This Paleo Caramel Apple Granola is simple to prepare and makes a delicious, healthy snack. Warm apple‑pie spices, chewy dried apple pieces, and crunchy nuts and seeds combine for a balanced texture and flavor. The recipe is gluten‑free, dairy‑free, naturally sweetened, and vegan-friendly.
I first made this granola earlier this year and am so glad I recently rediscovered the recipe. Although apples are often associated with fall, this version uses dried apples so you can enjoy it any time of year. It’s a great pantry-friendly recipe when you keep dried fruit and seeds on hand.
Homemade granola is one of my favorite quick projects because the flavor combinations are endless and it bakes up in under an hour. The “caramel” in this recipe is a simple mixture of nut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla—an easy, naturally sweetened coating that mimics caramel and helps the clusters bind together.
Nut-Free Option
If you need a nut‑free version, swap almond butter for a sunflower seed butter (such as SunButter) and replace the almonds and pecans with sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds (pepitas). That approach also eliminates the need to chop nuts, making preparation even quicker. This recipe remains vegan since it uses no animal products.
Hemp seeds are one of my favorite additions—they bring subtle, nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture that pairs nicely with the dried apples and nuts. If you don’t have hemp seeds, extra pumpkin or sunflower seeds work fine.
Apple pie spice adds warmth and depth; it contains cinnamon plus other complementary spices and enhances the apple flavor beautifully. If you prefer, use ground cinnamon alone, but apple pie spice gives a more complex, bakery‑style note.
This granola makes a lovely everyday snack and also a thoughtful homemade gift. I hope you try it and enjoy the textures and flavors as much as I do.
Paleo Caramel Apple Granola
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chopped almonds*
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans*
- 1 cup hemp seeds
- 1 cup chopped dried apples
- ½ cup almond butter*
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice (or cinnamon)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine the chopped almonds, chopped pecans, hemp seeds, and chopped dried apples.
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In a glass measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the almond butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, salt, and apple pie spice until smooth.
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Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to coat everything. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared sheet tray and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove from the oven, stir and press the granola down to encourage clumping. Return to the oven and bake 15–20 minutes more, until golden. Allow to cool completely before breaking apart if you prefer larger clusters.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes:
Nutrition Information
