With an easy method, minimal added sugars, and the yummiest flavor, this Lower Sugar Granola is a great breakfast option for kids. Pair it with yogurt or milk and fresh or dried fruit for a fiber-rich meal option.
We love my Olive Oil Granola and Nut-Free Granola as easy toddler breakfasts, but this lower sugar granola recipe is the one I have made the most over the years.
Quick Look: Lower Sugar Granola
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 24 (makes about 6 cups)
- Flavor Profile: Vanilla granola with crisp texture
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for everyday baking and make-ahead breakfasts
- Why This Works: It’s an affordable, simple way to make nutrient-rich granola
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Table of Contents
The sweetness in this recipe comes from applesauce, which helps ensure it’s both flavorful and not overly sweet for little kids. It pairs well with plain yogurt, or my Vanilla Yogurt, Strawberry Yogurt, or Blueberry Yogurt.
Why This Recipe Works
With a base of almond flour and peanut butter, you get nutrition along with crunch and a satisfying breakfast.
You can also serve it with milk and grind it up into granola sprinkles for younger 1 year olds to ensure it’s easy for them to chew.
(You may also like my Homemade Granola Bars, No-Bake Granola Bars, and Granola Bites.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Lower Sugar Granola so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Rolled oats: These are sometimes called “old-fashioned” oats at the store and are the classic type used in granola. They are rich in complex carbs and fiber, too.
- Chopped seeds or nuts: Such as hemp seeds, chopped cashews, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or chopped walnuts. We want them small so they are easy for kids to chew and to minimize any choking hazards.
- Cinnamon and vanilla: I love adding cinnamon to my granola, especially since it pairs so well with the vanilla flavor.
- Applesauce: This provides the primary sweetness, and I use unsweetened smooth applesauce for the best final results.
- Neutral oil: Such as canola or avocado oil, which helps the oats crisp up.
- Honey (for kids over age 1; or maple syrup): A very small amount balances out the overall flavor in this granola.
- Dried fruit: Such as raisins, dried cherries, or other diced dried fruit; optional.
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How to Make Lower Sugar Granola
Here’s a preview of how to make this Lower Sugar Granola so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Stir all ingredients together, except the dried fruit (if using), in a medium bowl.
Step 2. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
Step 3. Bake until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and stir in the dried fruit, if using.
Lower Sugar Granola FAQs
Sure, just omit the honey or maple syrup.
Opt for hemp seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
Since this granola doesn’t have large nuts or a too-crunchy texture, you can add it to yogurt or milk and optionally let it sit for 5 minutes to soften it slightly. You can also grind it briefly in a food processor to make a finer texture for younger one year olds.
How to Store
Store the Lower Sugar Granola, once fully cooled, in airtight containers for up to 1 month or store in freezer containers or zip top freezer bags for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Best Tips for Success
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and for easy clean up.
- Chop any larger pieces of dried fruit to make sure it’s easy for the kids to eat.
- Grind the cooled granola in a food processor to make granola “sprinkles” for younger toddlers.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Serve with yogurt or milk.
More Whole Grain Recipes
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Lower Sugar Granola
Ingredients
- 4 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped seeds or nuts (such as hemp seeds, chopped cashews, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or chopped walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup applesauce
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (like canola or coconut; if using coconut, melt it first)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons honey (for kids over age 1; or maple syrup)
- 1 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, dried cherries, or other diced dried fruit; optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Stir all ingredients together, except the dried fruit if using, in a medium bowl. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until lightly golden brown. (You can stir halfway through if you're around but it's optional!)
- Remove from oven and let cool fully on the pan.
- Stir in dried fruit if using. Store or serve with yogurt or milk.
Notes
- Store in airtight containers for up to 1 month or store in freezer containers or zip-top freezer bags for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Use unsweetened, smooth applesauce.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and for easy clean up.
- Avoid whole nuts for little kids. (I prefer chopped nuts or small seeds.)
- Chop any larger pieces of dried fruit to make sure it’s easy for the kids to eat.
- Grind the cooled granola in a food processor to make granola “sprinkles” for younger toddlers.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
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