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Healthy Oil-Free Granola Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

This healthy oil-free granola recipe offers a crunchy and flavorful breakfast or snack option made with oats, walnuts, flaxseed, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and applesauce. It’s baked to golden perfection without any added oils, making it a wholesome and nutritious choice for granola lovers.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup steel-cut oats (optional)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, steel-cut oats (if using), chopped walnuts, flaxseed meal, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the pure maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract over the dry oat mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly until the oats and nuts are evenly coated with the wet ingredients.
  4. Spread Mixture and Bake: Evenly spread the granola mixture over the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, gently tossing the granola halfway through to ensure even browning and prevent burning. Keep a close eye near the end of baking to avoid overcooking.
  5. Cool the Granola: When the granola has turned golden and toasted, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool on the baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes; this cooling step helps it crisp up perfectly.
  6. Store and Enjoy: Once cooled, transfer the granola into an airtight container or jar. Store at room temperature until ready to enjoy as a breakfast topping, snack, or with yogurt and milk.

Notes

  • For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates after baking.
  • Walnuts can be substituted with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or cashews based on preference or allergy considerations.
  • Steel-cut oats are optional and add extra crunch; you can omit them if desired or not on hand.
  • Ensure to toss the granola halfway during baking to prevent uneven cooking or burning.
  • Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
  • This granola can be enjoyed with milk, yogurt, or on its own as a crunchy snack.