Carrots & Cookies

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing in a small glass bowl with a white serving spoon.
      Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing
    • Double chocolate chip banana cookies on a white plate.
      Banana Cocoa Cookies
    • Mini banana pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, topped with sliced banana and almond slices on a white plate.
      Mini Banana Pancakes
    • Nine deviled eggs on a white plate with a sprig of fresh parsley for garnish.
      Easy Deviled Eggs Without Mustard
    • Three brown hard-boiled eggs in white egg cups.
      How to Make Steamed Hard-Boiled Eggs
    • A lettuce salad on a round white plate with a small white bowl of basil balsamic dressing.
      Basil Balsamic Dressing
    • Three different smoothies in glass jars with striped straws.
      16 Ways to Increase Protein in Smoothies without Protein Powder
    • One Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Smoothie in a glass jar topped with oats and a mini chocolate chip, served with a straw.
      Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
    • A Christmas holiday salad in a large white serving bowl with a small white bowl with the salad dressing in the center of the salad greens.
      Quick and Easy Christmas Salad
    • A holiday salad in a white serving bowl with a gold serving spoon.
      Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
    • Three images of fruit smoothies with straws.
      8 Fruit Smoothies Without Yogurt
    • A whole roasted chicken stuffed with carrots and celery in a white Dutch oven.
      Easy Dutch Oven Chicken
    Home Recipes Breakfast Recipes

    Easy Granola Recipe (Low Sugar)

    Published: Jun 8, 2023 by Kristi Ruth RD · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    ↓ Jump to Recipe

    Learn how to make this Easy Granola Recipe (Low Sugar) with 6 simple ingredients and one bowl in 20 minutes from a dietitian! It's sweetened with maple syrup and tastes so much better than store bought!

    Granola in a white ramekin with pieces of granola scattered around the ramekin.

    If you ask me, there can never be too many granola recipes. It's always nice to change things up once in a while, you know?

    And this granola made with maple syrup will have your whole house smelling like homemade goodness! The incredible aroma of maple and vanilla will have your kids drooling! You'll never want to buy store-bought granola again. 😍

    This is a crunchy granola recipe, but it's not chunky, like my original granola recipe that breaks into chunky clusters. The texture of this granola actually reminds me of cereal which makes it perfect for making yogurt parfaits and topping a smoothie bowl.

    Wondering what you are going to do with 5 cups of granola? Thankfully, there are so many ways to eat it, that you'll find yourself making your own granola again in no time.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Dietitian Tips
    • Optional Add-Ins
    • Ingredient Notes
    • How to Make This Easy Homemade Granola Recipe
    • Helpful Tips
    • Questions You May Have
    • Related Recipes
    • More Easy Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Quick and Easy You just mix all of the ingredients together, spread them out on a lined baking sheet, and bake it. That's it! There is no need to mix the dry ingredients separately from the wet ingredients and you only need one large mixing bowl, so cleanup is a breeze!
    • 20-minute recipe Need I say more? 😊
    • Naturally Sweetened Using maple syrup to make granola makes mixing easy and tastes so incredibly good! Still, maple syrup is considered an added sugar. This recipe provides 4g of sugar per serving which meets the 'low sugar' criteria. 4g per serving is much less sugar than you will find in traditional granola recipes.
    • Kid-Approved My kids absolutely love this recipe. In fact, they are thrilled when I pack it as a lunchbox snack in small containers for them.
    • Vegan Granola Recipe This recipe is completely vegan because it is sweetened with maple syrup instead of honey.
    • Low FODMAP granola recipe This recipe meets the Low FODMAP criteria as long as your serving is limited to no more than one-half of a cup. See notes section about almonds in a low FODMAP diet.

    Dietitian Tips

    I'm sure you've noticed that I've referred to this granola recipe as being 'vegan' as well as meeting the criteria for a 'low FODMAP' recipe. If neither of these words pertain to you, it doesn't mean that this recipe is not for you. Nor does it mean that I think you should decide to be vegan or follow a low FODMAP diet 😉

    I try to include these words in recipes when it's relevant for families who find it helpful. For instance, not only does the term 'vegan' mean something to those who follow a vegan diet, but it is also a signal to families who worry about food allergies that the recipe does not contain dairy or egg, two of the most common food allergens.

    Optional Add-Ins

    A small amount of these suggested add-ins can be used in place of any of the dry ingredients in the same proportion. For instance, if you'd like to add one-quarter of a cup of an ad-in, reduce the amount of oats, hemp hearts, or almonds by one-quarter of a cup.

    • Sunflower Seeds Not as crunchy as almonds, but they still taste great in granola.
    • Chia Seeds Chia seeds will stand out more than hemp hearts. Still, if you like them in granola, add some!
    • Pumpkin Seeds I love pumpkin seeds! I don't usually add them to granola, but many people do.
    • Coconut Flakes If you like the flavor of coconut, feel free to sprinkle some in!
    • Vanilla Extract Feel free to add an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract for even more vanilla flavor.

