apple crisp granola

one of my favorite fall desserts is homemade apple crisp served with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.  it is a classic fall treat, but it is not the healthiest thing to eat.  in an effort to make a slightly healthier version that still incorporated all of the same great flavors, i made a batch of apple crisp granola recently.

this granola is so good!  it is loaded with apples and oats.  pecans give it a bit of a crunch and flaxseed meal makes it a bit healthy.  it is sweetened with pure maple syrup, although it is not sweet at all.  ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spices give it that unmistakable fall flavor.  it really does taste just like apple crisp!

we served our apple crisp granola with vanilla yogurt.  it was just like eating apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, except healthier.

this granola comes together so easily.  there are just a few simple ingredients which you simply toss together on a baking sheet.  you don't even need to dirty a bowl!  how easy is that?

apple crisp granola is the perfect fall treat when you are craving a serving of apple crisp but want to watch your waist line.

apple crisp granola
prep time: 10 minutes
baking time: 50 minutes
yields: approximately 5 cups of granola
adapted from a cup of jo

ingredients:
3 large honeycrisp apples, chopped
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 cup flaxseed meal
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/3 cup salted butter, softened
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

directions:
preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.  line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.  place the chopped apples, oats, chopped pecans, flaxseed meal, and spices on the baking sheet and toss together.  cut the butter into small pieces and distribute it evenly over the mixture.  use your hands to incorporate the butter into the mixture.  pour the maple syrup and vanilla evenly over the mixture.  toss gently with your hands to make sure all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated.  bake for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and toss with a spatula.  place back in the oven and bake for another 20 minutes.  once baked, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.

enjoy!

love, laurie