Save a few extra dollars with this nut-free apple and cinnamon granola. Made with a combination of old fashioned oats, dried apple, apple sauce, and coconut, this granola recipe offers just the right amount of sweetness without going overboard.

Overhead shot of apple and cinnamon granola topped with apples on a gray background. — This whole grain apple and cinnamon granola offers just the right amount of fruity sweetness. GF, DF, vegan and vegetarian.

I’ve been watching reruns of the Great British Bake-Off (GBBO) on Netflix, and I’m totally hooked. I’m not usually one for reality TV (give me a good documentary any day), but there’s something about GBBO that keeps me coming back for more.

I like that the contestants are civil to one another and aren’t caged up in a house together between episodes. They even seem to help each other out from time-to-time.

Moreover, I like the balance between judges, Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry. Both are particular, but Mary’s softer touch is a nice contrast to Paul’s tough exterior.

Finally, I love the creativity showcased in the contestant’s creations. Who knew that apple and tarragon go together? Or that you could put fennel seeds in biscotti? Sometimes they fall short, but the flavor combinations are bold and interesting.

Inspired by GBBO, I made apple-cinnamon granola this week. This recipe is a riff off my vanilla-almond granola recipe, but I’ve skipped the nuts this time and amped up the fruit-factor.

Why You Should Make Your Own Granola

For those of you that have never made granola before, it’s shockingly easy and affordable. Furthermore, you can control the fat and sugar content and customize it to your own tastes and health preferences.

Speaking of health, I want to take a moment to talk about whole grains. In the era of low-carb everything, whole grains are often left out of the health conversation.

What Is A Whole Grain?

Whole grain products contain the bran, germ, and endosperm whereas refined grains only contain the starchy endosperm. The bran and germ contain fiber, protein, B-vitamins, minerals and a variety of other phytonutrients, and when you remove them (aka refined grains), you typically get a less nutrient-dense product with minimal fiber.

Examples of whole-grain products: whole grain bread/ pasta, brown rice, quinoa, rye, farro, barley, corn, sorghum, millet and of course, oats. Check out this graphic for more examples.

Benefits of Whole Grains

Whole grains offer several different types of fiber, as well as polyphenols, which nourish the gut microbiome and improve gut barrier function. The microbiome impacts not only digestive health but also liver function, immunity, and mood.
According to a meta-analysis published in the Lancet, higher intakes of whole grains and dietary fiber are associated with:
- Reduced risk of coronary heart disease, type II diabetes and colorectal cancer
- Weight management
- Blood sugar control
- Cholesterol reduction
- Blood pressure regulation
A systematic analysis looking at dietary risks in 195 countries indicated that low whole-grain intake is more detrimental to health than low fruit and vegetable intake.

Moral of the story: Incorporate a variety of whole grains and eat them often!

Side-on closeup of apple and cinnamonn granola, topped with apple slices and two cinnamon sticks on a gray background. — Made with a combination of old-fashioned oats, apple-sauce, dried apple and coconut, this nut-free apple and cinnamon granola recipe makes a great breakfast or snack.

How To Make Apple and Cinnamon Granola

This recipe is packed with whole grain goodness in the form of oats and offers just enough sweetness without leaving you with a toothache. Furthermore, it harnesses some of the best Autumn flavors, although it works all year-round. Happy baking!