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!
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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! 🍯🥣
Equipment
- oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp allspice
- 2 Tbsp cacao powder
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree*, unsweetened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- In a large bowl, mix oats with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cacao powder.
- In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and oil.
- Add wet ingredients to the large bowl of granola and mix well.
- Spread the mixture onto the baking tray, lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Remove granola from the oven and allow it to cool down for a few minutes.
- Add chia seeds, dried cranberries, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Refrigerate in the airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition facts please?
Thank you Daisy for your comment! I just added the nutritional information.