Easy Homemade Granola Sugar Free So Good

Homemade Granola

I love to have homemade granola on hand as an easy way to meal prep breakfast, but I have a habit of getting involved with the kids and not hearing the timer go off when it’s time to stir it…which can lead to it burning. This easy recipe avoids that all together! It’s a simple combination of oats, nuts or seeds, applesauce, oil, and spices. No hard to find ingredients—just pantry staples for families that taste so good when baked together and served over yogurt or with milk. This granola recipe is actually sweetened with applesauce, so it has a much lower amount of added sugar than most commercial granolas. And, since it isn’t as crunchy as some store-bought granolas, it’s a great option for toddlers. You can also make it added sugar-free if you prefer. And if you miss the timer? It won’t instantly burn since its baked on a low temperature. (You may also like Mini Muffin Recipes, Banana Oatmeal Muffins, Granola Bites, and Homemade Granola Bars.)

Ingredients You Need

To make this homemade granola recipe you’ll need the following ingredients.

Rolled oats: These are sometimes called “old-fashioned” oats. Nuts or seeds: I like to use hemp seeds or sesame seeds, or chopped cashews or walnuts Applesauce: Either homemade or purchased works well here. Try my Instant Pot Applesauce or Crockpot Applesauce. Neutral oil: You can use canola or avocado oil, or melted coconut oil. Cinnamon and vanilla extract for flavor Honey or maple syrup: This is optional for added sweetness and crunch. (I do usually add it as I think it tastes better with it, but it’s up to you!)

TIP: To make this gluten-free, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s what you need to do to make this homemade granola recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information. TIP: I like to use unsweetened smooth applesauce in my granola as it adds nice flavor and sweetness.

Tips for Crunchy Granola

You can add a lot of oil and honey and sugar to a homemade granola recipe to make it crispy—or you can bake it low and slow in the oven to give the ingredients a chance to crisp up. This healthy granola recipe uses the latter technique, and it results in a crunchy granola that’s not too crunchy for toddlers. TIP: This granola recipe doesn’t have giant chunks (which could be a choking hazard for toddlers), but instead has an overall crunchiness that’s really pleasant to eat.

How to Make Granola Easy to Chew for Toddlers

I chop any nuts I add to my granola (though sunflower seeds could go in whole). If you need to soften the finished granola slightly before serving, stir it into yogurt or milk and let it sit for a few minutes first. Or, try grinding up the cooled granola in the food processor to make granola “sprinkles.” Those will be easier to chew.

How to Store

Store in airtight containers for up to 1 month at room temperature, up to 2 months in the fridge, or store in freezer containers or zip top freezer bags for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Best Tips for Success

Use unsweetened, smooth applesauce. To make this without nuts, use sunflower seeds or hemp seeds. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and for easy clean up. Use small seeds or chopped softer nuts (like cashews and walnuts) to avoid choking hazards for kids. Grind the cooled granola in a food processor or crush with your fingers to make granola “sprinkles” for little kids. Serve over yogurt or cottage cheese, or anyway you like it. Avoid honey for babies under age 1. This is delicious paired with Vanilla Yogurt, Strawberry Yogurt and Banana Yogurt. To make this granola gluten-free, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share!