This sugar-free granola is a healthy and delicious option for breakfast or snacking. It’s naturally sweetened with ingredients like dried fruits and packed with wholesome nuts, seeds, and oats. Perfect for topping yogurt, adding to smoothies, or enjoying on its own with milk, this granola is easy to customize and completely free from added sugars.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup raw nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, or a mix)
- ½ cup seeds (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted (or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried fruit (unsweetened raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (for natural sweetness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined. If you’re using coconut flakes, add them in as well.
- Prepare the wet ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and applesauce.
- Combine and mix:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread and bake:
- Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and slightly crispy. Be careful not to overbake as it will continue to crisp up as it cools.
- Cool and add dried fruit:
- Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. Stir in the dried fruit once cooled.
- Store and serve:
- Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Enjoy your sugar-free granola over yogurt, with milk, or as a snack for a healthy, naturally sweetened treat!
