It would be a major oversight to post a series of seasonal fall recipes without highlighting apples. I mean, pumpkin (and pumpkin spice) is delicious and all, but let’s be real – apples are the OG of fall produce.
These honeycrisps though…pure beauty.
Fact: we are into apple pie-esque foods for breakfast around here at The Balanced Berry.
While I can’t 100% guarantee you an apple a day will keep the doctor away, apples have enough health benefits to deserve a regular spot in your diet. A medium apple packs 4 grams of fiber supporting heart health and good digestion, and 10% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. Plus, apples can help stabilize blood sugar and are packed with antioxidants. Crunch on that.
Speaking of crunching, crunchy foods are undeniably satisfying and addicting. Real talk. Potato chips aren’t addicting because they taste good, they’re addicting because of that crunch.
I too, am a slave to the crunch. I am not satisfied by a smoothie, cup of yogurt or salad unless I have a crunchy topper for texture (that’s why I have nuts and/or seeds in all my salad recipes 😉 ). Usually I get my crunch fix from nuts and granola. This granola blend is my latest kryptonite.
Made from a blend of walnuts, almonds, pecans and hemp seeds this grain-free granola packs a delicious crunch. It’s also packed with protein, naturally sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup, and has the perfect blend of fall spice. The apple chunks set it over the top. Try it over yogurt, with almond milk or all on it’s own (it’s delicious by the handful…not that I’ve done that…)
If you try this recipe, I would love to see! You can tag me on Instagram @balancedberry – I love seeing your photos 🙂
- 1 Cup Almonds
- 1 Cup Pecans
- ½ Cup Walnuts
- ½ Cup Hemp Seeds
- ½ Cup Shredded Coconut
- ⅓ Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- ⅓ Cup Maple Syrup
- 1 Chopped Apple
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil, Melted
- 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
- ¼ Teaspoon Cloves
- ¼ Teaspoon Allspice
- 1 Teaspoon Nutmeg
- ⅛ Teaspoon Ground Ginger
- Dash of Sea Salt
- Preheat oven to 300F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, pulse almonds, pecans and walnuts until roughly chopped. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients to the nuts and stir until well combined.
- Transfer to baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring granola and turning the pan halfway through the cooking time.
- Allow to cool completely to crisp up. Store in a sealed container in the freezer to keep fresh and crunchy.
- What are your favorite fall flavors (besides pumpkin spice…that one’s a given 😉 )
- What are some of your favorite satisfyingly crunchy foods?
Crunchy crunchy sweet granola love! I just made a new batch of super clumpy “season” (hint hint) granola yesterday! The smell of granola baking is the best!
Apple-cinnamon is one of my favorite fall flavors (you’re right – BESIDES pumpkin spice). Love the apple pieces in this granola. Pinned it!
The apple pieces totally set it over the top!
I wish I had a fresh batch of this for my breakfast tomorrow! Yummers!
You would love it! <3
I’ve been wanting to try a grain-free nut granola! (Those shots…. HEAVEN) <3
I appreciate that so much! When I was taking these photos I was really struggling with lighting, so I’m glad a few turned out ok 🙂
This looks yummy! I can’t wait to try it out.
-Molly
apolloandluna.com
Thanks Molly! I hope you love it
Les, this granola looks delicious! I was scrolling through Food Gawker and stopped in my tracks when I saw it! I wish you sold it pre-made, I’d buy a big ‘ol bag right now! Guess I’ll have to get cooking instead! Thanks for this recipe. XX Katie
Thank you so much Katie! Your photos are always STUNNING so that means so much coming from you. Enjoy!
I love this granola!! Like dessert in healthy snacking form!! 😉
Exactly!
oh my gosh this looks AMAZING – pinning now to remember to make it!
Thanks Rachel – I hope you love it! And I can’t wait to try your pumpkin overnight oats recipe 🙂 it’s right up my alley!