Chocolate Peanut Butter Apple Bites with Toasted Maple Pecan Granola

THESE: proof that Pinterest isn't a waste of time. 

I've been pinning way more than I've been cooking lately. Wah. It's already October and I've made a total of zero autumn recipes. 

I don't even feel right complaining about being busy. I have a dog and a job. Although I take that back, because raising a puppy is serious work. The little bunny muffin is practically a black hole - he sucks up all my time. 

(Ohmygosh. Tell me that analogy was too much. It was. I know it was.)

You know how most people have FOMO over things like parties? Not me. I'm afraid I'll miss out on pumpkin soup. And pie, that we'll be eating with the four gallons (no exaggeration) of ice cream in our freezer right now. 

Speaking of FOMO. I've literally never used that term before. I probably don't even know what it means. I recently took a "how down with the kids are you" Buzzfeed quiz and I earned a whopping 30%. Case and point. 

But back to these apple bites. UM, YUM. We have The Comfort of Cooking to thank for the inspiration, and my fear of missing out on autumn for the rest. These are so simple but SO tasty. Literally. Better than I even imagined, and I have a freaking awesome imagination. They're sweet, salty, crunchy, and perfect for an autumn snack!

(Let's hear a "woot woot!" now that apples are back in season! Woot woot!)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Apple Bites with Toasted Maple Pecan Granola

PREP TIME: 20 minutes
COOK TIME: 40 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 1 hour
MAKES: Between 20 and 25 wedges

YOU'LL NEED: 
For the granola:

• 1 cups old-fashioned oats
  
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the apple bites:

• 3 Granny Smith apples, sliced into wedges (or substitute with your favorite)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon canola oil (optional)

Inspired by The Comfort of Cooking

DIRECTIONS: 

Preheat oven to 300F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

To make granola: In a bowl, combine all granola ingredients. Mix well. Spread evenly over prepared pan; bake for 40 minutes or until granola is crispy. Remove from oven and let cool. 

To prep the chocolate: Pour chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and place in the microwave. Cook in 30 second increments, stirring at each interval, until chocolate is melted. Optional: Add canola oil halfway through cooking to create a smooth texture.

Spoon the chocolate into a Ziploc bag. Cut a tiny hole in one corner for drizzling. 

To assemble: Spread peanut butter onto each apple wedge. "Dip" the wedge into the granola so that it sticks to the peanut butter. Drizzle with chocolate. 

Chill before serving. 

---

You might also drool over...

Want more drool-worthy recipes? Subscribe here!