Caramel Apple Granola

Everything about this granola is right.

Clumpy, sweet, crunchy, chock full of autumn flavor and healthy to boot. 

 

Let's break down why this granola is different than all the other apple granola recipes out there. 

I used egg white because I read it helps granola clump more. Since the clumps are my favorite part, I decided to try it, just to see what would happen. It did turn out clumpier, but it might be from not stirring it as much in between bake times. Who knows ... it does give extra protein, I guess! ;)

 

I shredded the apples vs. chopping them just to see what it would turn out like and I really liked the result. The granola is a little chewier in some places because of the apple shreds, but it gives it a stronger apple flavor and more consistent texture. 

I used Rice Krispies. They truly make it crispier!  I've started mixing them into all my granola because of that. 

Finally, I don't know if you can truly call this a caramel sauce, but it's close enough for me.  I cooked coconut oil, brown sugar, honey, and spices together and by iitself, the sauce is strongly spiced and very sweet, but distributed over 6 cups of oats and Rice Krispy cereal, it mellows out into toasty warm granola.  I do believe the way I made it this time have it a deeper flavor boost than others times I've tried this.
 

 

There you have it!  What are you waiting for?  This stuff is so good and healthy for you. I've snacked on if for days (in fact in eating it right now ...) and I love that it fills me up.  If you're gonna eat an apple for breakfast, this is the way to do it!
 

Caramel Apple Granola

Recipe Source: The Sweet {Tooth} Life 

Yield: 6-7 cups

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup brown sugar 

1/2 cup honey

1 teaspoon cinnamon 

1 teaspoon nutmeg 

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon vanilla 

1 egg white 

4-1/2 cups oats (add more if it seems too soggy) 

1/12 cups Rice Krispy cereal 

2 medium apples, shredded 

Add ins: raisins and walnuts 

Preheat oven to 325. 

For caramel: Combine first five ingredients in a medium sized pot. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat until slightly thickened, about two minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for a couple minutes. 

In a large bowl, whisk applesauce, vanilla, and egg white until combined and frothy. Pour in caramel mixture and stir until combined. Add oats, Rice Krispy cereal, and shredded apples and stir until all the oat mixture is coated. 

Spread on two lightly greased baking sheets and bake for 30 minutes. Stir granola and then bake for 10-15 more minutes or until browned. Let cool for at least a couple hours before storing. 

Want more apples?

Apple Crisp:
 

 

Appleless Applesauce Granola Scones:

 

And then Ms. Jocelyn and Ms. Aimee from Inside BruCrew Life and Shugary Sweets (respectively) had an apple week this past week!  Go check their recipes out. In dying to try all of them (especially the caramel apple bars and the pound cake!)

Life has really picked up speed the last couple weeks and I haven't had as much time for the blog world.  The posts may be shorter and not as often, but that doesn't mean I love it any less!  If I seem MIA, I'm probably taking a physics test or at a volleyball game:)  The most exciting that happened this week was family pictures last night and an all day volleyball tournament today.  Have you had a busy week? 
Hugs,
Mary Frances