Welcoming September with a Crunch: My 'Fall Celebration' Granola

Hello September! 🍂 And welcome cooler temperatures! As a crisp chill fills the air in the mornings, it feels like someone flipped a switch and suddenly, I’m in full baking mode. There's something magical about fall that makes it the perfect time to dive into cozy, homemade treats. I only bake in fall and winter, so when that first hint of the air turning crisp, it’s time to celebrate with a batch of my favorite ‘Fall Celebration’ granola that captures all the comforting flavors of the season.

This is the first recipe I always whip up to kick off the fall season, and it's the perfect way to ease into autumn. Why Granola? Because it is the ultimate snack for any time of day, whether sprinkling it on your morning yogurt, munching on it straight from the jar, or using it as a topping for a decadent dessert. This fall-inspired granola is like a warm hug for your taste buds, with its comforting flavors of the season.

The Key Ingredients:

  • Maple Syrup: The star of our fall show! It adds a natural sweetness and a hint of caramel that perfectly complements the other flavors.

  • Apple Chips: Crispy, tart, and subtly sweet – they bring a delightful crunch and autumnal flair.

  • Dried Cranberries: These little gems add a pop of tartness and a splash of festive color.

  • Nuts: A mix of your favorites (think almonds, walnuts, or pecans) provides a satisfying crunch and heartiness.

  • Coconut Flakes (my favorite part): Toasty, slightly sweet, and oh-so-addictive – coconut flakes are the perfect finishing touch.

  • Salt: While there are other spices in this recipe, I’m highlighting salt here because it is a make or break for this granola. That small quantity is key to help balance and enhance the flavors, making every bite just right.

So, as we embrace the season of sweater weather and pumpkin everything, let’s kick off September with a crunchy, sweet, and utterly delicious celebration of fall. This granola is not just a treat; it’s a tribute to everything we love about autumn. Happy September, everyone! 🍁🍎🥥

Author:

'Fall Celebration' Homemade Granola

This delicious granola it's the perfect way to ease into autumn.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (or other oil of your choice), melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • 1/2 cup coconut flakes, toasted
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup apple chips, broken into smaller pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a large bowl combine the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, spices and vanilla extract.
  3. Once combined, add to that same bowl the oats, chopped pecans, and pepitas, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant.
  5. Remove the granola from the oven and mix in the toasted coconut, cranberries and apple chips. Then press everything into a single layer and set aside to cool completely on the baking sheet.
  6. Once cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or can be stored in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:


  • Enjoy the granola with yogurt or milk.
  • Sprinkle it over oatmeal or smoothie bowls.
  • Eat it on its own as a crunchy snack.


Feel free to adjust the spices or add other fall favorites like a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for an extra touch of autumn. Enjoy your homemade granola!