Mix-n-Match Applesauce Granola

We really enjoy granola. We have been buying granola at Great Harvest, but recently decided we should try to make some of our own. We then found this recipe on Baking Bites. It turned out really very good. You can modify the recipe to find a taste that you like.

Mix-n-Match Applesauce Granola

3 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup puffed rice cereal (we used Rice Krispies)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup plain applesauce
3/8 cup honey
1/8 cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (finely chopped)
1 cup dried fruit

nut suggestions: almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.
dried fruit suggestions: cranberries, raisins, apricots, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.

Preheat the oven to 325F and line a large baking sheet (or two smaller sheets) with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine oats, puffed rice cereal, and spices. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, applesauce (do not use chunky applesauce), maple syrup and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients along with chopped nuts and stir to combine. Spread on prepared baking sheet(s) in an even layer.

Bake for 30 minutes. Depending on the size of your baking sheet, the center might not be fully dried if your granola layer is thick, so if necessary remove the edges of the cooked granola to a cooling rack and let the rest cook for another 10-15 minutes until done.
Cool on pan or on a wire rack.

Break granola up as desired and stir in dried fruit. Store in an airtight container.

Makes about 8 servings, more depending on add-ins.

Link to original recipe at Baking Bites