Low-sugar granola

Name: Low-sugar granola
Yield: Makes about 900g
Cuisine: British recipes
Ingredients: 6 tbsp coconut oil; 500g mixed rolled grains, such as oats and rye; 100g coconut flakes (see Know-how); 100g dried fruit, cut into smaller pieces if large (we used dried cranberries and apricots); 100g mixed nuts, roughly chopped (we used almonds and hazelnuts); 100g mixed seeds (we used pumpkin and sunflower); 2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup, or to taste; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Published: 1 May 15
Updated: 27 May 25

While most shop-bought granolas are alarmingly high in sugar, our granola recipe is lower in sugar and made with coconut oil, coconut flakes, mixed fruits, nuts and seeds. We’ve used natural sources of unrefined sugar – maple syrup and dried fruit – to produce a crunchy granola that’s full of flavour without being sickly sweet. In fact, we managed to reduce the amount of sugar by 83 per cent. We also used low-GI ingredients such as mixed grains, nuts and seeds, which help to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Makes about 900g
Hands-on time 10min, oven time 15 min

Visit deliciousmagazine.co.uk to save recipe

Ingredients

6 tbsp coconut oil
500g mixed rolled grains, such as oats and rye
100g coconut flakes (see Know-how)
100g dried fruit, cut into smaller pieces if large (we used dried cranberries and apricots)
100g mixed nuts, roughly chopped (we used almonds and hazelnuts)
100g mixed seeds (we used pumpkin and sunflower)
2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup, or to taste
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

Heat the oven to 170ºC/fan150ºC/gas 3½. In a small saucepan, gently warm the coconut oil until it melts to an even pouring consistency. Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.
Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the maple syrup and vanilla to the melted coconut oil and stir well.
Pour the coconut oil mixture over the dry ingredients, then work well with your Hands, lifting and mixing until all ingredients are covered in a light sheen. Taste and add more maple syrup if needed.
Line 4 baking sheets with baking paper, then divide the granola among them in a single layer (or use two baking sheets and work in batches). It’s important the granola isn’t too crowded when it goes into the oven.
Bake for 15 minutes, giving the granola a gentle stir halfway through. Keep an eye on it from around the 10 minute mark to prevent burning.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and set aside for the granola to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container, ready to sprinkle over yogurt or poached fruit.

Recipe from March 2015 Issue

Nutrition

Nutrition: per serving

Traditional version (per 25g): 111kcals, 4.4g fat (1.7g saturated) 2.3g protein, 14.7g carbs (7.9g sugars), no salt, 1.9g fibre

Calories: 106kcals
Fat: 5.8g (2.3g saturated)
Protein: 2.9g
Carbohydrates: 10.7g (1.3g sugars)
Fibre: 1.8g
Salt: 0g

delicious. tips

The liquid added to the oats and seeds before baking softens the oats and helps them to form the characteristic granola clusters. You can squeeze the wet mixture together with your hands before spreading out on the baking sheet to encourage them to form clusters.

Visit a health food shop and pick up your favourite combination of dried fruits, nuts and seeds. As long as you keep the basic quantities the same, you can make this granola your own by using the ingredients you like best.

How to vary your granola:
If you don’t like hazelnuts or almonds: Use different nuts or add in pumpkin seeds.

For a fruitier recipe: Add in more chopped dried fruit, such as apple or berries.

For a spicier recipe: Swap in ground ginger or mixed spice.

For a sweet treat: Add chunks of chocolate once cool.
The finished granola will keep in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.
Coconut flakes are large curls of coconut flesh – not to be confused with desiccated coconut. Find them in greengrocers and health food shops.

Fancy getting a copy in print?

Subscribe to our magazine

Low-sugar granola

Ingredients

Method

Nutrition

delicious. tips

More to discover