Published:
Dec 12th 2021
by 
Nutritionally reviewed by 
Last updated: Sep 29th 2025
This sugar-free granola recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy oats, nutty cashews, and aromatic cinnamon, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast routine. The method is simple, allowing you to create a wholesome snack without any added sugars. Enjoy this granola on its own or paired with yogurt for a nutritious start to your day.
Pro Tip This sugar-free granola recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that’s quick and easy to prepare, taking just over an hour. It’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious breakfast throughout the week. With the flexibility to customize ingredients, this recipe fits seamlessly into any diet.
Key nutrients
- Fiber: from oats, almonds, and sesame seeds — supports digestive health and helps you feel full.
- Plant protein: from oats, cashews, almonds, and sesame seeds — helps maintain muscle and body functions.
- Healthy fats: from cashews, almonds, and sesame seeds — provide lasting energy and support cell health.
- Magnesium: from almonds and cashews — important for nerve and muscle function.
- Iron: from oats and sesame seeds — helps carry oxygen in the blood.
Why it matters
- Fiber can help support regular digestion and steady energy levels.
- Healthy fats may help you feel satisfied after eating.
- Plant-based protein is a good option for varied diets.
Balance & portion
Aim for a balanced plate (vegetables, protein, smart carbs). Choose portions that fit your needs.
What to watch
- Nuts and seeds — calorie-dense; portion control can help manage energy intake.
- Sodium — salt is added; adjust if you are limiting sodium.
Make it even better
- Add chia or flax seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s.
- Pair with fresh fruit to boost vitamins and antioxidants.
- Use unsalted nuts to further reduce sodium content.
- Try a dollop of plain yogurt for added protein and calcium.
General nutrition information only; verify labels and consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.
References
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — Whole Grains - For fiber benefits from oats.
Best fit
- Diabetic Friendly: No added sugars; uses whole grains and nuts for steady energy.
- Vegetarian: Contains only plant foods and egg whites, suitable for ovo-vegetarians.
- Low Cholesterol: Uses egg whites instead of whole eggs, reducing cholesterol content.
Use with caution / avoid
- Nut Allergy: Contains cashews and almonds; avoid if allergic to tree nuts.
- Gluten Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to avoid gluten cross-contamination.
- Vegan: Contains egg whites; not suitable unless modified.
Helpful modifications
- For vegan diets, replace egg whites with aquafaba to bind ingredients.
- For nut-free needs, swap nuts for pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- To lower sodium, reduce or omit added salt in the mix.
- Add chia or flax seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s.
Pair with: Greek yogurt or unsweetened plant-based yogurt and fresh berries for balanced protein and fiber.
General nutrition information only; verify labels and consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.
Contains: egg, cashew, almond, sesame.
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Egg
Where it appears: Egg whites.
Swap: Use aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a vegan and egg-free option.
-
Cashew
Where it appears: Cashews.
Swap: Use pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative with similar texture.
-
Almond
Where it appears: Sliced almonds.
Swap: Use sunflower seeds for a nut-free and crunchy substitute.
-
Sesame
Where it appears: Sesame seeds.
Swap: Omit if non-essential or use chia seeds for similar crunch.
Notes are based on the listed ingredients; always verify brand labels and local regulations. Swaps may require adjusting cook time and steps; the original recipe isn’t tailored to substitutions.
References
- FDA — Food Allergies - Used to confirm the major allergens and labeling requirements in the US.
Clean
- Wash hands with soap and water before handling ingredients.
- Clean all bowls, utensils, and baking sheets before use.
- Wipe down kitchen surfaces before and after preparing this recipe.
Separate
- Keep raw egg whites away from ready-to-eat foods and surfaces.
- Use a clean bowl for beating egg whites to avoid cross-contamination.
Cook
- Bake granola at 225 °F until fully dry and crispy.
- Egg whites should be cooked thoroughly to reduce risk of foodborne illness.
Chill
- Cool granola completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 1–2 weeks.
References
- CDC — Food Safety - General food safety guidance for home cooks.
- FDA — Egg Safety - Safe handling and cooking of eggs information.
- Granola gets its signature crunch from baking oats and nuts at a low temperature until golden.
- Egg whites act as a natural binder, helping clusters form without added sugar or oil.
- Cinnamon adds warm flavor and aroma, making this granola feel indulgent without sweetness.
- Homemade granola lets you control the ingredients, avoiding hidden sugars found in many store-bought versions.
