HOMEMADE SUGAR-FREE GRANOLA (VEGAN!)

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If you love granola but want to skip the sugar overload, you’re in the right place! This homemade sugar-free granola (vegan!) is naturally sweetened with dried fruit, packed with healthy fat, and loaded with high-protein nuts and seeds. It’s the perfect lower-sugar granola that’s still crunchy, delicious, and incredibly customizable to fit your taste and budget.

P.S. Did you know that you can add granola to chocolate strawberry clusters to make a delicious dessert?

Sugar free granola with milk and berries.

The best granola for you 🥣

🥣 GRANOLA WITHOUT SUGAR

This alternative to store-bought granola is natural and wholesome. Low-sugar granola is not as sweet as regular granola, the natural sugars from dried fruit make it just right. Give it a try, and let me know your favorite mix-ins! ✨

Are you team raisins or cranberries? Drop your favorite dried fruit in the comments below! 👇

❤️ WHY THIS RECIPE IS BUDGET-FRIENDLY?

No expensive honey or maple syrup used! The sweetness comes naturally from dried fruit like cranberries.
Totally customizable. Swap out nuts, seeds, and fruit to make it your own and customize it to your budget.
Quick & easy. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Bulk-friendly Breakfast Granola. Make a big batch and store it for busy mornings.

HOW TO USE GRANOLA

Breakfast bowls with yogurt and fresh fruit 🍓
Smoothie toppers for an extra crunch 🥤
A grab-and-go snack straight from the jar 🏃‍♀️

BREAKFAST RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME

Oatmeal yogurt parfait in a glass jar. — **BANANA OVERNIGHT OATS**

Protein rice pudding with fresh strawberries. — **BANANA OVERNIGHT OATS**

🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS

OLD FASHIONED OATS:

Old-fashioned oats are the best option. Oats are the base of this granola. They are inexpensive and provide fiber and a crunch.

RAW NUTS:

(pecans or walnuts) – Add healthy fats and protein for a hearty crunch. Substitution: Swap with almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option

SEEDS:

(pumpkin, chia, flax, or hemp) – Packed with nutrients, these add texture and a protein boost. Cheaper than nuts and good for you! Substitution: Add extra chopped nuts.

SALT:

Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of dried fruit. Substitution: Use sea salt or omit if reducing sodium intake.

CINNAMON:

Adds warmth and depth of flavor. Substitution: Use nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for variety.

COCONUT OIL:

Binds everything together while adding healthy fats. Substitution: Use avocado oil, olive oil, or melted butter for a different flavor.

VANILLA EXTRACT:

Gives a subtle sweetness and aroma. Substitution: Try almond extract or maple extract for a twist.

CHOPPED DRIED FRUIT:

(raisins, cranberries, dates, or apricots) – Natural sweetness without added sugar. Substitution: Use dried figs, cherries, or unsweetened coconut flakes.

COCONUT FLAKES:

(optional) – Adds extra texture and a slight sweetness. Substitution: Use chopped nuts or oats if you’re not a fan of coconut.

👩🏼‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE GRANOLA

Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, seeds, salt, and cinnamon.

Stir in melted coconut oil and vanilla extract, making sure everything is well coated.

Spread the mixture evenly on a lined baking sheet.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, add coconut flakes and bake until golden brown.

Remove from oven and stir in dried fruit while the granola is still warm.

Let cool completely.

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Dry ingredients added to a bowl. — COMBINE THE DRY INGREDIENTS

Add the oil, vanilla and cinnamon. — COMBINE THE DRY INGREDIENTS

Baked granola. — ADD THE COCONUT HALF WAY THROUGH BAKING

This granola without sugar get added cranberries at the end. — ADD THE COCONUT HALF WAY THROUGH BAKING

📝 TIPS AND TRICKS

Want extra crunch? Let the granola cool completely before storing it.
Like it chunkier? Don’t stir too much while baking.
Make it even healthier! Add flax seeds or hemp seeds for an omega-3 boost.

A glass container of granola with no sugar.

❓ FAQS

IS THIS GRANOLA SUGAR-FREE RECIPE HEALTHY?

Yes! This granola is a healthy, low-sugar alternative to store-bought versions, packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, while naturally sweetened with dried fruit.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRANOLA AND MUSLIE?

Granola is baked and crunchy, often with added sweeteners and oils, while muesli is raw and typically unsweetened, soaked in milk or yogurt before eating.

HOW DO I MAKE GLUTEN-FREE GRANOLA?

To ensure your granola is 100% gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and double-check that all mix-ins, including nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, are free from cross-contamination.

Ingredients used in this sugar free granola recipe. These include pumpkin seeds, walnuts and cranberries.

MAKE-AHEAD AND STORAGE

This granola is perfect for meal prep! Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