Made with rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut oil, this homemade granola has no added sugar, honey, or maple syrup. It's perfect for breakfast with yogurt or milk, sprinkled over smoothie bowls, or enjoyed as a healthy snack. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite nuts, seeds, and unsweetened dried fruit!

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

Homemade sugar free granola topped with fresh strawberries and raspberries, served with milk in a white bowl.

The best granola for you 🥣

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How to make sugar free granola

Making this homemade sugar free granola is simple! Start by combining the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Toss everything with melted coconut oil and vanilla, then spread the mixture evenly onto a lined baking sheet. Bake until golden and fragrant, then allow the granola to cool completely for the best crunchy texture. Stir in your favorite unsweetened dried fruit once cooled.

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

❤️ Why You'll Love This Sugar Free Granola

  • No added sugar. Made without honey, maple syrup, or refined sugar, using unsweetened dried fruit for natural sweetness.
  • Deliciously crunchy. Rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut oil create a lovely golden crunch.
  • Easy to customize. Swap the nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to suit your taste and budget.
  • Quick and easy. Just mix, bake, and allow to cool for a homemade breakfast staple.
  • Perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch to enjoy with yogurt, milk, or smoothie bowls throughout the week.
Crunchy homemade sugar free granola with oats, nuts, seeds and dried cranberries stored in a glass jar.

How to eat sugar free granola

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

🥄 Sugar-free granola ingredients and substitutions

Old fashioned oats:

These form the base of the granola and give it that delicious, crunchy texture. I recommend old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats, which can produce a finer, less chunky granola. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.

Raw nuts:

Pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts add a delicious crunch and richness to this homemade sugar free granola. You can also use almonds or cashews, depending on what you have available.

Substitution: For a nut-free version, replace all the nuts with extra pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Seeds:

Pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds add extra texture, fiber, and nutrients to this homemade granola. Pumpkin seeds are especially good for adding crunch.

Substitution: Swap one type of seed for another, or use extra chopped nuts if you prefer. For the best crunchy texture, I recommend using mostly whole seeds rather than ground seeds.

Salt:

A little salt enhances the flavor of the oats, nuts, and seeds while balancing the natural sweetness of the dried fruit.

Substitution: Use fine sea salt or reduce the amount if you prefer a lower-sodium granola.

Cinnamon:

Adds a warm, comforting flavor to this homemade sugar free granola and pairs beautifully with the oats, nuts, and dried fruit.

Substitution: Try pumpkin pie spice for a delicious fall-inspired variation, or leave out the cinnamon if you prefer a more neutral flavor.

Coconut oil:

Melted coconut oil helps coat the oats, nuts, and seeds evenly, giving the granola a delicious golden, crunchy texture as it bakes.

Substitution: You can use a neutral-flavored oil, such as avocado oil, instead. Refined coconut oil is a good choice if you prefer less coconut flavor.

Vanilla extract:

Adds a lovely, subtle sweetness and warm flavor to this homemade sugar free granola without needing added sugar.

Substitution: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, or try almond extract for a slightly nutty twist. If using almond extract, start with a smaller amount because its flavor is stronger.

Chopped dried fruit:

Raisins, chopped dates, dried apricots, or unsweetened dried cranberries add natural sweetness and a lovely chewy texture to this crunchy homemade granola.

Substitution: Use your favorite combination of dried fruits, but check the packaging for added sugar, especially with dried cranberries. For the best texture, stir the dried fruit into the granola after baking and cooling.

Coconut flakes:

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

Ingredients for sugar free granola including rolled oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, coconut flakes and cinnamon.

👩🏼‍🍳 How to make sugar free 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.

📝 Tips & Tricks for Crunchy Sugar Free Granola

  • Let it cool completely. Granola continues to crisp up as it cools, so don't store it while it's still warm.
  • Don't stir too often. Stir halfway through baking as directed, but avoid excessive stirring if you prefer larger, crunchy clusters.
  • Coat everything evenly. Mix the melted coconut oil thoroughly through the oats, nuts, and seeds to help everything bake evenly.
  • Watch the coconut flakes. Add them halfway through baking to prevent them from browning too quickly.
  • Choose unsweetened dried fruit. Check ingredient labels carefully, particularly for dried cranberries, which often contain added sugar.
Golden homemade sugar free granola with toasted oats, nuts, coconut flakes and dried cranberries on a baking tray.

❓ FAQS

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.

Is this sugar free granola healthy?

This homemade granola contains rolled oats, nuts, and seeds, which provide fiber, healthy fats, and some protein. It's made without added sweeteners when you choose unsweetened dried fruit. However, dried fruit contains naturally occurring sugars, so this recipe isn't completely sugar-free.

How do you make sugar free granola crunchy?

Coat the oats, nuts, and seeds evenly with melted coconut oil and spread the mixture in an even layer on your baking sheet. Bake until golden, then let the granola cool completely. It becomes crunchier as it cools.

How do you store homemade sugar free granola?

Once completely cooled, store the granola in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This helps maintain its crunchy texture. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating.

Pumpkin seeds, walnuts and dried cranberries arranged in bowls for homemade sugar free granola.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This homemade sugar free granola is perfect for meal prep! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep moisture out of the container to help maintain its delicious crunchy texture.

Breakfast recipes to try next time


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 💚

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Homemade sugar free granola topped with fresh strawberries and raspberries, served with milk in a white bowl.

Sugar Free Granola Recipe (No Added Sugar)


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  • Author: Nikki
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 cups 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Made with rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and coconut oil, this homemade granola has no added sugar, honey, or maple syrup. It's perfect for breakfast with yogurt or milk, sprinkled over smoothie bowls, or enjoyed as a healthy snack. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite nuts, seeds, and unsweetened dried fruit!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup raw nuts such as pecan, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
  • ½ cup seeds such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax, or hemp. 
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup coconut flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup chopped unsweetened dried fruit, such as raisins, unsweetened dried cranberries, dates, or dried apricots

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, seeds, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Stir in melted coconut oil and vanilla extract, making sure everything is well coated.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly on a lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through. If using coconut flakes, add them halfway through baking to prevent burning. Continue baking until the granola is lightly golden brown.
  6. Remove from oven and stir in dried fruit while the granola is still warm.
  7. Let cool completely.

Notes

Want extra crunch? Let the granola cool completely before storing it.

Like it chunkier? Don’t stir too much while baking.

Need a little sweetness? Use naturally sweet dried fruit like raisins or dates.

Make it even healthier! Add flax seeds or hemp seeds for an omega-3 boost.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ½ cup
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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