Homemade Applesauce Granola: A Spiced, Low-Oil Delight
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked granola filling your kitchen, and this Homemade Applesauce Granola recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s my unique spin on a classic, specifically inspired by Nigella Lawson’s renowned Andy’s Fairfield Granola. My journey to this recipe began with a simple quest: to recreate the irresistible granola from Whole Foods that I adored. As often happens in home cooking, I found myself without all the specific nuts and seeds Nigella’s recipe called for – notably, those tricky sesame seeds. So, with a dash of improvisation and a need to scale down the quantities for my household, I embarked on a delightful culinary experiment.
The result? A truly distinct granola that, while rooted in inspiration, has taken on a life of its own. With the significant changes made, it felt only right to give it a new identity. Thus, Applesauce Granola was born! This version isn’t just a substitute; it’s a celebration of accessible ingredients and a flavor profile that stands out. It harnesses the natural sweetness and binding power of applesauce, creating a granola that’s not only delicious but also boasts a slightly lower oil content compared to many traditional recipes.
The Unique Flavor and Texture of Applesauce Granola
What truly sets this Applesauce Granola apart is its distinctive texture and robust spice profile. Unlike many granolas that can be overly rich or oily, my recipe uses less oil, which contributes to a delightfully crunchier texture. Each bite offers a satisfying crispness that’s perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. But the most significant departure from conventional granolas, and perhaps its most polarizing yet beloved feature, is the generous amount of spice.
I must admit, I’m not always the biggest fan of strong cinnamon and ginger in my granola. However, my husband absolutely loves it, and every so often, I find myself craving a granola that offers more warmth and depth than my usual go-to recipes like Extra Chunky Granola or Clumpy Granola. This Applesauce Granola fits that bill perfectly. It’s definitely one of those “have to be in the mood for it” recipes, but when that mood strikes, it’s absolutely perfect. The spices aren’t just an afterthought; they’re a cornerstone of its character, providing a cozy, aromatic experience that’s particularly welcome on a chilly morning.
The combination of cinnamon and ginger creates a harmonious blend that is both invigorating and comforting. It’s not “spicy” in the sense of heat, but rather “spicy” in its aromatic intensity, much like a well-loved chai tea or gingerbread. This balance means that while the spices are prominent, they don’t overpower the other delightful flavors from the oats, nuts, and natural sweetness. The applesauce not only acts as a binder but also adds a subtle fruitiness that complements the warm spices beautifully, making each spoonful a complex and satisfying taste adventure.
Why Applesauce Granola is a Healthier Choice
Making your own granola at home offers numerous benefits, and this Applesauce Granola recipe highlights several key advantages, especially if you’re looking for a healthier option. The primary differentiator here is the use of unsweetened applesauce as a partial substitute for oil and other binders. This simple swap significantly reduces the overall fat content without sacrificing flavor or texture. Applesauce contributes natural sugars and moisture, helping the granola achieve a perfect golden-brown crispness while keeping it lighter.
Oats, the star ingredient, are a fantastic source of soluble fiber, which is known for its heart-healthy benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels. They also provide sustained energy release, making this granola an excellent way to start your day. Paired with a medley of nuts and seeds, you’re packing in essential healthy fats, plant-based protein, and a spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Sunflower seeds, for instance, are rich in Vitamin E and magnesium, while almonds or pecans offer good fats and fiber. This homemade version allows you to control the quality of your ingredients, avoiding the excessive sugars, unhealthy oils, and artificial additives often found in store-bought varieties.
Furthermore, the robust spices—cinnamon and ginger—are not just for flavor. Both have been celebrated for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Incorporating these spices into your diet can be a delicious way to support overall wellness. By making your own Applesauce Granola, you gain complete control over sweetness levels, types of nuts, and spice intensity, tailoring it perfectly to your dietary needs and taste preferences for a truly wholesome and satisfying treat.
Customizing Your Applesauce Granola
One of the joys of making homemade granola is the endless possibility for customization. While my Applesauce Granola offers a unique and delicious base, don’t hesitate to make it your own! The recipe calls for “nuts,” providing a fantastic opportunity to experiment. Almonds and pecans are classic choices, offering a buttery crunch and rich flavor, but walnuts, cashews, or even a mix of several nuts would work wonderfully. If you have nut allergies, consider using an increased amount of seeds, like pumpkin seeds or extra sunflower seeds, to maintain texture and nutritional value.
For seeds, while sesame seeds add a distinctive nutty flavor (and were the initial reason for my recipe deviation!), feel free to substitute them with chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds for added omega-3s and fiber. The combination of agave syrup and honey provides a balanced sweetness and helps with clustering. You can adjust the proportions or use a single sweetener like maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the total liquid sweetener amount remains similar to maintain the right consistency for baking.
The spice level is also incredibly adaptable. If you’re like my husband and love a strong spice presence, feel free to increase the cinnamon and ginger. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amounts slightly. You could also introduce other warm spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or a pinch of cardamom for an even more complex aroma. Once the granola is baked and cooled, that’s when you can get really creative with “add-ins.” Dried fruits like cranberries, golden raisins, chopped apricots, or even freeze-dried berries add a delightful chewiness and bursts of natural sweetness. For a decadent touch, stir in some chocolate chips or chunks after the granola has completely cooled to prevent melting. Toasted coconut flakes are another popular addition, lending a tropical note and extra crunch. Just remember to add these delicate ingredients after baking to prevent them from burning or becoming overly hard.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
This Applesauce Granola is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways beyond just a bowl with milk. For a classic breakfast, serve it with your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk. It’s also fantastic layered with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a parfait, providing a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor. Sprinkle it over a smoothie bowl for added texture and nutrients, or use it as a crunchy topping for baked apples or fruit crisps. Need a quick and healthy snack? Grab a handful straight from the jar for an energy boost. It even makes a thoughtful homemade gift when packaged in a pretty jar with a ribbon.
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and crispness of your homemade granola. Once the granola has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a sturdy plastic container works perfectly. Store it at room temperature in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight. This helps prevent it from going stale or becoming soft. When stored correctly, Applesauce Granola will typically stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2-3 weeks. If you notice it starting to lose its crispness, you can briefly re-toast it in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for 5-10 minutes, then let it cool completely again. This will often revive its texture, making it as good as new.
Other Granola Recipes to Explore
Since you’re here, clearly, you appreciate a good granola! And while Applesauce Granola offers a wonderfully unique profile, I wouldn’t want you to miss out on some of my other fantastic creations. If you’re a fan of autumn flavors or simply love a wholesome treat, my Carrot Cake Granola is an absolute must-try. It captures all the delicious essence of carrot cake in a crunchy, healthy format. And for those who believe everything is better with chocolate (I’m certainly one of them!), the Nutty Chocolate Granola is a rich and satisfying option that feels like a treat but still delivers on wholesome ingredients. Each of these recipes offers a different experience, inviting you to explore the diverse and delicious world of homemade granola.
Recipe
Applesauce & Agave Granola
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons applesauce unsweetened
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons agave syrup or corn syrup or rice syrup
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- 2 ¼ cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup nuts almonds, pecans or anything you like
- ⅓ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt plus more if needed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil or parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix together applesauce, brown sugar, coconut oil, syrup, honey, cinnamon and ginger.
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Add the oats, nuts, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
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Sprinkle the salt over the mixture, then toss everything together until oats and nuts are thoroughly coated.
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Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until the granola is a golden brown (be careful because it starts to brown quickly during the last 10 minutes). Remove from oven and let cool completely. It should crisp as it cools.
Notes
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