This Paleo Caramel Apple Granola is easy to make and makes a delightful snack. Sweet cinnamon, chewy dried apples, and crunchy seeds and nuts combine into a tasty, wholesome treat. This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, naturally sweetened, and vegan-friendly.
I originally made this granola earlier in the year and then misplaced the recipe, so I was very happy to find it again. While apples are often thought of as a fall ingredient, this granola uses dried apples, which are available year-round, so you don’t have to wait for autumn to enjoy it. If you look for dried apples, try to find varieties without added sugar so the natural sweetness of the apples and maple syrup can shine.
Making granola at home is one of my favorite kitchen activities. It’s fast, versatile, and the flavor combinations are endless. This caramel apple version features a simple “cheater” caramel made from nut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla, which coats the nuts and seeds and bakes into crunchy, caramel-like clusters. The result is sweet, slightly chewy, and satisfyingly crunchy.
The wet caramel mixture is poured over the dry ingredients and bakes to form clusters. Because the base is nut butter rather than refined sugar, the texture and taste feel indulgent but are still made from simple, whole-food ingredients.
Nut-Free Option
If you need a nut-free version, this granola can easily be adapted. Use a sunflower seed butter (such as SunButter) instead of almond butter, and swap the almonds and pecans for sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds (pepitas). The nut-free variation is actually a bit easier since you won’t need to chop nuts. The recipe remains vegan and free from dairy or other animal products.
Hemp seeds are one of my favorite additions because they are nutrient-dense, have a mild, pleasant flavor, and sometimes offer a slightly chewy texture that blends well with the other ingredients. In this granola, hemp seeds add a subtle, almost oatmeal-like chewiness and extra protein.
Apple pie spice provides warm flavor layers—cinnamon plus allspice, nutmeg, and other warming spices—so it enhances the apple theme. If you don’t have apple pie spice, plain cinnamon works well, though the blended spice mix does add a little extra depth.
This granola makes a perfect snack, pantry staple, or homemade gift. It stores well at room temperature in an airtight container and makes a wonderful topping for yogurt, a crunchy cereal substitute with plant milk, or a simple on-the-go snack.
Other granola variations I enjoy include Paleo Pecan Pie Granola, Paleo Honey Almond Granola, Paleo Cinnamon Granola, and Paleo Pumpkin Granola. Each one explores different flavor profiles while maintaining a focus on real-food ingredients.
Paleo Caramel Apple Granola
10 minutes
40 minutes
8 servings
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 2 teaspoons cinnamon)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a sheet tray with parchment paper and set aside.
-
In a large bowl, combine the chopped almonds, chopped pecans, hemp seeds, and chopped dried apples.
-
In a glass measuring cup or medium bowl, stir together the almond butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, salt, and apple pie spice (or cinnamon) until smooth.
-
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly so everything is well coated. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared sheet tray.
-
Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven, stir to redistribute, press down gently to encourage clumping, and spread evenly again. Return to the oven and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
-
Allow the granola to cool completely before breaking apart if you prefer larger clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes:
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 19 g
Fat: 54 g
Fiber: 8 g
Sugar: 17 g
