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Oil-Free Apple Cinnamon Crunch Topping (granola) (Stovetop)

Oil-Free Apple Cinnamon Crunch Topping (Stovetop)

This Oil-Free Apple Cinnamon Crunch Topping is a quick stovetop granola recipe made with apple-cinnamon oatmeal, hazelnuts, flax, and chia seeds. It’s lightly sweetened with agave nectar, crunchy, and ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect as a topping for yogurt, overnight oats, or smoothie bowls; no oven required! Each serving packs wholesome fiber, healthy fats, and apple-cinnamon flavor.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Breakfast, Snack, Topping
Cuisine: American, fusion
Calories: 139
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 204 g apple-cinnamon oatmeal
  • 50 g hazelnuts toasted and chopped
  • 2 tbsp flax seeds
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tbsp light agave nectar
  • Pinch of salt optional

Method
 

  1. Toast hazelnuts in a dry non-stick pan over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the pan, peel skins, and roughly chop.
  2. Add oatmeal to the same pan and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Drizzle in agave nectar and stir to coat evenly.
  4. Add hazelnuts, flax, and chia seeds. Stir another minute until lightly golden.
  5. Spread on parchment paper to cool. It crisps as it cools.
  6. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • You can substitute agave nectar with honey or maple syrup.
  • Rolled oats or quick oats both work; texture will vary slightly.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if you use plain oats.
  • For extra crunch, toss in pumpkin seeds or shredded coconut after cooling.
  • Make it nut-free by swapping hazelnuts for sunflower seeds.
  • Store in a glass jar or airtight container away from heat to keep it crisp.