Cinnamon Apple Banana Granola: A Delicious and Nutritious Breakfast Recipe

This recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples and bananas, and the satisfying crunch of granola for a breakfast (or snack!) that is both delicious and packed with nutrients. This Cinnamon Apple Banana Granola meal is versatile; enjoy it with milk, yogurt, sprinkled on top of oatmeal, or even straight from the jar! It’s also incredibly easy to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, and spices.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of cinnamon, apple, and banana creates a warm and comforting flavor profile that’s perfect for any time of year.
* **Nutritious:** Packed with whole grains, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this granola meal is a healthy way to start your day.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your dietary needs and preferences. Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it a great option for busy mornings.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it as a breakfast cereal, a yogurt topping, or a snack.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it all week long.

## Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Cinnamon Apple Banana Granola meal:

**For the Granola:**

* **3 cups Rolled Oats:** Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats will become too mushy. Gluten-free rolled oats can be used.
* **1 cup Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans):** Chopped. Use your favorite combination of nuts or just one type. Adds healthy fats, protein, and crunch.
* **1/2 cup Seeds (Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Chia Seeds):** Adds extra nutrients and texture. Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds provide a nice subtle flavor, while chia seeds offer omega-3 fatty acids.
* **1/4 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut:** Adds a touch of sweetness and tropical flavor. Optional, but recommended.
* **1/4 cup Maple Syrup (or Honey):** Natural sweeteners that bind the granola together and add sweetness. Adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
* **1/4 cup Coconut Oil (melted):** Helps the granola crisp up in the oven and adds a subtle coconut flavor. You can substitute with other neutral-flavored oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil.
* **2 teaspoons Cinnamon:** The star spice that brings warmth and flavor. Adjust to your liking.
* **1/2 teaspoon Salt:** Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (optional):** Adds a hint of warmth and complexity to the flavor.

**For the Apple Banana Component:**

* **2 Medium Apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji):** Peeled, cored, and diced. Adds sweetness, moisture, and fiber. Choose apples that hold their shape well during baking.
* **2 Ripe Bananas:** Mashed. Provides natural sweetness and binds the mixture together. Very ripe bananas work best.
* **1 tablespoon Lemon Juice:** Prevents the apples and bananas from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
* **1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the flavors.

**Optional Add-ins:**

* **1/2 cup Dried Cranberries, Raisins, or Chopped Dates:** Added after baking for extra sweetness and chewiness.
* **Chocolate Chips:** A fun and decadent addition.
* **Other Spices (Ginger, Cardamom):** Experiment with different spice combinations to create your own unique flavor profile.

## Equipment

* Large Mixing Bowl
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Baking Sheet
* Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
* Spatula

## Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect Cinnamon Apple Banana Granola meal:

**Step 1: Prepare the Apple Banana Mixture**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the granola from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. **Prepare Apples:** Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and distribute well throughout the granola.
3. **Mash Bananas:** In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Ensure there are no large lumps. The mashed bananas will act as a natural sweetener and binder.
4. **Combine Apple Banana Mixture:** In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, mashed bananas, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine. The lemon juice will prevent the apples and bananas from browning.

**Step 2: Prepare the Granola Mixture**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, shredded coconut (if using), cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the oats.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and maple syrup (or honey). Ensure the coconut oil is fully melted before mixing it with the maple syrup.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Pour the wet ingredients (coconut oil and maple syrup mixture) over the dry ingredients (oats, nuts, seeds, spices). Use a spatula or spoon to mix well, ensuring that all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet ingredients. This will help the granola clump together and crisp up in the oven.

**Step 3: Combine Apple Banana Mixture with Granola Mixture**

1. **Combine the mixtures:** Add the apple banana mixture to the granola mixture and mix gently until well combined. Ensure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the granola.

**Step 4: Bake the Granola**

1. **Spread on Baking Sheet:** Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can prevent the granola from crisping up properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
2. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown and fragrant. Stir the granola every 10 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent burning. The granola should be slightly moist when you take it out of the oven, as it will continue to crisp up as it cools.
3. **Cool Completely:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. Do not disturb the granola while it is cooling, as this will allow it to clump together into clusters. Once cooled, break the granola into desired size clusters with your hands.

**Step 5: Add Optional Add-ins (After Baking)**

1. **Add Dried Fruits or Chocolate Chips:** Once the granola is completely cooled, you can add any optional add-ins, such as dried cranberries, raisins, chopped dates, or chocolate chips. Mixing them in while the granola is still warm will cause the chocolate chips to melt.

**Step 6: Storage**

1. **Store in Airtight Container:** Store the cooled Cinnamon Apple Banana Granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This will help keep the granola fresh and crunchy.

## Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your granola.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Spreading the granola in an even layer on the baking sheet will ensure that it bakes evenly and crisps up properly.
* **Stir Frequently:** Stirring the granola every 10 minutes during baking will prevent burning and ensure even browning.
* **Let Cool Completely:** Allowing the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet will allow it to crisp up fully and form clusters.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking:** If you prefer a sweeter granola, you can add more maple syrup or honey. If you prefer a less sweet granola, you can reduce the amount of sweetener.
* **Experiment with Different Nuts and Seeds:** Try using different combinations of nuts and seeds to create your own unique flavor profile.
* **Add Spices to Customize Flavor:** Consider adding other spices like ginger, cardamom, or allspice to create a personalized granola blend.
* **Monitor Closely:** Keep a close eye on the granola while it’s baking, as it can burn quickly. Adjust the baking time as needed based on your oven.
* **For Clumpier Granola:** Press the granola mixture firmly onto the baking sheet before baking. Avoid stirring it too frequently during baking. Once cooled, break it into larger clusters.
* **For Less Clumpy Granola:** Stir the granola more frequently during baking. Once cooled, break it into smaller pieces.

## Serving Suggestions

* **With Milk:** Enjoy it as a breakfast cereal with your favorite milk (dairy or non-dairy).
* **With Yogurt:** Sprinkle it on top of yogurt for a crunchy and flavorful topping.
* **On Oatmeal:** Add it to oatmeal for extra texture and flavor.
* **As a Snack:** Eat it straight from the jar as a healthy and satisfying snack.
* **On Ice Cream:** Use it as a topping for ice cream.
* **In Trail Mix:** Add it to your favorite trail mix for extra crunch and nutrition.
* **As a Dessert Topping:** Sprinkle it over baked apples or other desserts.

## Variations

* **Vegan:** Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your chocolate chips are vegan.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free rolled oats.
* **Nut-Free:** Omit the nuts and increase the amount of seeds.
* **Sugar-Free:** Use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol, but note that this may affect the texture and binding of the granola.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

(Note: This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size)

* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 5-7g
* Fat: 12-15g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Fiber: 4-6g
* Sugar: 10-15g

## Conclusion

This Cinnamon Apple Banana Granola recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep. With its warm cinnamon flavor, sweet apples and bananas, and satisfying crunch, this granola meal is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly delightful and healthy breakfast or snack!

**Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Apple Banana Granola!**

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* **Describe the aroma while baking:** Elaborate on the cozy and inviting scent that fills the kitchen during baking.
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