    Ingredient Notes

    Granola ingredients, labeled.
    • Oats Use Old-Fashioned Oats, not quick oats. Rolled oats are easy to find and are inexpensive (especially when purchased in bulk). Oats are a whole grain and are an excellent source of soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, phosphorus, thiamine, magnesium, and zinc.
    • Almonds Excellent source of monounsaturated fats, fiber, and a variety of minerals. Almonds are considered low FODMAP if limited to 10 almonds. One-quarter cup serving of this granola recipe has about 4 almonds in it.
    • Hemp Hearts Hemp hearts are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Specifically, they provide 10 grams of protein and 2090mg of Omega-3 fatty acids in 3 tablespoons.
    • Maple Syrup Use pure maple syrup. Pure maple syrup is low FODMAP.
    • Olive Oil I used extra virgin olive oil. Avocado oil or coconut oil can be used instead.

    How to Make This Easy Homemade Granola Recipe

    Four process shots showing how to make homemade granola.

    Here is a brief overview of the steps to make this low sugar granola recipe. For a full list of ingredients and complete instructions, scroll down to the recipe card.

    1. Chop almonds. If you are using pre-sliced almonds, you can skip this step.
    2. Add all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
    3. Mix the ingredients well.
    4. Pour mixture out on to a large baking sheet (rimmed) lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven for 1517 minutes, until the oat mixture is light golden brown in color.

    Helpful Tips

    • Use the back side of a spoon to spread the oat mixture out evenly.
    • Let cool completely before storing.
    • Spread the granola out on one single layer, covering as much of the surface of the baking sheet as possible. This will allow for even browning.
    • I like to use a hand held food chopper or the chopper attachment that came with my Smart Stick Hand Blender to chop the almonds into small pieces. A food processor would also work well.
    • The size of the almond pieces will determine how crunchy this granola is. The larger the pieces of almond, the crunchier it will be.
    • Slivered almonds can be used in place of chopped almonds.
    • Honey can be used in place of maple syrup, but then it will no longer be considered vegan, and it will take a little more work to spread out the oat mixture. Also, the mixture will be stickier if you use honey, so you'll have to use the palm of your hand or back end of a flat spatula to press and smooth the mixture down onto the parchment paper before baking it.
    • This granola is not very sweet. Even granolas made with natural sweeteners can have so much sugar added that it tastes like a sugary cereal. The amount of sugar in this recipe is pretty low for granola, with only 4 grams of sugar per serving.
    • If you've been advised to follow a strict gluten free diet, use certified gluten-free oats.
    • If your kids like dried fruit like raisins or dried cranberries in granola, feel free to mix some in!

    Questions You May Have

    How do you serve granola?

    Granola is so versatile! It can be eaten alone as a snack, with milk (like cereal), sprinkled on fresh fruit, added to Greek yogurt, and so much more.

    In fact, there are so many ways to serve it, so I compiled a list with 20 ideas of how to eat granola. Let me know if you can think of more!

    What are FODMAPs?

    FODMAPs are sugars that aren’t absorbed properly in the gut, triggering symptoms in people with IBS.

    What can I substitute for almonds?

    Although I haven't tried it yet, I think chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds would make a nice substitution in this recipe.

    Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

    Yes, you sure can! Honey is not considered low FODMAP or vegan, if you care about that. Otherwise, you can substitute it equally for the maple syrup.

    The mixture will be stickier when using honey, so you'll need to use the palm of your hand or the back side of a flat spatula to flatten and spread out the mixture before baking it. Then, once it cools, break the pieces apart.

    How do you store granola?

    Once granola is completely cooled to room temperature, it can be stored in an airtight container and used within a few weeks.

    While I have not tried it myself, I've also heard that granola freezes well.

    Related Recipes

    • Homemade Chunky Granola
    • Overnight Oats with Pumpkin
    • Bliss Balls

    More Easy Recipes

    • Easy Mashed Red Skinned Potatoes
    • One bowl of creamy pasta with salmon and arugula in a white bowl with a fork.
      Easy Salmon Pasta Dish
    • A plate of pumpkin pancakes topped with toasted pecans.
      Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix
    • Pesto in a white bowl with a white spoon and a plate of sourdough to the top left of it.
      5-Minute Pistachio Pesto

    Did your kids love this easy granola recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating below or a review in the comments section!

    Don't forget to snap a pic of their granola and tag @carrots.and.cookies on Instagram so I can see it. Enjoy!

    📖 Recipe

    Granola in a white ramekin with pieces of granola scattered around the base of the ramekin.

    Easy Granola Recipe (Low Sugar)

    Kristi
    Make this super delicious Low Sugar Granola Recipe in just 20 minutes from start to finish. It's sweetened with maple syrup, easy to make, and tastes so much better than store-bought!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 20
    Calories 135 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Rimmed baking sheet
    • Parchment paper
    • 1 Mixing bowl
    • 1 Food Chopper

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ½ cups Rolled oats Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
    • ⅔ cup Almonds Chopped
    • ¼ cup Hemp hearts
    • ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
    • ⅓ cup Maple syrup Pure Maple Syrup
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoon Olive oil I like to use extra virgin olive oil, but any neutral-flavored oil can be used instead.

