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.
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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
- 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
- In a medium bowl, stir together all the wet ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients
- 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 and stir in dried fruit. allow for it to cool completely. The granola will continue to crisp up
Variations and Add-ins
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
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 bowl.
- Cottage cheese
- Ricotta
- Oatmeal
- 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
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!
No Added Sugar Granola
Equipment
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.Â
Susanne says
This looks amazing! Always looking for low/no sugar options. Thank you!
Min says
You're welcome! Hope you enjoy this recipe!
Emily says
What age do you think we can introduce the nuts? I'm worried about choking etc.
Min says
You can introduce as early as 6 months. Just be sure to finely ground. For toddlers, finely chopped or thinly sliced are fine!