My kids are super picky eaters! They will not touch a bowl of oatmeal, but they will snack on granola all day long. I never used to eat granola because when I looked at the nutrition facts not only were they full of sugar but also full of fat. So, they tended to be very calorie dense and not very helpful if you’re wanting to stay in a deficit. That changed when I needed something to aide in milk production after having my kids. So, I decided to make my own granola.

I wanted something that was going to still have that crunch but without using oil. Since fat is the highest in calories with 9 calories per gram verses 4 calories per gram with carbs and protein. And no matter what diet you’re on it is all about calories in verses calories out. To my surprise applesauce was a great oil replacement! Not only did it add extra natural sweetness, but it still gave that crunch when cooked.

My recipe is simple but delicious enough that I can get my kids and husband to eat it as well! which is a plus in my book!

Here is what you need:

2 and 3/4 Cup of Rolled Oats

1/4 Cup of Sliced Almonds

1/2 cup of unsweetened apple sauce

1/3 cup of honey or honey substitute if wanting it to be less sugar.

1/2 tsp of cinnamon

a pinch of salt

1/4 cup of Crasins (50% less sugar) this is also optional.

Pre heat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix all of your ingredients together in a bowl except Crasins.

Make sure you spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray or even better I would recommend using parchment paper if you have it. Parchment paper makes for easy clean up and less sticking.

Add mixture in a thin layer on the baking sheet. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Bake for 25-30 minutes depending on your oven. Let cool completely before adding Crasins.

Enjoy on top of yogurt, as a cereal or just a snack!

Nutrition Facts (for recipe with honey and crasins both are optional)

Servings:6 Amount per serving Calories 138 % Daily Value*Total Fat 1.8g 2%Saturated Fat 0.2g 1% Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 2mg 0%Total Carbohydrate 29.3g 11%Dietary Fiber 2.8g 10%Total Sugars 15.3g Protein 2.7g Vitamin D 0mcg0%Calcium 16mg1%Iron 1mg5%Potassium 97mg2%*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.Recipe analyzed by 📷