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 375°
    • Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized mixing bowl. Stir well, until all of the dry ingredients have been mixed in with the maple syrup, vanilla, and oil.
    • Pour mixture onto a lined rimmed baking sheet. Spread out evenly using a spoon. Mixture should cover the entire surface.
    • Bake in the oven for 15-17 minutes, until the mixture is golden brown.
    • Remove and let cool.

    Notes

    Nutritional facts are estimated using a database that this owner is not responsible for maintaining. Exact nutrition information will depend on actual ingredients and amounts used when making this recipe. And remember, there is so much more to food than what you will find on a Nutrition Facts Label 🙂
    • This recipe, as written, contains 4 grams of sugar per serving according to the database responsible for calculating the estimate.
    • I like to use a hand held food chopper or the chopper attachment that came with my Smart Stick Hand Blender to chop the almonds into small pieces.
    • Can use pre-packaged sliced  or slivered almonds instead of whole, chopped almonds.
    • The size of the almond pieces will determine how crunchy this granola is. The larger the pieces of almond, the crunchier it will be.
    • Use the back of a spoon to spread the oat mixture out evenly to cover the base of the lined baking sheet.
    • If your kids like dried fruit like raisins or dried cranberries in granola, feel free to mix some in!
    • Honey can be used in place of maple syrup, but then it will no longer be considered vegan, and it will take a little more work to spread out the oat mixture. Also, the mixture will be stickier if you use honey, so you'll have to use the palm of your hand or back end of a flat spatula to press and smooth the mixture down onto the parchment paper before baking it.
    • Remove granola from the oven when it is golden brown. Do not over-bake it.
    • Let the granola cool completely before storing.
    • Store in an air-tight container or jar at room temperature. Can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.25cupCalories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.001gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 105mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 16IUVitamin C: 0.003mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Breakfast Recipes

    • Seven Pumpkin Banana Bread muffins with mini chocolate chips on a white plate.
      The BEST Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins
    • A stack of protein pancakes topped with a small amount of yogurt and a few blueberries.
      Easy Protein Pancakes without Protein Powder
    • Top view of a pitaya smoothie in a glass jar topped with pieces of pitaya and a pink and white striped straw .
      Easy Pitaya Smoothie
    • Six pieces of avocado toast topped with tomato and a variety of other topping that differ by piece. Served on a white platter.
      Easiest Avocado Toast with Tomato
    5 from 7 votes (7 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Kristi Ruth RD wearing a green top with jeans and holding a white platter with tri-colored carrots.

    Welcome to Carrots & Cookies! I'm a busy working mom of three and can now say that I've been a dietitian for 20 years!! I'm on a mission to show you that eating well doesn't have to be complicated by providing you with easy recipes and practical nutrition tips! More about me...

    Popular Recipes

    • Three pieces of barbecue chicken with two ears of corn topped with pieces of cilantro and served on a white plate.
      15-Minute Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

    • Pesto with tortellini, chicken, and broccoli in a large white serving bowl with a spoon.
      15-Minute Pesto with Tortellini

    • Up close image of nut free trail mix in a glass mason jar (top view). Trail mix also around the base of the glass jar.
      Nut Free Trail Mix for Kids

    • One ripe pineapple with a still on held up over a pile of pineapples.
      How to Pick a Good Pineapple

    • Top view of a bowl of Carrot Butternut Squash Soup topped with pumpkin seeds.
      Easy Carrot Butternut Squash Soup

    • Shredded chicken on a white platter.
      How to Boil Chicken Breast for Shredding

    Easy Recipes for Summer

    • A pile of cooked marinated lemon pepper chicken on a white plate.
      Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade

    • Chunks of fresh watermelon topped with Tajin and cinnamon.
      5-Minute Tajin and Watermelon

    • Kale salad in a yellow bowl with a set of tongs in the salad as to serve.
      Easy Kale (Tuscan) Salad

    • A chip being dipped into guacamole served in a white ramekin.
      4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe

    • Pieces of fresh fruit on toothpicks and bamboo skewers on a white plate with yogurt and granola in separate ramekins.
      Favorite Fruit on a Stick

    • Strawberry banana smoothie bowl served in a white bowl and topped with sliced banana, freeze dried strawberries, chia seeds, and chocolate chips.
      Easy Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl

    Footer

    Featured In

    Southern Living logo.
    Yahoo logo.
    Well + Good logo.
    Eat This logo.
    Eating Well logo.
    Womans World logo.
    LiveStrong logo.
    Fod news logo.
    Real simple logo.
    Parade logo.
    Parents logo.
    The Beet logo.
    Clean Plate logo.

    ↑ back to top

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Statement

    Copyright © 2024 Carrots & Cookies

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.