Apple cinnamon granola

Did you know how easy and cost-effective it is to make your own granola? Here's my recipe for granola with my favorite flavors, apple and cinnamon. I enjoy this every morning with yogurt and fruit.

Making your own granola is not only cheaper but also healthier. This recipe limits added sugars and fats. The applesauce adds natural sweetness and flavor, and you can toss in your favorite protein sources like nuts and seeds.

I picked up a great tip from America's Test Kitchen: if you love chunky granola with big clusters, the best trick is also the easiest: just press your granola mixture into a pan, don't stir it, and let it set for an hour after baking. You'll end up with a big solid sheet of granola that you can break into the perfect-sized pieces.

Apple cinnamon granola

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup applesauce (or a single serve applesauce cup)
1/4 cup oil (neutral oil, coconut oil, olive oil, etc.)
1 T vanilla extract
2 t cinnamon
1/2 t salt
4 cups old fashioned oats
2/3 cup pepitas, chia seeds, ground flax seeds, or nuts

Preheat oven to 325. Line a baking sheet with parchment. 

Stir together all ingredients except oats and nuts until well combined. Then add oats and nuts, stirring until all are coated. 

Press the mixture into the parchment-lined pan, creating a compact layer. Bake, rotating pan halfway through but not stirring, until toasted and slightly browned, about 40-45 min. 

Let cool for 1 hour to solidify. Break into chunks of desired size. 

Store in a airtight container for 2 weeks, or months in fridge or freezer.