This crunchy Apple and Raisin Granola is easy to make and nut free! Make a batch at the weekend and then have breakfast sorted for the whole week!
Hi everyone — I hope you had a great weekend. We spent ours decluttering the office. My husband has a habit of keeping boxes, old cables and outdated computers, so we spent some time recycling and clearing things out. The house feels lighter and more organised now. I need tidy spaces to think clearly; clutter makes me stressed and unable to focus, so getting the office sorted was a big relief.
While decluttering, I tested a batch of this Apple and Raisin Granola. I prefer homemade granola because most shop varieties contain nuts, and I’m allergic. Making your own means you know exactly what’s in it, and it usually tastes better too. Granola can be dangerously addictive — it’s easy to keep scoffing bowl after bowl once you start.
This apple and raisin granola is straightforward and delicious. It only requires a mixing bowl and a spoon — everything is mixed by hand, then spread on a lined tray and baked for 35–45 minutes. The result is crunchy, flavourful granola with soft, sweet apple pieces and chewy raisins.
I use maple syrup in this recipe because I’m allergic to honey. If you can eat honey, either option works as a sweetener. The wet ingredients here are vegetable oil, applesauce and maple syrup, with a touch of vanilla for depth. The dry ingredients are rolled oats, cinnamon, diced apple and raisins. The applesauce helps bind and flavour the oats while keeping the mix moist during baking.
You can customise the recipe to your taste. Add a little extra cinnamon for warmth, toss in dried fruit, or stir through seeds if you tolerate them. The granola keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, so making a batch at the weekend sets you up for easy breakfasts all week long.
Serve this Apple and Raisin Granola with milk or natural yoghurt. I like it with yoghurt because the granola stays crunchy while the yoghurt adds creaminess. Fresh fruit on top is always a nice touch. It also makes a great snack straight from the jar.
How do you like to serve your granola?
Apple and Raisin Granola {Nut Free}
By Annie N
Crunchy, nut-free apple and raisin granola made with oats, applesauce and maple syrup. Simple to prepare and perfect for breakfast or snacking all week.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins (up to 45 mins until golden)
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 3 cups (240g) rolled oats (not quick cook)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup (108g) raisins
- 1 large apple, cored and diced (leave the skin on)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable or sunflower oil
- 1/3 cup (100g) applesauce
- 3 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F) and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, raisins and diced apple. Toss to mix evenly.
- Add the vegetable oil, applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir until all the oats are coated; some larger clumps are fine and will give a nice texture.
- Spread the mixture evenly across the prepared baking tray.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the granola is golden and feels firm to the touch. Every 15 minutes, stir or turn the mixture so it browns evenly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely on the tray. It will crisp up as it cools.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Serve with milk, yoghurt, fresh fruit or enjoy on its own as a snack.
