Homemade Granola Recipe (Sugar Free)

 Hello everyone! Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe with you that I believe can be truly life-changing! And no, I’m not exaggerating. If you’re someone who regularly buys granola from the store but has never tried making it at home, get ready to be pleasantly surprised. Not only is this delicious homemade granola incredibly easy to make, but it’s also much more budget friendly. I mean, have you seen the prices of those little packages of store-bought granola lately? It’s insane! But, don’t worry,  I’m about to show you just how simple and cost-effective it can be to whip up a batch of delicious granola right in your own kitchen. So for the Homemade Granola Recipe (Sugar Free)  you will need: 

Equipment:

• Large Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Parchment paper
• Half-sheet pan or baking sheet

Ingredients, Substitutions, and Variations:

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: if you like chunkier granola use 3 cups and remember to avoid quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup raw pecans (substitute with any other nut like walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, or hazelnuts)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (substitute with sunflower seeds or any other seeds of your choice. Or you can even make a mix of different seeds)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (or olive oil)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (since there is no added sugar in this recipe use honey if you do not have maple syrup)
• 2/3 cup dried cranberries (substitute with raisins, cherries, apricots, or any other dried fruit)
• Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven and mix dry ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, pecans, pumpkin seeds, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
2. Stir in the wet ingredients: Add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
3. Bake the granola: Spread the granola mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined half-sheet pan or baking sheet. Bake for about 40 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even baking, until the mixture is light brown and toasty. If adding coconut flakes, add them in the last 15 minutes of baking.
4. Prepare any late-addition ingredients: While the granola is baking, roughly chop any dried fruits and prepare any roasted nuts to be added after baking.
5. Stir in late-addition ingredients: Once the granola is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately add the chopped dried fruits and any roasted nuts. Stir to combine everything evenly.
6. Let the granola cool: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will firm up and become crunchier.
7. Store the granola: Once completely cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 7 to 10 days at room temperature, or longer if stored in the refrigerator.

Notes:

• If using already roasted nuts, add them after the granola is baked to prevent burning.
• For clumpy granola with lots of crunchy clusters, avoid stirring it during baking. Using a spatula, press the wet mixture into an even layer on the baking sheet, then allow it to cool undisturbed after baking
• This recipe has been adapted from Cookie and Kate

How to Serve and Pairings:

This cranberry pecan granola pairs perfectly with milk, yogurt, or as a topping for a smoothie bowl (Try it with our Tropical Smoothie Bowl with Yogurt). It’s also great for adding crunch to ice cream or yogurt parfaits.

Storage Instructions:

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate it.

Common Substitutions:

Feel free to customize this recipe by substituting ingredients according to your preferences. You can swap nuts, seeds, or sweeteners as desired.

Variations:

Experiment with different mix-ins such as chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or chia seeds to create your own unique granola blend.

Troubleshooting:

If your granola isn’t clumping together, try pressing it down firmly on the baking sheet before baking and avoid stirring it during baking for chunkier granola.

FAQ

This is my favorite way to make granola.  let me know what you think of this easy granola recipe. Or should I say the best granola recipe 😉  See you next time,

Claudia