Are you looking for a healthy granola to sprinkle over yogurt for breakfast or to snack on in the afternoon that doesn’t have any added sugars? A low-sugar granola can be hard to find on the shelf of your grocery store, but have no fear! I have you covered with this easy-to-make, no sugar added granola clusters recipe.
One of the most common questions I get asked as a health coach is, “Is granola good for you?”. Now, let me be clear. I love granola. I’ve even made plenty of my own, including this Blueberry Vanilla Almond Granola, Tart Cherry & Almond Protein Granola and Gingersnap Granola (a favorite around here!)
Granola is perfect for sprinkling on top of Greek yogurt for breakfast or eaten as cereal with a splash of homemade almond milk.
But when it comes to buying granola at the store, it can be tricky to find granola that is made with wholesome ingredients and natural sugars such as maple syrup, brown rice syrup or honey.
And if you’re looking for a low or no-sugar option? Forget about it! That is nearly impossible to find in the pre-made aisle.
Many of the people I work with as a health coach are looking to reduce sugar in their diet where they can to help jumpstart healthy weight loss and decrease inflammation. And even though I am a big proponent of natural sugars, this often times means limiting or eliminating these as well.
Related Recipe: Healthy Homemade Crunchy Granola
No Sugar Added Granola Clusters
When it comes to buying already packaged foods, I encourage clients to make their own version where they can, and this granola is a great place to start!
I wanted to experiment with two things I had never tried before in this granola: applesauce and egg whites. I wanted to use applesauce to add just a touch of natural sweetness from the fruit, and the egg whites to create the coveted granola clusters, instead of a handful of crumbly nuts and oats, since there isn’t much else to bind the two together.
The results? Insanely delicious, crunchy and clumpy (in a good way!).
I’m finding that the more I decrease the amount of sugar in my diet, the less I crave sweets and the sweeter things taste. Which for me, is a step in the right direction, considering I used to dive two hands first into a plate of cookies or homemade cakes.
Related Recipe: Tart Cherry & Almond Protein Granola
Whether you’re looking to decrease the amount of (processed or natural) sugar in your diet or to just try something new, I would encourage you to try out this no-sugar added granola clusters recipe!
Even though it’s low in sugar, add a few blueberries or sliced bananas on top and you a have a delicious balance of sweet, nutty and crunchy all in one bite!
Print
No Sugar Added Granola Clusters
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Try this easy-to-make, no sugar added healthy granola recipe. It’s perfect to sprinkle over yogurt for breakfast or to snack on in the afternoon.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup almonds, chopped
- 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips*
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 3 egg whites
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Add the oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes and ground flaxseed to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine. In a small bowl, mix together the applesauce, coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- In the same small bowl, add the egg whites. Whisk until just starting to foam. Fold the egg whites into the granola mixture until well coated and evenly mixed.
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread the granola into a thin layer. Bake in the oven for about 50 minutes (stirring halfway through) until the granola is golden brown.
- Remove the granola from the oven and let cool for about 15 minutes. Break the granola into clusters. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Any of the nuts or seeds can be substituted for a different variety in equal amounts.
- If you can’t find coconut chips, use unsweetened coconut flakes.
- To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the egg for 1/3 cup pumpkin puree or ¼ cup aquafaba (the brine from a can of garbanzo beans).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 252
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 161mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: breakfast, gluten-free, granola, granola clusters, low sugar, snack
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50 Responses
Will be pinning this. Looks yummy and a great way to add crunch to greek yogurt. Like the idea of adding apple sauce. Probably would even make my own for even less sugar added. #ShowYourBlogLove
Fantastic, Karen! Thanks for the pin love.
I love granola! And this healthier version looks SO good!
Thanks, Laura!
Big clusters of granola is the best part!! I can’t wait to give this recipe a try 🙂
Yes!! Thanks, Tara!
Granola is not granola with out clusters!
So so true!!
“No sugar added” = my favorite phrase!!
Thanks, GiGi!!
I’m trying to watch my sugar so this recipe is perfect for me to try for breakfast !
Hope you love it, Lauren!
I love big clusters like these! Pinned 🙂
Thanks, Rachel!!
Looks delicious can’t wait to try it 🙂
Thank you!
The no sugar granola recipe looks yummy. I have been trying to find one and I am glad I stumbled across your blog.
Debs x
http://www.elegantlyfashionable.com
I hope you enjoy it!
I’ve been trying to cut back on added sugars and have yet to find a granola recipe that works. I never thought about egg whites and applesauce – so smart!! I can’t wait to try this!
Thanks, Kell! Hope you give it a try.
This recipe sounds delicious. I love anything with blueberries in it.
Same!! Fresh are the best 🙂
These look delicious. I love granola so I’ll be trying this recipe!
Thanks Carmen! Hope you enjoy it.
YuM! I’m such a breakfast girl. I can eat breakfast any time during the day. Its a little hard to stay away for the pancakes, sugar packed cereals, and biscuits. Im always on the hunt for a healthier option and this sounds perfect
Those are all yummy breakfast options, too! All things in moderation 🙂
OMG this is exactly what I needed for my yogurts in the morning. I LOVE homemade granola and this is perfect!! Pinning 🙂
Thanks Crystal!
These are awesome! I always try to come up with a different way of sweetening granola too! This sounds fantastic!
Thanks Hilary!
Yum! I love granola clusters and these look amazing. Love the applesauce idea instead of sugar!
It’s not nearly as sweet, but still delicious!
I’m all about homemade granola and this recipe looks awesome! I love using applesauce as a natural sweetener in my baked goods, especially muffins 🙂
Yes!! It’s a great substitute.
Yes, please! I’m all about those crunchy clusters, and I love that this recipe has no added sugar!
Thanks, Kaleigh!
This granola is so pretty and yummy looking! I love all the flavorings you used so you didn’t need to add any sugar!
Thanks, Rachel! Don’t get me wrong, I still love my regular granola, but this is a nice change!
love the photos – and the recipe!
Thank you!
Nice texture. As promised, not sweet at all. I cooked it 10-15 min longer to really darkly toast the coconut flakes and maybe upped the cinnamon by 2x (also added 1/4 tsp each of ground cardamom and ginger). I didn’t see when to add the oil so I guessed and added it right before the egg which worked fine.
Your modifications sound fantastic, Amy! I’m glad to hear you tried it and like the recipe. Thanks for coming back and commenting!
This recipe is really amazing . I can prepare this with Baked Granola with Cranberries & Almonds from True Elements- a clean label food brand which I have been using for a year and it really is great! One doubt whether we can use this recipe for all age groups? Please let me know. Can’t wait to try this recipe. YAYY !
★★★★★
Question can i make this without the coconut oil?
Hi Kristen, great question! I have never personally made it without coconut oil, but here’s what I would suggest if you’d like to try it. Instead of the coconut oil, you could try swapping for another mild oil (like avocado oil), or adding a couple of extra tablespoons of the applesauce. Happy cooking!
Is there a substitute for the applesauce? This isn’t available where I live.
Can you use egg beaters in the carton?
Hi Carla, I don’t see why not! You would just need to figure out the equivalent substitution, but egg beaters should work great.
Hi, if I want to leave out the use of fruit, could I swap the applesauce with a natural stevia? (is the applesauce only serving as a sweetener, not a binder too?)
Hi! You could omit the applesauce, however, it does provide some wetness to the mix. You could replace with a monk fruit syrup!