The Ultimate Apple Cinnamon Granola Clusters (Easy & Healthy!)
Imagine your whole house filled with the warm, cozy, and utterly intoxicating aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. Now, imagine that scent is coming from a batch of crunchy, sweet, and wholesome granola clusters that you whipped up with just a few simple ingredients. That, my friends, is the simple, beautiful magic of these Apple…
Imagine your whole house filled with the warm, cozy, and utterly intoxicating aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. Now, imagine that scent is coming from a batch of crunchy, sweet, and wholesome granola clusters that you whipped up with just a few simple ingredients. That, my friends, is the simple, beautiful magic of these Apple Cinnamon Granola Clusters. They are the perfect, healthy, bite-sized snack for satisfying your fall cravings.
Get ready to create the most delicious and aromatic granola of your life, a simple, one-bowl recipe that will become an instant family favorite.
Why These Granola Clusters are a Must-Bake!
You are going to be completely obsessed with how easy and delicious these little bites of fall are. They are a guaranteed hit. Here’s why you have to make them:
- Incredibly Easy One-Bowl Recipe: This is a true dump-and-stir recipe. Just combine all the ingredients in one bowl, mix, and you’re ready to bake!
- The Most Amazing Fall Aroma: Your kitchen will smell like an autumn dream while these are baking, thanks to the wonderful combination of apple, cinnamon, and honey.
- Perfectly Crunchy and Clumpy: This recipe is designed to create those big, satisfying clusters that are the best part of any granola.
- Wholesome and Nourishing: Made with hearty oats, natural peanut butter, and applesauce, these clusters are packed with fiber and protein for a truly satisfying snack.
- Completely Customizable: Think of this as your perfect starting point! You can easily add in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 42 bites (about 10 servings) |
| Calories | 115 kcal per ¼ cup serving |
| Course | Snack, Breakfast |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Baking |
Your Shopping List for This Cozy Snack
This recipe uses a handful of wholesome pantry staples to create its amazing flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
→ For the Granola Clusters
- 1 cup old fashioned oats → These provide the best chewy and hearty texture. Use gluten-free if needed.
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce → Acts as a binder and adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- 2 Tablespoons natural peanut butter → Provides healthy fats, protein, and delicious flavor.
- 2 Tablespoons honey → For a touch of natural sweetness that helps everything crisp up. Maple syrup also works.
- 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips → Because a little bit of chocolate makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon → The essential warm spice for that perfect fall flavor.
Let’s Get Baking! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready for the easiest, most aromatic granola you’ve ever made? This is a one-bowl wonder.
Part 1: Mix the Granola
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to a low 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Combine Everything: In a medium bowl, add all of your ingredients: the oats, applesauce, peanut butter, honey, mini chocolate chips, and cinnamon.
- Mix Well: Stir everything together until it’s very well combined. You want to make sure all the dry oats are coated in the wet ingredients to form a sticky mixture. (If your natural peanut butter is stiff, just pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften it up first!).
Part 2: Bake to Crispy Perfection
- Form the Clusters: Using a 1-teaspoon measuring spoon, drop small mounds of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. You can gently form them into small, rustic ball shapes.
- Bake Low and Slow: Bake for 1 hour. This low and slow baking process is the secret to drying out the clusters and making them truly crispy without burning.
- Cool Completely: The clusters will continue to crisp and harden as they cool. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before you handle them. Once they are cool, you can break them apart and store them in an airtight container. Enjoy!
Apple Cinnamon Granola Clusters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 250° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon mat.
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, applesauce, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, and cinnamon. Mix until very well combined.
- Use a 1 teaspoon measuring spoon to drop the mixture by the teaspoonful onto the prepared baking sheet. You can form them into small balls.
- Bake for 1 hour. The granola clusters will continue to crisp and harden as they cool.
- Once completely cool, break apart and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Granola Clusters
These simple secrets will help you achieve the best crunchy, clumpy results every single time.
- Low and Slow is the Secret. Don’t be tempted to crank up the oven temperature to speed things up! Baking at a low 250°F for a full hour is the key to slowly dehydrating the clusters, which results in a perfectly crunchy texture all the way through.
- Let Them Cool Completely on the Pan. The clusters will seem soft when they first come out of the oven. This is normal! The real magic happens as they cool. They will harden and crisp up significantly, so be patient and let them cool completely before you try to move them.
- Parchment Paper is a Must. This is a very sticky mixture, thanks to the honey and applesauce. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat is essential to prevent the clusters from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Soften Your Peanut Butter. If you’re using a natural peanut butter that’s been in the fridge, it can be very stiff and hard to mix. A quick 20-30 seconds in the microwave will make it smooth and easy to stir into the other ingredients.
- For Softer Bites: If you prefer a chewier, softer granola bar-like texture instead of a crispy one, just reduce the baking time to 40 minutes. They will be just as delicious!
Keep It Fresh! Storing Your Granola Clusters
This granola is a fantastic make-ahead snack. Here’s how to store it properly to maintain its crunch.
- Storage: Once the granola clusters are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to two weeks (though they’ll likely be eaten long before then!).
- Freezing: You can also freeze the clusters! Place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months and are delicious eaten straight from the freezer for an extra-crunchy treat.
FAQs: Your Granola Cluster Questions, Answered!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this nut-free?
Of course! For a nut-free version, simply substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) or tahini. Both are delicious alternatives.
Can I make this vegan?
Easily! To make this recipe vegan, just swap the honey for an equal amount of pure maple syrup or agave nectar. Be sure to use vegan-certified chocolate chips as well.
What are some other fun add-ins I can try?
This is a great base recipe to customize! You could add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds for an extra health boost. You could also stir in some chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) or dried fruits (like raisins or chopped apricots) along with the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Homemade Snack
There is such a comforting and satisfying feeling that comes from creating a healthy, homemade snack that fills your home with the most wonderful aromas. These Apple Cinnamon Granola Clusters are a true celebration of fall flavors and wholesome ingredients. They are the perfect, easy solution for healthy snacking on the go. I hope you and your family love them! Enjoy!
