This refined sugar-free granola recipe makes a great quick snack. It is lightly sweetened with honey so that it can be offered to children older than 2 years of age. Combine it with plain, full-fat yogurt and fruit for a nutritious snack at home or on the go!
Once you try making this healthy granola at home, I bet you will not return to store-bought granola, which can contain sugar and additives. This granola stores well, so it is a great make-ahead pantry item for the busiest days. Feel free to double the recipe!
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Table of Contents
Ingredients to Make the Best Healthy Granola
This healthy homemade granola is the easiest to make; you only need a few simple ingredients:
- Old-fashioned oats: Main ingredient for a healthy whole-grain recipe.
- Nuts and seeds: I made this last batch of crushed pecans and almond slices.
- Coconut oil: helps to combine the ingredients and create a crunchy granola.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to the recipe and serves as a binder for the ingredients.
- Cinnamon: adds a subtle warming sweetness
- Salt: Adds flavor and takes this recipe to a whole new level.
Optional mix-ins:
- Dried fruit adds extra sweetness and a chewy texture. Add raisins, cranberries, cherries, chopped dried dates, or apricots.
- Add unsweetened coconut flakes halfway through baking for the best results.
- Orange zest – add 1- 2 teaspoons before baking for a lovely orange flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the oats, nuts, and seeds.
- Add the salt and cinnamon and combine.
- Pour in the oil and honey. Mix well until the dry ingredients are lightly coated.
- Cover a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the granola in an even layer, pressing it lightly.
- Bake at 340F (170C) until golden. Stir halfway using a spatula and press down.
- Let the granola cool down, and then break it into small pieces.
- Add in the dried fruits if desired, and enjoy!
Storage Instructions
This healthy homemade granola stores beautifully. Let it cool down completely, and place it in an airtight container (glass, preferably). You can keep it in your pantry or a cabinet for up to two weeks.
Serving Suggestions and Substitutions
This recipe is so versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:
- On its own.
- With milk or yogurt and fresh fruit.
- With your favorite smoothie bowl.
Substitutions:
- You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a similar result.
- Use seeds, such as sunflower seeds, instead of nuts.
Please let me know how this recipe turns out in the comments! I would love to hear from you!
🥣Recipe
Sugar Free Granola
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 cup old fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup pecans crushed – if serving to littles
- 3/4 cup almond slices Sliced or crushed – if serving to littles
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1/2 cup dried fruit optional – add after granola has cooled down
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the oats, nuts, seeds.
- Add the salt and cinnamon and combine.
- Pour in the oil and honey. Mix well until the dry ingredients are lightly coated.
- Cover a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the granola in an even layer pressing it lightly.
- Bake at 340F (170C) until golden. Stir halfway using a spatula and press down.
- Let the granola cool down then break into small pieces.
- Add in the dried fruits if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition facts are calculated for 1 serving of this recipe and includes the optional dried fruits.
- It is recommended that this healthy homemade granola is only offered to little ones older than 2 years old as it contains honey (=sugar) as per the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics).
- For a nutritious snack, serve with whole plain yogurt and fruit.