One of the most yummy things to make is granola, and it is so easy to remake it into something else. Also, with Fall right around the corner apples are starting to be abundant – and for awesome prices. I can’t wait to start making more apple-y baked goods, it is the one fruit that I buy most often. And usually enjoy them with peanut butter. Mmm. But no PB today, this is my vegan and gluten-free Apple Pie Granolay Bars.

These granola bars are softer (I have yet to figure out how to make the hard and crunchy granola bars) and chewier than a normal granola. With a couple fresh apples and maple syrup – yum by itself! Add in a little protein powder, spices, and oats and yum all the way! And one of the most classic desserts is apple pie, but that just seems to labor intensive, and one of the most easiest things to make is applesauce so I figured I would split the difference and make some apple pie granola. Everything an apple pie would have and the gooeyness of applesauce wrapped up in some oats – there is just nothing better!

This wonderfully spiced apple pie is so easy. Just chop two apples into small chunks then dump into a pot and add water, maple syrup, vanilla, and spices and heat up. Now you will want to stop here and eat the whole pot of this warm, sweet and gooey apple mixture but don’t – it gets better. Add raisins. Mmmm. While that is heating through mix the oats, protein powder, flax, and walnuts. Add the apples and mix thoroughly. Spray large baking dish then pour in granola and press out. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

~

~

~

~

Apple Pie Granola-y Bars,

2 Fuji Apples, washed and chopped small
1 Tbsp water
1/4 C Maple Grove Farms 100% Pure Maple Syrup
2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Tbsp Cinnamon
1/4 Tsp Nutmeg
1/8 Tsp Cloves
1 Pkg Raw Protein Energy Powder
2 c Oats
1/4 C Bob’s Red Mill Flax Meal
1/2 C Raisins
1/2 C Fishers Walnuts, chopped

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut apples and toss into pot then add maple syrup, spices, vanilla and water.
3. Mix and heat through then add raisins.
4. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
5. Once raisins are plumped add to dry ingredients and mix well.
6. Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray then pour granola into pan.
7. Bake 15-20 minutes. Let cool then place a cutting board over the pan and carefully flip over.
8. Cut into bars and enjoy!