Natural and Healthy Crunchy Granola

Traditional granola can be high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar. This homemade granola is just as tasty, but lower in sugar. It’s a crunchy way to add fiber, healthy fats, and more nutrients to breakfast, snacks, and desserts.

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Whole-grain rolled oats are the main attraction, and they’re paired with crunchy walnuts, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds. Applesauce, peanut butter, and honey sweeten the granola and bind it together. It’s an easy and wholesome alternative to store-bought varieties. Be sure to use rolled oats and not quick oats, which are cut into smaller pieces.

Varieties and Serving Suggestions:

• Replace the walnuts with chopped almonds or pecans.
• Swap out the sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds.
• Try it with a sprinkle of chia seeds, hemp seeds, or ground flax seeds for extra fiber and nutrition.
• Add a ¼ cup of unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical flavor.
• For a sweeter granola, stir in ¼ cup of dried unsweetened fruit like cranberries or raisins after baking.
• Serve on top of unsweetened Greek yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese with berries for a high-protein snack or breakfast.
• Add some non-fat milk or almond milk to the granola and top with berries for a breakfast cereal.
• Pre-package in ¼-cup servings for a healthy, grab-and-go snack.
• Sprinkle on top of a smoothie bowl.
• Enjoy as a topping over baked apples or poached pears.

Recipe for Healthy Blissfully Crunchy Granola

Makes 12 servings (serving size: ¼ cup)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of rolled oats (do not use quick oats)
• ½ cup of walnuts, chopped
• ¼ cup of unsalted sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons of whole flaxseeds
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened, creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of honey, agave, or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  
2. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, walnuts, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, and cinnamon. 
3. In a small bowl, mix the applesauce, peanut butter, honey or alternative, and vanilla extract until smooth.  
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated. 
5. Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.  
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the granola is golden brown.  
7. Allow the granola to cool on the baking sheet. It will get crispier as it cools down.
8. Store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

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Nutrition information: 130 calories; 6 grams of fat; 0 mg of cholesterol; 0 mg of sodium; 13 grams of carbohydrates; 3 grams of sugar; 2 grams of fiber; 4 grams of protein

Reviewed by Natalie Stein, MS, MPH, CDCES