With over 24 million views across my social media, this no added sugar apple granola has become one of the most loved recipes on my blog! I’ve received thousands of lovely comments, DMs, and photos from people making it and putting their own spin on it — seeing your creations truly makes my day. Thank you, and please keep them coming!
So why has this healthy granola recipe gone viral and become such a favourite? I think it’s because it ticks all the boxes: it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home, it’s naturally sweetened with fruit (no added sugar or syrups needed), and it’s easy to make in one bowl — no fancy equipment or complicated steps. It’s also allergy-friendly: vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free if you use GF oats. But most of all, it tastes amazing.
One of the key tricks? Grating the apples. It helps release their natural juices, which not only sweetens the granola but also binds everything together — all without needing any added sugar. The apples bake down into sweet, soft golden clusters, and the mix of oats, seeds, and spices gives this sugar free breakfast idea a satisfying crunch and warm flavour.
Every crunchy bite is packed with goodness, from the fibre in the oats and apples to the omega-3 boost from flaxseeds and chia seeds.
Enjoy this apple granola on its own, sprinkled over yoghurt, or with your favourite plant-based milk. It’s proof that a simple, nourishing recipe with no added sugar can still feel like a treat.
No Sugar Needed
For me, it’s all about simple everyday choices. Instead of using refined sugar, I love finding natural ways to sweeten my breakfast — like with apples. Once baked, their natural sugars concentrate beautifully, creating the perfect balance of sweetness with no added sugar. This apple granola is a great example of how a little creativity can turn everyday ingredients into a nourishing, feel-good meal. It also aligns with NHS guidance to cut back on free sugars, making it a smart sugar free breakfast idea that still tastes amazing.
This healthy granola recipe is packed with fibre, healthy fats, and slow-releasing carbs from the oats, helping to keep energy levels steady all morning. The flax and chia seeds add a boost of omega-3s and plant protein, while keeping it nut-free, vegan, and gluten-free (if using GF oats). A naturally sweet start to the day that feels good and tastes buonissimo.
Tips
- Grate your apples finely: This helps release more natural juice, which sweetens and binds the granola without needing any added sugar.
- Spread it out well: Make sure the granola is in a thin, even layer on your tray. This helps it bake evenly and go crispy instead of steamy.
- Use baking paper: It prevents sticking and makes it easier to break up the clusters after baking.
- Don’t stir too often: Let it bake undisturbed for at least 20 minutes before checking. This helps clusters form — the best part of any healthy granola recipe!
- Cool completely before storing: It crisps up as it cools. If you transfer it to a jar too early, the steam will make it soggy.
- Adjust sweetness naturally: If your apples are very tart, you can add a handful of raisins or chopped dried apricots to the baked granola for a little extra natural sweetness.
Swaps
Oats: Use gluten-free oats if needed. You can also try quinoa flakes, though the texture will vary slightly. They won’t give quite the same crunch, but they’re still a great option for this healthy granola recipe.
Apples: I used Gala apples for their natural sweetness, but you’re more than welcome to experiment with any type of apple you like. If you want to try a different fruit, I’d recommend pears — just make sure they’re crunchy and crisp, not too ripe, so they’ll grate well and still help bind your apple granola with no added sugar.
Coconut oil: I think this oil adds a subtle flavour that really enhances this sugar free breakfast idea, but if you don’t have any, swap with any neutral oil of your choice. Mild oils like light olive oil or avocado oil will work just fine. Melted vegan butter is another good alternative.
Chia seeds: These can be replaced with extra flaxseeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and omega-3 boost.
Flaxseed: Swap with more chia seeds or even ground sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free option. They help bind the mix and add extra fibre.
Cinnamon & ginger: Adjust the spices to taste — try nutmeg, mixed spice, or simply leave them out if you prefer it plain. The spices really bring out the flavour of the baked apples and oats.
Optional Add-Ons
I wanted to make this recipe gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan so everyone could enjoy it. The best part is, once the granola has completely cooled down, you can add any extra toppings you like:
Raisins or chopped dates: For extra natural sweetness after baking (don’t bake them or they’ll burn).
Pumpkin or sunflower seeds: Add crunch and extra nutrients like zinc and magnesium.
Coconut flakes: Stir in after baking for a tropical twist.
Cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips: Sprinkle in once cooled for a healthy chocolatey touch.
A pinch of cardamom or nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth to the flavour.
Storage
Fridge: Not needed. Store this apple granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the granola in a sealed container or reusable bag for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before freezing and allow to come to room temperature before serving.
More Granola Recipes
Apple Granola (No Added Sugar, Easy & Healthy)
Ingredients
- 100 g oats
- 2 medium apple
- 1 tbsp flaxseed
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 30 ml coconut oil
Spice mix
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Grate the apples and transfer to a bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix until all the components are well incorporated.
- Lay on a baking tray, with baking paper on it. Use a large baking tray so you can spread the ingredients nicely, as much as possible.
- Bake on a pre-heated oven at 180C for 40mins. It’s important here to mix regularly, 3-4 times, so the granola will cook evenly.
- Once it is ready, turn the oven off and leave to cool down into the oven with the door slightly open).
Video
Notes
- Use gluten-free oats if needed. Quinoa flakes can work too, but the texture will be slightly softer.
- I used Gala apples for their natural sweetness, but any apple variety is fine. Pears can be used instead — just make sure they’re firm enough to grate.
- If you don’t have coconut oil, swap it with any neutral oil like light olive oil or avocado oil. Melted vegan butter also works well.
- Let the granola cool completely before storing — it crisps up as it cools.
- Store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Not suitable for freezing.