An easy granola with all the seasonal flavors; healthy, gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free. Caramel Apple Granola is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or topping a dessert!
What has become of the Granola Queen, you may be thinking. I'm terribly sorry I haven't shared a granola recipe in what seems like years! I should have probably shared my older ones first (from last August perhaps?), but this most recent and seasonal one just seemed like a better fit. No matter what the combo, granola will never fail to bring a smile to my face. I'm very fond of my "granola flavor idea list" I keep in a Google doc, as well as my coveted granola board on Pinterest.
The newest trend in granolaing I want to try soon, is granola in the slow cooker. Now, I don't really understand why you would do it that way (when you can bake it much quicker), but I do love playing with my slow cooker now! I'll try it with my next batch since I'm currently running low on this one!
Plus, with the holidays coming, granola is a great option to have on hand and to have many recipes of. It truly is the perfect gift. Why? Well, some people might get offended or off-put by more cookies, sweets and the typical edible gifts you give during the holidays. There are enough of that to go around and the person you're giving it too probably already baked their own cookies...12x over 😛 But granola is more heartfelt, homey, and isn't necessarily a dessert.
Granola is a breakfast and snack staple. It can also double as a nice topping for desserts too. I eat my granola as a snack usually. Handfuls of granola make the heart grow fonder and soul feel warm and cozy. Now, something that can impart those feelings, doesn't that just sound like a nice thing to give a loved one or friend? I think so. Even though I've never been gifted granola, I have been the granola-giver and it was always well received 😉
And you know what else is really well received? Caramel apple. Well...I hope it is. Since this granola does include my homemade slow cooker applesauce, I think it already tips the scales toward guaranteed delight. Plus, it's gluten-free (obviously), vegan, and refined sugar-free! And no oil...never understood the need for oil. #3 bonus point for this granola is the CLUSTERS! O the big clusters this applesaucy granola made. I picked out all the big chucks first 😉 Clustery granola is the best kind of granola. It makes the snacking even better or if served in a bowl with almond milk or coconut yogurt, the perfect spoonful!
Caramel Apple Granola
Caramel Apple Granola
An easy granola with all the seasonal flavors; healthy, gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free. Caramel Apple Granola is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or topping a dessert!
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 Cups 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Granola, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
- 2 Cups Puffed Corn
- 2 Caramel Apple Tea Bags (I used Celestial Seasonings)
- ¼ Cups Sliced Almonds
- ½ Cup Homemade Applesauce
- ½ Tsp Cinnamon
- ½ Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- 2 TB Stevia Syrup or Sugar-Free Vegan Caramel Sauce (optional, but will be less sweet)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. To add the tea bags, simply cut them open and pout the contents in.
- Thoroughly mix the granola until all is incorporated and combined.
- On a parchment lined baking sheet, spread the granola in an even layer (it should stick together).
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes (no stirring! You want to keep the clusters!).
- Remove and let cool. Once cool, break into clusters and store in an air-tight jar or container.
Yes, and this granola smells super delish while baking! So if you happen to have a lazy cold weekend ahead, grab the kiddos, mix, and bake up some granola! And if you're feeling extra generous, you can gift it too. If you end up eating it all the first day, just make another batch and gift that one instead. I know the granola-loving struggles!
So tell me:
+ Have you ever made slow cooker granola?
+ What's your favorite thing to bake on a cold winter weekend?
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akansasfarmmom
I have to say that I love fellow bloggers just to find all the uses of my slow cooker! I am pinning to try later and I am glad you linked this recipe up to the Country Fair Blog Party.
Sherry
This really looks delicious...and it sounds just as good:-)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is 😉 Haha! Thanks Sherry!
Kirsten
This looks delicious. I love that you used tea to flavor it. That is so clever. Pinned this and can't wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Kirsten!
