed rice and applesauce. I bet it is good! I have one I make but I wouldn’t say it’s the best I’ve ever had. Will try this one next!
yea, homemade granola is better, especially with EREWHON!
I feel like every time you make something I am commenting with “ive never made (insert recipe here) before!”. I need to try making homemade granola. I hardly ever buy it but I really enjoy it.