So it seems I’ve developed a new sneaky habit. I can’t stop turning desserts into breakfast. Remember this Sticky Date Granola? Well, I’m at it again.
Please meet Apple Pie Granola. It tastes exactly like what an apple pie would taste like, if it were a granola.
It’s chock full of oats, but I also swapped in some quinoa flakes for about a third of the amount of oats I would usually use. Have you seen Quinoa Flakes around? They’re basically flattened out quinoa, and they’re very similar in application to oats. By which I mean, they make a great porridge in the morning, and work beautifully in this granola!
Here’s how I decide what goes into my granola recipes – every ingredient has to boost either the flavour or the health-factor of the mix. And if an ingredient can do both, then so much the better.
Oats – love the taste plus they’re low GI, they help lower cholesterol, they’re full of fibre, and have more protein than any other grain.
Quinoa – adds a grassy sweetness to the mix, it’s gluten-free plus it’s another good source of protein, contains magnesium, phosphorus, iron and calcium.
Pecans – DELICIOUS, but also providing omega-6 fatty acids (good fats), they help reduce cholesterol, and another source of protein.
Almonds – creamy flavour and great crunch, and also SOOO GOOD FOR YOU, full of too many vitamins, minerals and good fats to list!
I could go on about the health benefits of chia seeds, pepitas, maple syrup, flax seed oil, and even cinnamon all day! But I don’t want to bore you. Because I know the real reason you’re here. And it’s the food.
You want to know the answer to the most important question of all…does it taste good?
Answer: YUP! When I promise Apple Pie Granola, I deliver. I used maple syrup to sweeten and bind this granola together, which I think beautifully mimics the caramelised brown sugar notes of a good apple pie.
I also added in a hefty portion of cinnamon, because cinnamon is THE SPICE of apple pie. A dash of vanilla mimics the sweet buttery scent of a beautiful pie crust, and the whole thing is rounded out with a generous portion of dried apple pieces.
It’s Apple Pie Granola. No mistaking it. With a dollop of natural yoghurt, this is my dream snack. And I can’t wait for a really cold morning, so I can eat this with some hot milk, and even more apples sauteed and piled on top!
What do you think of my dessert granolas? And what’s your favourite dessert for breakfast/breakfast for dessert situation? Let me know in the comments!
xx Sarah.
- 2 cups (200g) oats
- 1 cup (100g) quinoa flakes
- 1 cup (115g) pecan pieces
- 1 scant cup (100g) flaked almonds (with skins, if possible)
- ⅓ cup (35g) chia seeds
- ⅓ cup (40g) pepitas
- 1½ tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup (185ml) maple syrup
- 2½ tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp flax seed oil (optional, you could easily use all olive oil)
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 7 oz (200g) dried apple rings, chopped
- Preheat the oven to 180C, and line a large baking sheet with baking paper.
- Place the oats, quinoa, pecans, almonds, cinnamon and salt into a very large mixing bowl, and really toss it all together so the ingredients are well distributed.
- Add the maple, olive oil, flax seed oil (if using), and vanilla to the bowl, and stir until everything is well coated and combined.
- Dump the mixture onto the lined baking sheet and spread out in an even layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes, stopping halfway to stir the granola, bringing the more cooked edges into the middle, and the underdone parts to the edges.
- After twenty minutes, add the apple pieces and give it another good stir, then place back in the oven for 5 minutes, to finish the cooking process. The apple should be browned in places, and the granola should be dry and crisp.
- Leave to cool completely on the tray, and then store in an airtight container for a week, or even longer in the freezer.
Wow!!!! Just when I thought that my mornings were going to be boring with the same old fried egg or fruit, this Incredible granola pops up on my screen! I can’t wait to give this a try! Apple pie is one of my most favorite desserts and eating that for breakfast??? I wouldn’t mind AT ALL! :D
Beautiful photography and great recipe! I love oats in the morning because they are so filling! I make mine banana bread flavour mmm :)
This looks amazing! Healthy and tasty! I’m sold!
I loooooove this!! Apple pie anything has my name all over it.
Woah that looks awesome. Love the rich apple flavors. And your photographs are awesome, as always. :)
I would love to give this a try – looks delicious!! dried apple rings are a solid part of my snack rotation, so i am sure that i would love it!
I keep saying that I should start making granola to snack on at work. This apple pie granola would be so perfect. Healthy and tastes like pie, that’s my kind of deal.
Oooo quinoa oats are new to me! LOVE this!!!
Please send a bowl my way! This looks delicious!! Can’t wait to make it at home!
I’m sorta kinda obsessed with all of this. The photos, the flavors, the everything. Need it! Stupid question: is it hot or cold where you are? Are your seasons reversed?
HEYO! Yes, our seasons are the opposite of yours. So it’s Autumn here at the moment. But the city I live in is just outside of the Tropic of Capricorn, and as a result it never really gets that cold here. Which is a bummer, because I love the cold!
Considering that my very favorite granola is chocolate granola, I am 200% on board with your dessert-for-breakfast plan. When will we get the lemon meringue pie granola? :)
Oh my word….now THAT would really be something.
is it ok to eat breakfast with ice cream?
Always yes.
you should never skip breakfast….
Yep, I need this in my life pretty much immediately :) I love that you use quinoa flakes in this. Can’t wait to try it!
YUM! This looks amazing! I have yet to try quinoa flakes, but need to get on that stat.
I don’t see chia and pumpkin in your recipe. How much do we use?
Hi Nalima! Thank you for pointing that out! I used a third of a cup of each, and I have added that to the recipe now, with weight measures as well. Hope you like it!
Made this last weekend and I have to say this is the best granola I’ve made ever. Planning on making batch number 2 today. I’ve been gluten free for 7 years and use to spend lots of money on store bought granola. I will never purchase another bag.
This is awesome! I’m so glad you like it – it’s my favourite granola too!