Mary, Living a Sunshine Life
I love caramel apple flavor! This is a fantastic recipe, I never would have thought to cut open a tea bag to use the contents, that's brilliant! However, when I make this, I'll be leaving the cinnamon out 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
WHAT!? You don't like cinnamon :O
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
Oh my goodness, autumn in a bowl <3 Another lovely recipe from the granola queen 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Can never hold back my granola addiction!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
This looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Jane @ littlesugarsnaps
Caramel apple teabags? Just off to explore the supermarket tea aisle now... and your granola pinterest board!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, get granolaing! xoxo
Healing Tomato
This is perfect in every way!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Hannah
Man! I was searching for a good granola recipe this weekend, and I even thought to look here but I didn't. The one I made was really good, but I'm probably going to make something like this (or just this) next. It's exactly what I was wanting!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Granola should always be in stock, so the time will come soon enough 😉
Cami
I am always on the lookout for healthy granola and this look perfect!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Miz Helen
We will really enjoy your Caramel Apple Granola.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I bet!
Evi @ greenevi
Caramel and apple, sound so delicious! Plus how cool is that you used puffed corn! Love it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you sweetheart!
Alison [Life of Scoop]
Oh man... this looks so delicious. I'm a celiac, too. And I'm not a huge fan of the pre-made GF granolas at the store because they have so much sugar added!
And tea to add flavor? Genius!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I never ever buy granola anymore! Such a waste and (yea...most are so unhealthy!)
Amberjane
I am so making some of this this week - I love your recipes Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Woohoo!
Lauren
Looks tasty! I will have to give it a try next weekend!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Sonja @ SustainMyCraftHabit
Yum! I really want to make this today! Thanks for the idea.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! I hope you do!
Jessica
Yum! I love caramel apple together!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A classic combo 😉
Bethany
This granola looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Emma
This looks lovely, I need to find some caramel apple teabags.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Midge
I LOVE granola and apples - definitely trying this!!
Midge x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you do!!! Thanks!
Gin
Ha! Already following your granola board. No wonder I get so many awesome granola recipes in my feed!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahaha! GRANOLA!
Gin
Your pics look so yummy! I love your idea of gifting granola, especially a fun flavor like this. I'm about to follow your granola board to get ideas. I think I'm going to be handing out some granola this year! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!! That sounds like a very good plan 😉
Marla
Hi Rebecca,
Yum! Apple granola - sounds delicious and so healthy.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
I love the puffed corn idea here!!! I need to get back on my granola game.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
For sure! Never neglect the granola!
Honest mum
That looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Sina @ Vegan Heaven
This sounds like such a great combo, Rebecca! I love eating granola for breakfast! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Sina! It is the best!
Heather
Wow! This granola looks amazing. I'd be so happy to wake up to this in the morning.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Time to get baking then 😉
Lowanda J
This looks delicious! You are so talented!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Alicia | A Burst of Beautiful
This looks delicious! The perfect treat for a cool fall day!
Alicia xo
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Elizabeth Shaw
Great recipe with such beautiful photos! I've never made granola in a slow cooker but you sure are inspiring me too! I love to make slow cooker chili with sweet potatoes, but unfortunately it's been so hot in San Diego I haven't had the energy to yet!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, soon enough you'll be using that slow cooker 😉
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins
Homemade granola is something I keep meaning to try. This sounds like a great breakfast! x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm stunned you haven't yet!
Jess @hellotofit
I totally thought I saw apple chunks in your IG pic, but perhaps I was mistaken 😛 hehehe. Looks so good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Those were the puffed corn which shrink in the oven! Haha!
Nadia's Healthy Kitchen
Oooo adding loose tea to flavour granola is a great idea!! Caramel and apple go so well together...YUM!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It totally rocks!! Just like an individual "pre-made" spice mix 😉
Kati | Houseful of Handmade
Yum! I have lots of applesauce in my pantry from all the apples I got off my sisters tree. Going to have to try this soon.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well this is the perfect solution then 😉
kimmythevegan
OMG! The title alone has left me drooling in anticipation. Yum!
The apples at the farmer's market are so good right now, I think I may adding some diced fresh apples in.
