Making Apple Granola Parfaits from Scratch

Rome Apples are celebrated for their vibrant red hue, firm texture, and subtly sweet flavor. Unlike some varieties, Rome apples don't boast an intensely sharp taste; instead, their flavor is somewhat mellow. However, their true essence shines when they're baked. Through the baking process, their flavor becomes more pronounced and develops a delightful complexity, making them a favorite for pies, crisps, and other baked treats. Their firm flesh holds up well during cooking, ensuring a satisfying texture in every bite.

Enjoy a Healthy Breakfast with Apple Granola

If you like meal prepping, this recipe is for you. The batch of granola we’re making is enough for several servings, and will store well in an airtight container. Enjoy a granola parfait for breakfast or as a healthy snack. Don’t have fresh apples? That’s okay! We’re using dehydrated apples in our granola, so just grab some out of your pantry and you’re good to go. 

Pro Tip: remember to grab some extra apples this fall to dehydrate and store over the winter to make this recipe again and again.

Granola Ingredients:

• 4 Rome apples (about 1 ¼ cups once sliced, baked, and chopped)
• 3 cups rolled oats
• ½ cup sunflower seeds
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup sesame seeds
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 ¼ teaspoon salt 
• ½ cup maple syrup (We’re using Bruce’s Syrups & Candies) 
• ½ cup coconut oil
• 2 Tablespoons of local honey (We’re using Hott Apiary)

Whipped Greek Yogurt Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (We’re using Trickling Springs)
• 1 Tablespoon local honey 

Additional Toppings:

• Apple butter (optional)
• Honey for drizzling
• 2 Rome apples

Dehydrating Your Apples:

1. Preheat oven to lowest setting (135° F if possible)
2. Slice apples into rings (about ¼ inch thick) and core using whatever kitchen tool you have laying around (such as the sleeve of a candy thermometer or a piping tip)
3. Arrange apple slices in a single layer on parchment paper lined baking sheets, filling 2 sheet pans. Slice additional apples if needed 
4. Bake for 1 hour, flip, and bake for 1 more hour
5. You want them to still be slightly tender; they’ll finish baking with the granola
6. Cool and then chop into small chunks

Making Granola with Your Dehydrated Apples: 

1. Preheat oven to 300° F
2. Mix oats, baked apples, seeds, and coconut in a large bowl, add salt
3. Melt coconut oil and combine with honey and maple syrup in separate bowl, then add to dry ingredients
4. Spread the granola evenly on baking sheet 
5. Bake 20 mins, remove from oven, stir, and press down with a piece of parchment paper (this will help develop hunky chunkies)
6. Return to oven and bake 20 more mins, check periodically to make sure it isn’t burning
7. Remove from oven when granola is golden brown
8. Set aside and let cool

Making Whipped Greek Yogurt:

1. Add yogurt, honey, and whipping cream to stand mixer or large bowl
2. Whip on medium speed for up to two to three minutes or until the yogurt begins to form stiff peaks

Assembling Parfaits:

1. Chop 2 Rome apples into ¼ in cubes
2. Select clear glasses
3. Add a dollop of yogurt to each glass, add chopped apples, apple butter, and granola
4. Repeat, ending with granola
5. Drizzle with honey and serve
6. Store excess granola and yogurt in an airtight container in the refrigerator