These Peanut Butter Granola Apple Rings are an easy, tasty snack or a playful dessert—apple slices drizzled with warm peanut butter and topped with crunchy cinnamon-pecan granola studded with mini chocolate chips.
If you have a bag of apples on hand and a few pantry staples, these apple rings come together quickly and are always a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. The highlight is the homemade cinnamon-pecan granola—naturally sweetened with maple syrup, tossed with chopped pecans and oats, and finished with a touch of cinnamon. Spread warm, slightly-thinned peanut butter over each apple ring and press on the granola for a crunchy, satisfying bite. The recipe is flexible: swap almond butter for peanut butter, use different nuts in the granola, or leave out the chocolate for a simpler option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apples – Any variety works; crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold up nicely.
- Peanut butter – Use creamy, all-natural peanut butter for easy spreading. Almond or other nut butters are good alternatives.
- Rolled oats – Old-fashioned rolled oats give the granola good texture. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Maple syrup – Pure maple syrup or honey to naturally sweeten the granola.
- Coconut oil – Melted coconut oil helps crisp the granola and gives it a golden color. Neutral oils like canola or olive oil can also be used.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon for warm, autumn flavor.
- Pecans – Finely chopped pecans add crunch; walnuts or other nuts can be substituted.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional) – Stirred into the granola as it cools so they get slightly melty.
How to Make Granola Apple Rings
The most time-consuming step is baking the cinnamon-pecan granola, but you can use store-bought granola if you prefer. The directions below make a simple, crunchy granola and turn crisp apple slices into a delicious snack in minutes.
- Prepare the granola: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Spread the mixture in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake until golden: Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the granola is golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the sheet. If using mini chocolate chips, stir them in while the granola is still slightly warm so they melt a little and cling to the clusters.
- Slice the apples: Core the apples and slice each into rings about 1/4–1/2 inch thick. You should get about four slices per apple, depending on size. Use an apple corer or a small round cutter to remove the center if desired.
- Warm the peanut butter: Place 1/4 cup peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20–30 seconds, or heat gently in a small saucepan, until it becomes smooth and drizzleable. If it’s too thick, stir in a teaspoon of neutral oil or a small splash of water to loosen it.
- Assemble the rings: Arrange the apple rings on a platter. Drizzle or spread a thin layer of warm peanut butter over each slice, then press a spoonful of the cinnamon-pecan granola onto the peanut butter so it sticks. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Tips and Variations
- Make the granola ahead and store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks—great for quick snacks.
- For a lower-sugar option, reduce the maple syrup or substitute a sugar-free syrup; adjust to taste.
- Try different nut butters (almond, cashew, sunflower seed) to suit allergies or preferences.
- For extra protein, sprinkle a few chia or hemp seeds on top of the peanut butter before adding granola.
- If serving to children, arrange apple rings attractively and cut them into smaller pieces for little hands.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Servings: 8 apple rings (approx.)
Nutrition (approx. per apple ring)
Serving: 1 apple ring | Calories: 189 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20.7 g | Protein: 4.3 g | Fat: 11.4 g | Saturated Fat: 2.7 g | Sodium: 32.2 mg | Fiber: 3.8 g | Sugar: 8.5 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
- Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins
- Healthy Apple Crisp
- Maple Cinnamon Sautéed Apples
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- Apple Cinnamon Thumbprint Cookies
- Harvest Apple Cider Punch
I hope you enjoy these Peanut Butter Granola Apple Rings—if you try them, leave a rating or comment and share your variations. I love seeing how others personalize this simple, delicious snack!