Name & origins
Granola is an American breakfast staple, known for its toasted oat and nut clusters enjoyed since the late 19th century.
Ingredient spotlight
- Oats: The base, offering a hearty texture and mild flavor that crisps beautifully when baked.
- Cashews & Almonds: Add crunch and a mix of sweet and slightly bitter notes to balance flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Contribute a nutty aroma and extra crunch to each bite.
- Cinnamon: Delivers warmth and depth, enhancing the overall taste profile.
Technique tidbit
Whipping egg whites introduces air, helping the granola bake up light and form crisp clusters without added fat.
Before you start
- Gather all ingredients and tools to streamline the process.
- Preheat the oven to ensure even baking.
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume.
During cooking
- Watch for a golden color to indicate crispiness.
- Stir every 20 minutes to achieve uniform browning.
- Avoid overmixing the egg whites to maintain fluffiness.
- Spread mixture evenly to prevent clumping during baking.
Make-ahead & storage
- Store cooled granola in an airtight container for freshness.
- Re-crisp in the oven for a few minutes if it softens.
Common mistakes
- Burning granola → Check frequently towards the end of baking.
- Granola clumping → Ensure even spreading before baking.
Serve with
- Greek yogurt for a creamy and protein-rich breakfast option.
- Fresh fruit salad to add a refreshing and juicy contrast.
- Nut butter drizzle for added richness and flavor.
Toppings & textures
- Chopped fresh herbs like mint for a vibrant touch.
- A sprinkle of chia seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Occasions
- Perfect for meal prep, making breakfast easy throughout the week.
- A great choice for brunch gatherings or potlucks.
Substitutions
- If you lack cashews, use walnuts for a richer flavor and crunch.
- For a nut-free version, replace nuts with pumpkin seeds to maintain texture.
- Use aquafaba instead of egg whites for a vegan alternative.
Variations
- Add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for natural sweetness and chewiness.
- Incorporate cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist that complements the oats.
Refrigerate
- Allow granola to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 1–2 weeks for optimal freshness.
Freeze
- Freezing not recommended, as it may affect the granola's crisp texture.
Reheat
- Re-crisp in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
Repurpose ideas
- Add to smoothies for a crunchy texture and flavor boost.
- Use as a topping for baked fruit desserts or oatmeal.
Store-bought granola may contain all kinds of ingredients that you'd rather not consume. From hidden sugars to fatty oil-rich substances, it's a lot better to just make your own.
This healthy granola recipe contains a wealth of valuable ingredients that you'll love.
Oats - Oats are essentially the backbone of this healthy granola recipe. Not only do they provide a base for the recipe, but they are also tasty and have next to no sugar content.
It's important to note that if you're making this a gluten-free recipe, you need to ensure that you buy certified gluten-free oats.
Cashews - Cashews give just a note of sweetness to your granola while contributing a lot of texture and nutty flavor.
Almonds - Unlike cashews, almonds tend to have a slightly bitter taste. This helps to balance the flavor profile of the granola, preventing it from becoming too sweet or too nutty.
Sesame Seeds - Although sesame seeds aren't nuts, they still have a fairly nutty flavor profile. Along with the crunchy texture they provide, this means they contribute towards that sort of nutty, semi-sweet, semi-savory flavor that you're familiar with.
Ground Cinnamon and Salt - One reason why this low-sugar granola recipe is so fantastic, is that it literally contains no added sugar. However, that doesn't mean that the recipe is flavorless. The addition of cinnamon actually helps to lower the amount of sugar absorbed into your bloodstream, while adding a significant amount of flavor.
Egg Whites - The egg whites in this sugar-free granola recipe act as a binding agent. They bring together all the individual ingredients into the sort of clumpy texture that most people associate with granola.
Vanilla Extract - The vanilla extract helps to create that slight vanilla flavor that you usually encounter in granola. However, because you're using a pure extract, it's not an artificial flavoring, and it doesn't contain any additional sugar.
What substitutions can I make in this sugar-free granola recipe?
If you don't have cashews, walnuts can be used for a richer flavor. For a nut-free version, replace the nuts with pumpkin seeds, and use aquafaba instead of egg whites for a vegan alternative.
Can I make this sugar-free granola recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this granola can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for freshness. It is best consumed within 1–2 weeks for optimal taste and texture.
Time & Serves
Ingredients
2 cups Oats, dry
1/2 cup Cashews
1/4 cup Almonds, sliced
1/4 cup Sesame Seeds
2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Salt
3 Large Egg whites
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
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