FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• My Healthy Granola Recipe Has All The Crunch Without The Sugar
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Granola
• My Recipe Tips
• Healthy Granola Recipe Recipe card
• Flavor Variations
• Serving Ideas
• More Healthy Oat Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

My Healthy Granola Recipe Has All The Crunch Without The Sugar

Granola was one of my favorite snacks growing up. I used to come home from school, grab a big bowl, and munch while doing homework. And while I’ve made lots of low carb granola for myself over the years, my kids love oats, and the store-bought stuff is often too sweet. So, I started making this healthy granola for them… and before I knew it, I was enjoying this granola recipe myself, too. Here’s why I always keep a batch around:

• Crunchy, toasty clusters – These golden bites bake up with a satisfying crunch. Not too hard or too soft, and they stay that way even after storing.
• Naturally sweet, without the sugar – I use my natural sugar-free maple syrup to keep it just sweet enough, but what really makes this granola recipe satisfying is the blend of nuts, seeds, and fruit. They add fiber, healthy fats, and a little chew in every bite.
• Easy, quick, and customizable – This homemade granola comes together with just a few pantry staples and 10 minutes of prep. And I love switching up the mix-ins depending on what I have on hand.

If you’re looking for a simple, versatile, and healthy granola recipe, you just found it. It’s the one I turn to again and again, and again. Make it with me!

“This was so easy to make and I love eating it for breakfast with my Greek yogurt. So many delicious ways to use this!”

-karen

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my homemade granola recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Rolled Oats – I recommend old-fashioned rolled oats for granola recipes. Avoid quick-cooking oats or steel-cut oats, as they won’t create the classic granola texture.
• Mixed Nuts & Seeds – I like using a mix of pecans, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds, but any combo you like will work. Walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, chia seeds, or even a pre-mixed bag from the pantry are great options.
• Coconut Oil – This helps everything get crispy and form clusters. Melted butter works, too.
• Maple Syrup – I use my natural Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Maple Syrup to sweeten this healthy granola recipe. You can use regular maple syrup, honey, or even sugar-free honey for a softer sweetness.
• Dried Fruit – This is optional, but I like adding a handful for extra flavor and texture. You can use raisins, dried cranberries , apricots, or blueberries.
• Cinnamon , Vanilla Extract & Sea Salt – For flavor! The amount of cinnamon I added here is very subtle, so add more if you want it very noticeable.

How To Make Granola

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, sea salt, and cinnamon.
2. Add the wet ingredients. Mix in melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.

1. Bake the granola. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer. Bake until golden and crisp.
2. Cool completely. Let the homemade granola cool before breaking it into clusters. It continues to crisp up as it sits, so don’t rush this part.
3. Add dried fruit. If you’re using dried fruit, stir it in once the healthy granola has cooled. Store in an airtight container (I like these jars ) until you’re ready to enjoy.

My Recipe Tips

• Sweeten to your taste. Feel free to taste the granola before baking to check the sweetness. You can adjust the amount of maple syrup to your liking. I made mine just lightly sweet.
• Spread the granola is in a thin, even layer. If it’s piled too thick or some areas are thicker than others, it won’t cook evenly or can burn in spots.
• Stir if you don’t want clumps. I like clumpy granola, so I don’t stir during baking, but if you like yours finer, stir every 10-15 minutes during baking.
• Timing can vary depending on thickness. Granola goes from golden to burnt quickly, so watch closely. Especially if you’re using my sugar-free maple syrup , which caramelizes more quickly than regular.
• Cool completely. Before attempting to break the granola into pieces, let it cool completely. It won’t be fully crisp until cooled.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 cups Rolled Oats (gluten-free if desired) ▢
• 1/2 cup Mixed nuts and seeds (use just seeds for nut-free option) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon ▢
• 1/2 cup Coconut oil (melted) ▢
• 1/3 cup Maple syrup (I used sugar-free maple syrup , but any kind works) ▢
• 1 tbsp Vanilla extract ▢
• 1/2 cup Dried fruit (optional; chopped) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, sea salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20- 30 minutes , stirring every 10 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven. Cool completely before breaking into pieces.
6. Stir in the dried fruit, if using.
7. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the right sweetness, avoid uneven baking, and make your granola as clumpy (or not) as you like!
• Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks—I like mason jars but cereal dispensers work too!
• Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
• Note on nutrition info: The nutrition info uses regular maple syrup and does not include the optional dried fruit.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Homemade Granola Recipe

Flavor Variations

One of my favorite things about homemade granola is how easy it is to change up the flavors. Try one of these simple twists next time you make it:

• Chocolate – Swap the dried fruit for chocolate chips (I like these sugar free chips ), or stir in 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
• Caramel – Try Besti Brown or regular brown sugar instead of maple syrup for a deeper caramel flavor. I sometimes skip the dried fruit and drizzle sugar-free caramel on top when serving.
• Pumpkin – Switch out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for an easy fall-inspired version. It makes the kitchen smell amazing!

Serving Ideas

There are so many ways to enjoy this healthy granola recipe, whether you’re keeping it simple or getting a little creative. Here are some of my favorites:

• Breakfast bowl – The classic option. Pour your favorite milk over it for a crunchy cereal, or top coconut yogurt or an acai bowl for that creamy-meets-crispy combo.
• Top desserts – I love using this homemade granola as dessert topper. Try sprinkling it over my banana muffins , breakfast muffins , or protein muffins before baking, or almond milk ice cream before serving.
• Fruit – Sprinkle it over fruit with a drizzle of peanut butter, or make a parfait by layering the fruit and granola with yogurt.
• Fall sides – I love this stuff to add crunch to sweet-and-savory fall dishes, like roasted butternut squash , healthy roasted sweet potatoes , or mashed sweet potatoes .

More Healthy Oat Recipes

If you like this granola recipe, you’ll enjoy my other healthy breafast ideas with oats:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Healthy Granola Recipe

My homemade, healthy granola recipe makes the perfect breakfast or snack with real food ingredients. So easy to make!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/granola-recipe/

Ingredients

• 4 cups Rolled Oats (gluten-free if desired)
• 1/2 cup Mixed nuts and seeds (use just seeds for nut-free option)
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Coconut oil (melted)
• 1/3 cup Maple syrup (I used sugar-free maple syrup , but any kind works)
• 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Dried fruit (optional; chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, sea salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20- 30 minutes , stirring every 10 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven. Cool completely before breaking into pieces.
6. Stir in the dried fruit, if using.
7. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the right sweetness, avoid uneven baking, and make your granola as clumpy (or not) as you like!
• Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks—I like mason jars but cereal dispensers work too!
• Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
• Note on nutrition info: The nutrition info uses regular maple syrup and does not include the optional dried fruit.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)