Granola is so versatile with endless options for mix-ins. It’s also easy to make using whatever’s on hand in your pantry! This healthier version of granola says bye-bye to added sugar without sacrificing on taste or texture.
This entire large batch of granola has just 15 grams of sugar and ZERO grams of added sugar! It’s naturally sweetened with applesauce (the only ingredients are apples and water). The only other sugar is the trace amount found in the coconut.
Cinnamon and maple extract flavors the granola without adding sugar. Flaked coconut adds even more flavor and healthy fats; chia seeds add protein, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals; oats are full of nutrients and are digested slowly for sustained energy. All three of these ingredients are full of important fiber!
I used to make “healthy granola” which was essentially just oats and water. When water is added by itself, the oats end up steaming in the oven. The result isn’t that great, which is no surprise! By substituting applesauce for sugar and still using a smallish amount of oil, the granola bakes until crisp with traditional oaty clusters.
I think the granola’s delicious as is—especially paired with greek yogurt and a handful of berries! But if you’d like it to be a touch sweeter, feel free to add a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup.
HEALTHIER GRANOLA WITH COCONUT AND CHIA SEEDS
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups (320 g) old-fashioned rolled oats, (use gluten-free if needed)
- 3 tablespoons (36 g) chia seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (120 g) unsweetened/no sugar added applesauce
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) grapeseed oil (another neutral oil or coconut oil may be substituted)
- 1 teaspoon maple flavoring/extract (vanilla extract can be substituted)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) sliced coconut flakes
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 270°F.
In a large bowl, stir the oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, applesauce, and maple extract. Add half of the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until saturated. Add the rest of the wet ingredients and mix well, ensuring all of the oats are coated.
Pour onto a parchment paper or silicone mat-lined baking sheet and spread into a single cohesive layer. Bake without stirring the granola for 40 minutes. Take the baking sheet out of the oven and leave the granola to cool—again without stirring! Top with flaked coconut*. Once the granola has cooled, stir to break up any large chunks. By not stirring until the granola has cooled, the oats cluster together.
NOTES
I like the coconut as is without toasting—it has a great texture and bright coconut flavor. If you prefer toasted coconut, add the coconut about 6-7 minutes before the baking sheet is removed from the oven.
theheirloombaker.com 