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So many of you ask me for a “healthy granola”, and to that I want to tell you that – all my granolas are healthy! With that being said, I do understand that some people prefer something with a little less sugar and maybe even no grains. Everyone has their reasons for making these choices; I, myself, love to go on sugar breaks from time to time. Even though maple syrup is refined sugar free – it is still sugar after all. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to go on a sugar cleanse. The first couple of days were ROUGH. I was shocked at how my body felt! I seriously felt like I was going through withdrawals. This was an eye-opener and a game-changer. It’s safe to say that I will not be sugar free forever, but I will be much more conscious of how often and how much I enjoy it.
As most of you know, I have gone through a massive heartbreak over the past 6 months. During the first few months, I lost a ton of weight. It was fast and very unhealthy. Once January came around, I let myself eat whatever and whenever I wanted. I started to feel the weight gain, and then that too became a problem. I am an addict to my core. I want what I want when I want it and will do whatever it takes to get it. So this 3-week cleanse was a way of me seeing if I could, and it turns out I can, so moderation is key.
This granola is made with no grains (oats) and no maple syrup. Instead, I used 4 dates (dates cure everything, right?!) and unsweetened apple sauce. Honestly? This granola ROCKS!! I can’t wait for you to try it, and stay tuned for a few more recipes from my time on my cleanse. They are delicious and nutritious. Spoiler alert, healthy food doesn’t need to suck!
This granola sugar free recipe comes together with a mix of nuts, seeds, and a few pantry staples:
This easy sugar free granola recipe comes together in a few simple steps:
Preheat to 300°F convection (or 285°F if your oven runs hot).
In a large bowl, stir together buckwheat groats, chopped nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
Gently warm the nut butter, applesauce, olive oil, and vanilla in a pot over low heat until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Add chopped dates and stir well.
Divide the mixture between two baking sheets and press down firmly with a spatula. Bake for 20 minutes, rotate pans, and bake for 10–15 minutes more, until dry to the touch.
Let the granola cool before breaking into clusters. Just like all my other granolas – patience is still key!
This granola without sugar is endlessly adaptable, making it easy to keep things fresh week after week. You can swap out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts, use tahini or almond butter instead of the nut butter blend, or mix in unsweetened shredded coconut or chia seeds for extra texture. Stir in cacao nibs or a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking to enhance the flavour, or toss in freeze-dried fruit after baking for a pop of colour and added crunch.
Think regular granola! This grain free version is just as easy to enjoy, and it goes with all the same things. Serve it over Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for a balanced breakfast, pour it into a bowl with almond milk and berries for a simple cereal. Use it as a crunchy topping on smoothie bowls, oatmeal or cakes. It also works beautifully layered in a parfait or simply eaten by the handful as a quick snack on the go!
You’ll love this because it’s exactly what you’ve been asking for! This sugar free granola recipe offers up everything you love about my other granola recipes, but the sugar content is lower, and it’s totally grain free (this was a bonus!). It’s everything you want in a wholesome, everyday staple. It’s naturally sweetened with dates and applesauce—no added sugars needed—making it a smart option for those watching their intake. It’s grain-free, gluten-free, and packed with healthy fats, fibre, and plant-based protein!
Is this granola good for diabetics? Yes! This granola sugar free recipe uses only natural sugars from fruit and no added sweeteners.
Can I make this nut-free? The nuts are a major part of this recipe however, you could swap the nut butter for a seed butter and remove all the nuts from the recipe and replace them with additional seeds or coconut. I have not tested this, but you could give it a try.
How long does homemade sugar free granola last? Stored in a sealed container at room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to a month.
Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada.
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*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.
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10 Responses
Thank you so much!
you’re very welcome! I hope you enjoy this recipe 🙂
I’m not sugar free but made this and it’s delicious
So glad you love it
Oh man I can’t hardly wait to try this one!! And of course all of these recipes. Thanks so much for sharing.
I hope you love it Paula. It’s packed with fibre.
DO you have to soak the groats? It would seem they would not be consumable otherwise.
Hi! Nope I put them straight in.
Thank you for all your incredible recipes. They have been life changing for me!
Oh Laura, that makes me so happy to read!