Start your mornings on a nourishing note with this Low Fat Crunchy Granola recipe—a lighter twist on the beloved breakfast classic without sacrificing flavor or texture. Packed with wholesome ingredients like old-fashioned rolled oats, chopped almonds, and sunflower seeds, this granola offers a perfect balance of crunch and natural sweetness, thanks to unsweetened applesauce and a touch of honey. Spiced with warm cinnamon and enhanced with optional dried cranberries or raisins, it’s baked to irresistible golden perfection in just 30 minutes. Ideal for meal prep, this heart-healthy, low-fat granola makes a versatile topping for yogurt, a crunchy addition to smoothie bowls, or even a satisfying snack straight from the jar. Quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious, it’s a delightful way to fuel your day!
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
In a small bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and stir the granola to ensure even cooking.
Return the granola to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely. It will crisp up further as it cools.
Once cooled, stir in the dried cranberries or raisins, if using.
Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy it with milk, yogurt, or as a snack on its own.
Calories |
2333 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 99.5 g | 128% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.5 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 602 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 328.7 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 48.5 g | 173% | |
| Total Sugars | 133.2 g | ||
| Protein | 63.7 g | 127% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 419 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 16.5 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 2189 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.