Healthy and Delicious Homemade Granola Recipe without Grains and Cinnamon-Apple Flavor

Granola is a popular breakfast and snack food because of its sweet and crunchy texture. However, most store-bought granolas contain grains and added sugars, which can be harmful to your health. So, why not try making your own healthy and delicious granola at home? In this article, we will introduce you to a grain-free and cinnamon-apple flavored granola recipe that is sure to become your new go-to snack!

Delicious and Nutritious Grain-Free Apple Cinnamon Granola Recipe

Our homemade granola recipe is grain-free and uses only natural sweeteners, making it a healthier option than store-bought granolas. It is also loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it a great snack option for anyone looking to improve their health.

A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Granola

Most traditional granolas are made with grains such as oats and wheat, which can be difficult to digest for some people and may lead to inflammation. Moreover, they are typically loaded with added sugars, which can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes. Our grain-free granola is made with coconut flakes, nuts, and seeds, all of which are nutrient-dense and easy to digest. Additionally, we use natural sweeteners such as honey and applesauce to give our granola the perfect sweetness without causing unnecessary harm to our health.

Not only is our grain-free granola a healthier alternative to traditional granolas, but it is also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a snack on its own, sprinkle it on top of yogurt or smoothie bowls, or even use it as a topping for baked goods. The combination of apple and cinnamon in our recipe gives it a warm and comforting flavor that is perfect for fall. Give our recipe a try and see how easy it is to make a delicious and nutritious snack that your whole family will love!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grain-Free Cinnamon Apple Granola

Now that you're excited to make your own granola, let us walk you through the process:

Easy and Quick Recipe for Homemade Granola

The recipe takes only about 30 minutes to make, and you can store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Here are the ingredients you will need:

• 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 cup chopped nuts (we recommend almonds and pecans)
• 1/2 cup seeds (we recommend pumpkin and sunflower seeds)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Granola Every Time

To make sure your granola turns out perfect every time, follow these tips:

• Spread the granola evenly on the baking sheet to ensure it bakes evenly.
• Stir the granola halfway through baking to prevent burning and promote even baking.
• Let the granola cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Why Choose Grain-Free Granola?

Grain-free granola is a great option for those who are gluten intolerant or following a paleo or keto diet. It is also a healthier option as it is lower in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats and protein. By using coconut flakes, nuts, and seeds, you get a delicious and nutritious snack that will keep you full and satisfied for longer.

Variations to Try

Once you have mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. You can add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or swap out the applesauce for mashed bananas. You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm and cozy flavor. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and get creative!

Soaking Nuts and Seeds: The Secret to Better Digestion

One secret to making our granola recipe even healthier is by soaking the nuts and seeds beforehand. Soaking the nuts and seeds helps break down their hard outer layer and removes harmful anti-nutrients, making them easier to digest and absorb their nutrients. Here's why soaking nuts and seeds is essential:

Why Soaking Nuts and Seeds is Important

Nuts and seeds contain enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid, which can cause digestive issues and inhibit nutrient absorption in our body. Soaking them in water and a bit of salt neutralizes the enzyme inhibitors and breaks down the phytic acid, making the nuts and seeds much easier to digest and absorb their nutrients.

How to Soak Nuts and Seeds for This Granola Recipe

Soaking nuts and seeds is simple. Here's how:

• Rinse the nuts and seeds in a colander.
• Add them to a bowl or jar and cover them with water and a pinch of sea salt.
• Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
• Rinse them and then use them in the recipe as directed.

Aside from making nuts and seeds easier to digest, soaking them also has other benefits. Soaking can help increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients, such as iron and zinc, which are often bound to phytic acid. This means that soaking can help our bodies absorb more of these important nutrients.

Additionally, soaking can also help improve the texture and flavor of nuts and seeds. Soaking can soften the nuts and seeds, making them easier to chew and giving them a more pleasant texture. It can also help remove any bitter or tannic flavors that some nuts and seeds may have.

Irresistible Grain-Free Cinnamon Apple Granola

Now that you know all the ins and outs of our recipe, we can dive into the delicious details:

Description of the Delicious Flavor and Texture

Our granola recipe has a delicious crunch from the coconut flakes, nuts, and seeds, and it's perfectly sweetened with honey, applesauce, and cinnamon. Additionally, the grain-free option allows for an even crunchier and tastier granola, while avoiding digestive issues from grains. This recipe is perfectly balanced in nutrition and flavor that it will leave you satisfied and nourished.

Simple and Healthy Ingredients You'll Need

We only use simple and healthy ingredients in this recipe. Here's what they are and why they're good for you:

• Coconut flakes: Rich in fiber and medium-chain triglycerides which provide energy to our body and improve brain function.
• Almonds and pecans: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber that keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Sunflower and pumpkin seeds: Rich in magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E that promote bone health, immune function, and skin health.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and fiber to the granola.
• Honey or maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness without causing blood sugar spikes and crashes.
• Coconut oil: Provides healthy fats that are beneficial for our brain and heart health.
• Cinnamon: Adds a delicious flavor to the granola and has anti-inflammatory effects.
• Sea salt: Enhances the flavors in the granola and provides essential minerals for our body.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Granola

Now for the fun part! Here's how to make our delicious grain-free cinnamon apple granola:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the coconut flakes, chopped nuts, and seeds in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the applesauce, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cinnamon, and sea salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the granola mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.
7. Let the granola cool completely and transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Additional Notes and Variations to Try

If you'd like to switch things up, here are some variations of our recipe:

• Use different nuts and seeds - try walnuts, cashews, or chia seeds.
• Add dried fruit such as raisins or dates for an extra sweet touch.
• Add some dark chocolate chips for a chocolatey flavor.
• Drizzle some almond or peanut butter on top for added protein and healthy fats.

Nutritional Information for a Guilt-Free Snack

One serving of our homemade granola, which is approximately 1/4 cup, contains:

• 137 calories
• 11 grams of healthy fats
• 7 grams of carbohydrates
• 3 grams of protein
• 3 grams of fiber
• 5 grams of sugar

You can enjoy this delicious and nutritious snack on its own, or try it with some almond milk or yogurt for a satisfying breakfast. Give our grain-free apple cinnamon granola recipe a try today and let us know how you like it!

Why Choose Grain-Free?

Grains, such as oats and wheat, are commonly used in granola recipes. However, some people may experience digestive issues or sensitivities to grains. By choosing a grain-free option, you can avoid these issues and still enjoy a delicious and nutritious snack. Additionally, the use of coconut flakes, nuts, and seeds in this recipe provides a satisfying crunch and a variety of nutrients that you may not get from grains alone.