And I love the thought of slow cooker granola - sounds fun =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Just like pumpkin, I don't think we can ever overdose of perfect seasonal apples!
kimmythevegan
Agreed!!
Joanna @mumbalance
This sounds really yummy, though I'm not sure I can get all the ingredients in UK 🙁
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Like what?
Juliet McGrattan
I love granola with yoghurt and fruit for breakfast or after a run. This looks delicious and almost decadent.
On a cold day i love baking banana bread and eating it warm from the oven with a bit of custard!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah, banana bread never fails to warm the soul!
Jenna @ A Savory Feast
Mmm! I love making homemade snacks. This one sounds really good! I love the combination of apple and caramel.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Lol, thanks.
Brianna @Flippin' Delicious
This granola is genius! I love that you used tea to flavor it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Brianna!
Cristina @ I Say Nomato
Oooooh those granola clusters look completely heavenly. What is granola without the clusters I ask you? This sounds just perfect for fall!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know! Clusters are a granola must!
Jamie @ Medium Sized Family
Wow, I wouldn't have thought about adding tea to granola! What a great idea. I bet this smells amazing while it's baking, too.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, it does!! It's such an easy way to add so much flavor!
sherry
Homemade granola is the only way to go. I will be making this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That it is!
Elise @frugalfarmwife.com
This looks perfect for Fall! I've never used puffed corn, but it's such a great idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's a wonderful bulker!
Jeanine
This granola looks great, Rebecca! I know my kids would LOVE it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!!
Tai East
This looks so good! I can taste it already. LOL! I'm going to make this today. Thanks so much for sharing, Rebecca! GOD bless you, Love! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah! If you do, share a picture! I'd love to see 🙂
John Adams
You have inspired me. I’d never have considered making granola before but my kids love it so I may try this and get them involved in making their own cereal!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's one of the best easy baking projects to do with kids!
Mandy
I love the word granolaing!! Although, I can't imagine using my slow cooker to make granola?! This looks and sounds amazing. I can almost smell it baking in the oven! And I love that you posted a tea infused recipe, too! I'm currently grieving over the return of my oat sensitivity, but I need to make this for my family! I know they'll love it. Granola is a major staple in our house! ❤️❤️
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yay! You commented!!!!
Tea infusing for life 😉
Oats are do tricky. I have to be careful too, but granola always seems to be really gentle on my tummy!
XOXO
Mandy
Yes!!!! About time, right?! Whatever weird glitches were going on are now gone (knock on wood)! I haven't tried granola since realizing my sensitivity was back - I'll have to see because I sure do miss it! XO
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Wishing you the granola-best then!!! xoxoxo
Healing Tomato
Talk about the perfect breakfast meal. This looks so delicious and healthy. I bet I would be alert all morning.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Definitely healthy! Thanks dear!
Lauren
This sounds so good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Mary
This looks like the perfect fall granola. The puff corn is a great touch, I always add it it in my granola recipes.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I don't think I've ever made a granola without a puffed grain 😛
Farrah
I adore caramel apple, and granola is definitely one of my favorite snacks. 😀 Can't wait to try this out! I don't think I've ever had apple tea! :O
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm not a fruity tea person, so I rather bake and cook with them than drink 😉
Sarah
We've been talking about making Granola recently, hubby is a huge muesli fan and gets really cross that the kids wont touch it - I think they'd be much more receptive to Granola. Love the idea of gifting it, we make a lot of edible presents but hadn't crossed my mind that you could give this. Thanks for the inspiration!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I've never met anyone who doesn't like a good granola!! Give it a try for sure! xoxo
Chandice
What a fun fall recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know! Thanks!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
Isn't puffed rice the bomb? Oh I love it! And the flavors here - so delish! I always think about granola during the holidays - but never get around to making it - I seriously need to just bite the bullet and make big batches for my health conscious friends! Pinning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I used puffed corn here 😉
Granola should be a staple baking project year round!
Raia
This sounds SO delicious! If only I could eat oats and corn. Haha. I'll have to try a grain-free version with nuts, instead. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
As long as you can get some apple goodness going 😉
Sarah Grace
Homemade granola is the BEST. I love making my own in tons of different flavors..no need for all that added sugar of the store bought ones!
