Healthy Low-Calorie Granola

If you love a crunchy, slightly sweet, and satisfying breakfast or snack, this Healthy Low-Calorie Granola is a must-try! Unlike store-bought granola, which is often loaded with excess sugar and unhealthy oils, this homemade version is nutrient-dense, naturally sweetened, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Perfect for sprinkling over yogurt, pairing with plant-based milk, or eating by the handful, this granola delivers deliciousness without the guilt. And the best part? It’s quick and easy to make!

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Why You’ll Love This Healthy Low-Calorie Granola

✔️ Wholesome Ingredients – Made with gluten-free oats, chia seeds, and dried cranberries, providing fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
✔️ Lower in Calories – Each serving contains approximately 240 calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
✔️ Crunchy and Flavorful – A perfect balance of warm spices, chocolatey richness, and natural sweetness.
✔️ Versatile – Enjoy it as a cereal, topping, or a satisfying snack on its own.
✔️ Super Easy to Make – Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

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Healthy Low-Calorie Granola Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Author: Elena Merklin

Ingredients

• 2 cups gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon allspice
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder
• ¼ cup unsweetened pumpkin puree (or applesauce/mashed banana)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup dark maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup dairy-free chocolate chips

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cacao powder.
• Stir well so that the spices and cacao are evenly distributed among the oats.

3️⃣ Prepare Wet Mixture

• In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil until smooth and fully combined.

4️⃣ Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients.
• Using a spatula or large spoon, mix thoroughly until all the oats are evenly coated.

5️⃣ Bake the Granola

• Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking tray.
• Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.

6️⃣ Cool and Add Mix-Ins

• Remove from the oven and let the granola cool for a few minutes.
• Stir in chia seeds, dried cranberries, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

7️⃣ Store and Enjoy

• Transfer the cooled granola into an airtight container and store in the fridge.
• Enjoy within two weeks for the best freshness and crunch!

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Tips for Perfect Granola

• For Bigger Clusters: Press the granola down onto the baking sheet before baking and avoid stirring it too much.
• To Make It Crunchier: Let the granola fully cool before storing—it will harden as it cools.
• Customize the Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap out or add nuts, seeds, or different dried fruits!

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Ways to Enjoy This Granola

🥣 As a Cereal – Pour plant-based milk over it for a nutritious breakfast.
🍨 As a Yogurt Topper – Sprinkle it over non-dairy yogurt for a crunchy twist.
🍫 With Smoothie Bowls – Adds extra texture and flavor to your smoothie bowls.
🥡 On-the-Go Snack – Keep a small bag in your purse for a quick, healthy treat.
🍏 Over Fresh Fruit – Pair it with apples, bananas, or berries for a naturally sweet snack.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Nut-Free Version – This recipe is already nut-free, but you can swap the coconut oil for applesauce if preferred.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use certified gluten-free oats for a completely gluten-free granola.
• Oil-Free Option – Replace coconut oil with extra pumpkin puree or applesauce for a no-oil version.
• Extra Protein – Add pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds for a protein boost!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

For the best texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats may result in a softer, less crunchy granola.

2. How do I store this granola?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

3. How can I make this granola sweeter?

Increase the maple syrup or add extra dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates.

4. Can I make this granola without chocolate chips?

Yes! You can omit the chocolate chips or replace them with chopped nuts or sunflower seeds.

5. How do I make the granola extra crispy?

For crispier granola, bake at a slightly lower temperature (325°F) for a few extra minutes. Let it cool completely before storing to keep it crunchy.

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Final Thoughts

This Healthy Low-Calorie Granola is the perfect homemade alternative to store-bought granola. It’s nutrient-packed, crunchy, naturally sweetened, and super easy to make!

Try it out and let me know in the comments: What’s your favorite way to enjoy granola?

✨ Happy baking! 🍯🥣