I love to find health-conscious alternatives to some of my favorite foods. Granola is one of those foods. Although it has long been promoted as "health food", the sugar and carb content in most granolas make it a no-go for the carb conscious.
This sugar free granola changes all that. Based on nuts and seeds instead of oats, this granola is filled with protein and healthy fats instead of carbs. Just sweet enough thanks to a sugar substitute. And plenty crunchy and satisfying to provide the right fuel for your day!
Jump to:
Recipe Highlights
- Homemade sugar-free granola is a nutritious and delicious way to start your day. It is subtly sweet with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla for a delicious alternative to cereal!
- Keto-friendly and gluten-free, it's perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy, low carb diet.
- Made with nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners, it packs a punch in both taste and nutrition.
Ingredients Needed
How to Make this Sugar Free Granola
This is a pretty easy granola to make!
Just measure all the nuts, seeds, sweetener, and flaxseed meal into a large mixing bowl.
Melt the butter and add vanilla and cinnamon to it. Whip an egg white until it is very frothy and beginning to get a little stiff.
Add the whipped egg white and the butter mixture to the bowl and stir to mix. The entire mixture should be slightly damp.
Transfer the mixture to two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Spread out to form very thin layers.
Bake the granola at 325F for 15 to 18 minutes. I like to rotate the pans halfway to promote even baking. In my oven, 8 minutes, rotate, and 8 more minutes for a total of 16 minutes works just perfectly. I also use convection bake because it is a gas oven. Each oven is an individual, so watch your batch carefully as it bakes.
Allow the baked granola to cool. It will be a little soft right out of the oven but will crisp up as it cools. I cool it right on the baking sheets, unless it already looks too brown in which case I remove the entire piece of parchment paper and slide it onto the countertop to cool.
Once cool, break the granola apart into bite sized chunks and place in a covered container for storage. Enjoy it for a delicious breakfast or snack!
Serving Suggestions
I absolutely love this granola with some Greek yogurt and fresh berries. It's just sweet enough, but delivers a ton of protein and fiber to start my day! You could also have a whole bowl of it with a splash of milk and eat it cereal-style. Sprinkle a little on a chia seed smoothie bowl. And it makes a terrific munchie just for quick snacking. However you like your granola!
The Health Benefits of this Sugar Free Granola
Unlike a bowl of highly processed cereal, this granola provides some incredible health benefits. The variety of nuts and seeds provides a substantial source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which support heart health, improved digestion, and sustained energy levels.
Almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans are particularly noted for their heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidant properties. Pepitas and sunflower seeds are rich in magnesium and zinc, promoting immune function and bone health. Chia seeds and flaxseed meal are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory benefits and support brain health.
The addition of egg white increases the protein content, aiding in muscle repair and maintenance. Ceylon cinnamon not only enhances flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Overall, this nut-based granola is a nutrient-dense choice for a healthy diet.
Sugar Free Granola
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup pepitas
- ⅓ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ½ cup flaxseed meal
- 6 tablespoons sugar substitute (Swerve) granular or powdered
- 1 egg white whipped
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Ceylon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Add the nuts, seeds, flaxseed, and sweetener to a large mixing bowl. Toss to mix.1 cup sliced almonds, 1 cup chopped hazelnuts, 1 cup chopped pecans, ⅓ cup pepitas, ⅓ cup sunflower seeds, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, ½ cup flaxseed meal, 6 tablespoons sugar substitute (Swerve)
- Melt the butter, then whisk in the cinnamon and vanilla extract.¼ cup butter, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon Ceylon cinnamon
- Whip the egg white in a separate bowl until it is foamy.1 egg white
- Add the egg white and butter mixture to the bowl. Stir until the nuts are all evenly damp.
- Divide the mixture between the two prepared baking sheets and spread out thinly.
- Bake 15 to 18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway.
- Remove pans from oven and allow to cool completely, then break the granola apart. The granola will become more crisp as it cools.
Stacy says
I find homemade granola is so much better than store bought. I can’t wait to try this!
Sula says
Better tasting AND better for you - you can't beat that!