This no added sugar homemade granola recipe has just the right amount of sweet and salty thanks to using unsweetened applesauce, almonds and sunflower seeds.
My homemade maple pecan granola recipe is a fave in our house. What is better flavor combo than pecans and maple syrup! However if you are trying to get more healthy snacks in your diet, that maple syrup is just too sweet. So what’s the alternative?
So last time I was making this homemade maple pecan granola, I noticed the agave sugar nectar in the cabinet and thought it might make a good replacement for the sweet syrup. I started doing research on this low glycemic sweetener and found that many doctors and dietitians are no longer recommending this sweetener. Actually that made me happy, because agave nectar can be expensive! And you know I am all about homemade recipes and products that help you SAVE money (not spend more).
No Added Sugar Homemade Granola Recipe Using Applesauce
What other sweetener could I use? I remembered seeing once that unsweetened applesauce is a good replacement in some recipes. In our house, we actually prefer the unsweetened (of even better yet my own homemade applesauce) so, I decided to swap out the syrup for sauce! And those pecans can be a pricier nut, so swapped them almonds. That’s how I created this no added sugar homemade granola recipe. I added in some sunflower seeds for some extra salty crunch.
Here’s a tip for the almonds. I always have a bag on hand to make my homemade protein packs. So no need to buy the sliced almonds for this recipe (which can sometimes be more expensive as well). I just use a food chopper to make the right amount of chopped almonds. When you’re looking to save on the purchase of the almonds, be sure to check your Kroger app they often have a digital coupon on nuts. Or take a look at your bulk bins, last time I was at Fresh Thyme they had 25% off all bulk purchases and that saved me quite a bit on the almonds and oatmeal too.
Another thing I love to do with homemade granola is fill up one of my repurposed jars and give it away. Gifts in a jar are so popular especially when they’re edible. My neighbor just had surgery and I know this little gift will be a healthy and heartwarming offering.
I’d love to hear what you you think of this recipe, so be sure to give it a rating and leave some comments below.
Ingredients
- 4 C oats quick or old fashioned
- 1 C chopped alonds
- 1/4 C sunflower seeds
- 1/2 C shredded coconut use unsweetened to keep this recipe no sugar added
- 2 t ground cinnamon
- 1/3 C oil
- 2/3 C unsweetened applesauce
- 2 t vanilla
- 1/4 t salt
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 pecans, 1/2 walnuts
- ground flax seed
- wheat germ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees
- Line pan with parchment paper
- Mix all ingredients together until well coated
- Spread mixture evenly onto the lined baking pan
- Bake for 40 min, or until lightly browned. May need to stir once or twice during baking to get even bake.
- Let cool, then break apart and store in airtight container
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This recipe turned out perfect! I added in dried blueberries and pumpkin seeds. Super crunchy, not too sweet! Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing your additions and rating!
Just wanted to say I love this recipe! I also add 1 teaspoon powdered ginger and 1 teaspoon ground cardamom to the mix. I make this granola weekly now. The apple sauce gives it just enough sweetness.
Laurel- Thanks so much for coming back to comment and rate the recipe. I really appreciate it. So glad you enjoy it, and I will definitely have to try your added spices next time.