Slightly Sweet Almond Granola

I think granola is one of those foods that is often mistaken as a health food. Traditional granola is loaded with sugar, in the form of honey and brown sugar, and lots of oil. I like my granola very lightly sweetened, especially if its going to be eaten on flavored yogurt. I don’t need to be eating pure sugar first thing in the morning, lets save that for dessert. This granola is slightly sweet, crunchy, nutty, and delicious. Its my new breakfast (and snack by the handful) staple. Make sure you check out the amazing nutritional stats at the bottom of the post.

Lightly Sweetened Almond Granola

Makes 7 servings (1/2 cup each)

2 Tbs honey

1-2 Tbs brown sugar (optional for a sweeter granola)

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1/4 cup applesauce

1/4-1/2 tsp almond extract

3 cups old fashioned oats

1/2 cup almonds, chopped

2 Tbs ground flax seed

1/4 cup craisins + 1 Tb water

Place craisins into a large microwave safe bowl with 1 Tbs water and microwave for 30 seconds. This will prevent them from drying out when baking the granola.

Measure honey, coconut oil, applesauce, and brown sugar (if you are adding it) into the bowl and microwave for another 30 seconds to melt everything together. Give it a stir. This is just very slightly sweetened so if you are accustomed to a sweeter granola add the brown sugar. I personally omit it most of the time.

Add almond flavoring. I like mine very almond-y so I add 1/2 tsp. If you want a more subtle flavor only use 1/4 tsp, it is pretty strong stuff.

Add oats, almonds, and flax seed to wet ingredients and mix very well. If your almonds aren’t salted, add 1/8 tsp salt. I use my hands to make sure its evenly distributed and to massage the wet into the oats.

Place on baking sheet and lightly push down, kind of like you are making granola bars. This will help it clump better since there is so little oil and honey.

Bake at 300F for 45 minutes, stirring gently every 15 minutes (breaking it up as little as possible).

Enjoy on top of yogurt, dredged in milk, on top of ice cream, or by the handful!

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 171

Fat: 7.5 g

Sodium: 50 mg (2%)

Carbs: 23 g

Fiber: 3.5 g

Sugars: 9 g

Protein: 4.2 g