After experiencing homemade pumpkin granola, I decided to play with another fall flavor – apples. Now I don’t know which I like better! Will probably have to keep them both stocked because each are just as delicious as the other. Which means I have to stock pile on the oats because I’ve been flying through huge containers of it making this stuff. I can’t believe I waited so long to make my own granola and now may never buy from the store again.

This recipe is based on the pumpkin granola, but with a few substitutions to make it apple-y instead pf pumpkin-y. Pretty obvious intentions, right? Just imagine what other ideas I may come up with! But for now, focus on the apples… are you focusing?

What are you favorite granola flavors/ingredients?

APPLE BUTTER GRANOLA

Makes approximate 6-1/2 cups

Ingredients:

5 cups rolled oats

1 tsp apple pie spice

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup apple butter

1/4 cup applesauce

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup dried apples, chopped

3/4 cup slivered almonds

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, spices, and salt. Mix well.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple butter, applesauce, honey and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into oat mixture and stir until the oats are evenly coated. They will be moist. Evenly spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and stir. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the granola is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and stir in dried apples and almonds. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Source: Adapted from Two Peas & Their Pod