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    MJ & Hungryman » Recipes » Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    No Added Sugar Granola Recipe

    By Min On April 11, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    Yogurt topped with raspberries, blueberries, granola.

    Here's a highly customizable healthy granola recipe with no added sugar! It is packed with healthy fats and protein and is just perfect for breakfast or snack any time of the day.

    Yogurt topped with raspberries, blueberries, granola.
    Jump to:
    • Homemade No Sugar Added Granola
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Variations and Add-ins
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Granola for Babies
    • Storage Suggestions
    • No Added Sugar Granola

    Homemade No Sugar Added Granola

    I've been receiving a lot of requests for homemade granola with no added sugar for babies and toddlers, and after many failed attempts, I'm so excited to share this recipe with you!

    I will tell you upfront that this granola is not very sweet nor as crunchy as store-bought granolas or those made with lots of sugar and oil.

    BUT it has a subtle nutty, sweet flavor and just the right amount of crispness that's perfect for your little one(s).

    If your child is over two and you desire a little more sweetness, feel free to add some maple syrup or honey. You don't need a lot! My kids love it either way.

    My kindergartener calls this "grow-nola" because he believes nuts and seeds make him strong. And I am here for it!

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients laid out on a white background.
    • Rolled oats - quick oats or steel cut oats will not work!
    • Nuts and/or seeds - Here I'm using pecans and sunflower seeds but you can use whatever combination you wish - almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds...Just be sure to finely chop into small pieces for toddlers.
    • Apple sauce - adds natural sweetness. Can use store-bought or homemade applesauce, which is super easy to make if you wish to try!
    • Peanut butter - will help form clusters, add flavor, and boost nutrition. For alternatives, see suggestions below.
    • Salt - I've tried this recipe without the salt and let me tell you, this is a must ingredient. It truly helps enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    A four image collage showing how to make granola step by step.
    1. In a medium bowl, stir together all the wet ingredients.
    2. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients
    3. Combine until everything's well coated.
    4. Spread the granola mixture on the prepared baking tray (be sure to press down) and bake for 40-45 minutes. Halfway through, flip the granola pieces, pack it down and place back in the oven.
    5. Remove from the oven and stir in dried fruit. allow for it to cool completely. The granola will continue to crisp up

    Variations and Add-ins

    Baked granola in a large pan.

    While the granola is delicious as is, if you want to switch up the flavors, here are some suggestions. You can see, this is a very versatile recipe!

    • Instead of peanut butter, try:
      • Almond butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter. If there's an allergy or want to pack for nut-free school, seed butter like sunflower seed butter will work too.
      • Coconut oil
    • Instead of applesauce, try mashed banana (have extra? make these oatmeal balls!)
    • Desire a sweeter granola? add maple syrup or honey to taste. You can also add some date syrup to keep it added sugar free.
    • Feel free to add whatever dried fruit you wish - cranberries, apricots, dates, mangoes, pineapple, blueberries...all delicious! Just be sure to chop the larger pieces to make it easier and safer for toddlers to eat.

    Serving Suggestions

    Favorite yogurt toppings in a 6 cup muffin tray with yogurt on the side.

    You can just eat this granola straight from the jar, which is what my kids love to do, or enjoy with:

    • Yogurt - plain or flavored, like vanilla yogurt, blueberry yogurt, or strawberry yogurt. A fun idea: Add to a muffin tray along with other delicious toppings for your child to build their own yogurt granola bowl.
    • Cottage cheese
    • Ricotta
    • Oatmeal - here's the ultimate oatmeal recipes for babies and kids
    • Smoothie bowl
    • Milkshake - this is thick so you can serve in a bowl and top with granola
    • Mix with cereal and enjoy dry (great for traveling or school snack) or with milk

    Granola for Babies

    To make this granola safe for babies, add to a food processor and pulse until finely ground. You can mix into, to name a few:

    • Oatmeal
    • Yogurt
    • Lentils
    • Mashed avocado
    • Mashed banana
    • Sweet potatoes
    • Chia pudding
    • Overnight weetabix
    • Custard yogurt toast

    Storage Suggestions

    Baked granola in a tall mason jar.

    Cool completely as moisture will make it soggy. Transfer to an airtight container (I like to store in a tall mason jar.

    Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature. I do not recommend refrigerating. It will be good for up to 2 weeks.

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    Yogurt topped with raspberries, blueberries, granola.

    No Added Sugar Granola

    Here's a highly customizable healthy granola recipe with no added sugar! It is packed with healthy fats and protein and is just perfect for breakfast or snack any time of the day.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 24 (makes about 6 cups)
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Sheet Pan

    Ingredients

    Dry

    • 3 cups rolled oats (300g)
    • 1 cup nuts and seeds of choice (I like to use ½ cup chopped walnuts and ½ cup sunflower seeds)
    • 3 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Wet

    • ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce (180g)
    • â…“ cup creamy peanut butter (83g)
    • 1 teaspoonn vanilla extract
    • 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup, honey, date syrup (optional)

    Stir in

    • ½-1 cup dried fruit of choice

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or baking mat for easy clean up.
    • In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
    • In a medium bowl, stir together all the wet ingredients. Add to the dry ingredients and combine until everything's well coated.
    • Spread the granola mixture on the prepared baking tray (be sure to press down) and bake for 40-45 minutes. Halfway through, flip the granola pieces, pack it down and place back in the oven.
    • Remove from the oven, stir in the dried fruit(s) and toss together. Allow for it to cool completely. The granola will continue to crisp up

    Notes

    • If your peanut butter is not drippy, microwave briefly.
    • This granola is not very sweet so be sure to add dried fruits. If you desire even more sweetness, add 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey, although it won't be added sugar free. You can also use date syrup for a no added sugar alternative. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 41mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Iron: 1mg
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Susanne says

      April 11, 2023 at 4:21 pm

      This looks amazing! Always looking for low/no sugar options. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Min says

        April 11, 2023 at 9:25 pm

        You're welcome! Hope you enjoy this recipe!

        Reply
    2. Emily says

      April 11, 2023 at 2:27 pm

      What age do you think we can introduce the nuts? I'm worried about choking etc.

      Reply
      • Min says

        April 11, 2023 at 9:28 pm

        You can introduce as early as 6 months. Just be sure to finely ground. For toddlers, finely chopped or thinly sliced are fine!

        Reply

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    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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