Cinnamon Orange Granola Recipe

This orange cinnamon granola bursts with flavor in every bite. The crunchy texture of the baked oats combined with a hint of cinnamon and the subtle sweetness of the orange peel makes this granola the perfect breakfast or snack food. 

This homemade recipe is incredibly easy to make requiring just a few simple ingredients so you can enjoy a delicious treat any time of the day!

Let's admit it, sometimes breakfast can seem a little...boring! It's easy to just eat the same old thing day in and day out because it's easy to prepare before you head off to school or to work every day. But if you are getting tired of the same-old, boring, and bland breakfast you are going to love this easy-to-make, flavor-packed cinnamon orange granola recipe. 

Wake up your breakfast routine with this soon-to-be new favorite!

Cinnamon Orange Granola 

I love granola that has a crunchy, chewy texture with a subtle sweet flavor. Not only does this recipe deliver on all of these main requirements but this cinnamon orange granola whips up in a snap, and can be eaten by itself or added to yogurt, sprinkled over a smoothie bowl, or added to your favorite fresh fruit cup. 

This post was written in partnership with Paradise Fruit Co. I received Paradise Fruit Co. products free in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  

The Secret Ingredient

What makes this recipe so unique is the subtly sweet flavor and slightly chewy texture from sweetened, diced orange peel made by Paradise Fruit Co. that I added to the granola prior to baking it. If you have a sweet tooth but don't want to indulge in a decadent, calorie-laden treat, this cinnamon orange granola is sure to satisfy your cravings. A little bit of sweetened orange peel adds the perfect amount of sweetness! 

Granola is one of my family's favorite breakfast and snack foods. My girls love adding granola to just about anything, but smoothies are their favorite. They put their smoothie into a bowl, add fresh-cut fruit and top it off with a heaping scoop of orange granola. The boys however just like to scoop handfuls out of the mason jar or air-tight container I store the granola in for breakfast and snacks throughout the day. 

This orange granola doesn't last long around here, that's for sure!

Cinnamon Orange Granola Ingredients

• Oats - this is the base for all granola recipes. Oats are so good for you since they are high in fiber and protein and are known to help lower cholesterol. I use whatever type of oats I have on hand such as rolled oats or instant oats. There is no difference in taste or nutrition between rolled or instant oats so feel free to use what you have in your pantry.
• Walnuts - provide the perfect extra crunch to granola. Not only are they crunchy but they are good for you too! Walnuts provide healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. 
• Cinnamon - adds a spicy depth to granola all while providing some pretty amazing health benefits. Known to be one of the healthiest spices cinnamon's health and medicinal benefits are supported by the scientific community.
• Orange Peel - packs a flavor punch in this granola recipe. Orange peels are rich in vitamin C, fiber and many other nutrients.
• Honey - the sweetener for this granola binds all of the other ingredients together. Adjust the sweetness by the amount of honey you add to this recipe.

Get the PRINTABLE version of this recipe!

How To Make Cinnamon Orange Granola

Recipe Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup rice cereal (optional)

• 1 cup chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, almonds or pecans)

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (or vegetable oil)

• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

• 2 Tablespoons molasses (optional)

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1/2 cup sweetened diced orange peel (I used Paradise Fruit Co.)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Recipe Instructions:

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 

1. In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients together.

2. In a separate microwavable safe bowl add the oil, peanut butter, molasses, and honey. Microwave for 1 minute on high then stir. If the ingredients aren't completely melted microwave for additional 30-second intervals until completely melted. Stir in diced orange peel.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir to thoroughly combine. Spread the mixture onto a prepared baking sheet. 

4. Bake 18-20 minutes. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an air-tight container.

How To Eat Granola:

• eat with yogurt
• sprinkle over fresh-cut fruit
• eat with milk
• make a parfait with a granola layer
• piled on top of pancakes or waffles
• combine granola with trail mix as an added ingredient
• spread over ice cream for a crunchy topping
• sprinkle over salad (in place of croutons)
• by the handful!  

How do you like to eat your granola?  Enjoy!