🙂
xo, Sarah Grace
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup, exactly.
Emily
Oh, I bet puffed corn is so good in granola, I need to try this! We go through granola like madness at our house so I really need to start making it myself instead of buying the sugary store stuff!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! I've said it so many times! Once you start making your own, you will never go back (and you will save a ton of money...and calories! Haha!)
Barrett @dirtylaundrykitchen.com
Love the tea, applesauce and corn puff ideas. Great tricks. Pinned!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, okay, thanks!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks
I honestly can't keep granola around my apartment. It's addictive to me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I feel yea 😉
Jessica Haynes
Yum, looks so delicious! I totally pinned this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sarah
Oh my goodness this looks delicious!
We love eating and making granola too but it seems things have been so crazy and our monthly granola has been our same old favorites or we skipped a month or two. We were just talking about making some butI have too squeeze it in before Wednesday when our house gets disassembled. Not sure what I will do without my kitchen but may have to see if I can figure out the slow cooker version if I can some how make that work!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
OMG, no kitchen!!! You must find time then and stock up and EVERY goodies you can!
Kristina
as often as I make granola, I have never tried it in the slow cooker (I haven't even really heard of this...?). I love the smell in my kitchen when granola is baking (and the dachshund loves to sit by the warm oven!), so I doubt I'd try it, but I will be interested in the result when you try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know! The smell and warmth of baking it in the oven (plus it's quicker), is just too great!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
Such a creativ use of tea bags! Fantastic granola Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
Wow tea bags?! Super creative indeed. Looks great.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete
I HAVE made slow cooker granola! It wasn't as nice as yours, but it worked.:)
I love baking cookies and am going to attempt cinnamon rolls sometime this week. I can't wait!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I still will try it one of these days!
Cinnamon rolls is on my bucket list!!!! They would be heaven!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
Those clusters! 😮 This batch looks especially cluster-filled and sweet with that caramel and the applesauce, mmmmm... I might have to throw in some dried apples though, because you know I love my fruit 😉 This is in my top list of favorite granola recipes ever for sure <3
But I really can't wrap my head around the concept of slow-cooker granola, if you figure that out let me know haha!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It was the most clustered-y granola ever to come out of my oven!!! I attribute that all to the applesauce for sure!
I was going to add some freeze-dried apples like normal, but I left it as is 😛
I think the slow cooker works best if you actually use oil and liquid sweeteners...like a lot...which will never happen for me 😛
Ali @ Home & Plate
I am on a granola kick right now. Love the idea of apples and caramel. Sounds heavenly.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm never NOT on a granola kick 😉
Rachel
Your recipe looks delicious. Have a great day!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Annmarie
This sounds like a delicious fall flavor explosion! I'd just eat a bowl full of it with almond milk for breakfast 😛
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's a good option 😉 Believe me! Haha!
Harriet Emily
I am obsessed with the caramel-apple combo. So obsessed. I love it so much! I can see myself already falling in love with this granola recipe Rebecca, it looks and sounds amazing! Perfect for Autumn too 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!!! I am growing quite fond of the combo! To bad I've never had an authentic caramel apple though 😛
Allie
Love this! I like keeping homemade granola on hand and this recipe looks perfect for fall.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's always a must!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Caramel apple gets me every time! I need to start using my slow cooker more, finally brought it out to roast some beets.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think you could put it to better use with some applesauce 😉
rachel @ Athletic Avocado
this would be amazing on top of greek yogurt, or eaten by the handful 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I say handful!
Laura
Yummmm!!! I'm photographing an apple granola today too actually. Great minds think alike:) Looks delicious, and you can't go wrong with the apple and caramel combo. Always a win!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No you can't 😉 Apple anything is always good!
Susie @ SuzLyfe
I love puffed corn--you don't see it nearly enough in granola! Nice touch!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I have like every puffed grain imaginable! I never make granola without!