No Added Sugar Granola (Naturally Sweetened & Crunchy)

This healthy no added sugar granola is naturally sweetened with date sugar and monk fruit for a perfectly crunchy, lightly sweet flavor. It’s an easy granola recipe that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or yogurt bowls.

If you love granola but want to avoid all the extra sugar that comes with most store-bought options, you’re not alone. I spent a long time searching for a no added sugar granola that actually tasted good—and while I did find one I liked, the price tag wasn’t something I could justify long term.

So I set out to create my own healthy granola with no added sugar, made with simple, nourishing ingredients and naturally sweetened without any processed sugar or syrups. This easy recipe uses date powder and monk fruit for just the right amount of sweetness, along with cashew butter, coconut oil, and crunchy cashews for the perfect texture.

If you love granola as much as I do, you might also enjoy my classic homemade granola recipe for a more traditional version.

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Why You’ll Love This No Added Sugar Granola

If you’re looking for a no added sugar granola that’s simple, nourishing, and actually delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes:

• Made with minimal, wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, cashew butter, coconut oil, and crunchy cashews
• Naturally sweetened with date powder and monk fruit—no refined sugar or syrups
• More affordable than store-bought granola

It’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or topping yogurt—aka the kind of granola without added sugar you’ll want to keep on hand all week.

If you prefer a more traditional sweetened version, my classic homemade granola recipe uses honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.

How to Make Granola Without Sugar or Syrup

I originally created this no added sugar granola after falling in love with a store-bought version made with cashew butter and simple ingredients—but not the price tag. This homemade version has that same rich flavor and crunchy texture, without any refined sugar or syrups.

Follow these simple steps to make your own healthy homemade granola at home:

1. Combine the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats and chopped cashews until evenly combined.

2. Mix the wet ingredients

In a microwave-safe glass bowl, gently melt the coconut oil and cashew butter until smooth.

Stir in the date sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, monk fruit sweetener, and salt until everything is well combined.

👉 Tip: Make sure the mixture is fully smooth so it coats the oats evenly.

3. Combine wet and dry

Pour the wet mixture over the oat and cashew mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.

👉 This step is key for creating those delicious granola clusters!

4. Spread onto a baking sheet

Transfer the granola mixture to a rimmed baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.

👉 For chunkier granola, press the mixture down gently with a spatula.

5. Bake until golden and crisp

Bake at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even browning.

The granola is done when it’s lightly golden and fragrant—it will continue to crisp up as it cools.

6. Cool and store

Let the granola cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store at room temperature for up to a month (if it lasts that long!)

This easy granola without added sugar is perfect for meal prep and makes a delicious breakfast, snack, or yogurt topping anytime you need it.

Ingredients for Naturally Sweetened Granola

This no added sugar granola is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together for the perfect balance of flavor and crunch—without any refined sugar or syrups.

• Rolled oats – the hearty base of this healthy homemade granola
• Cashews – add crunch and a naturally rich, buttery flavor
• Coconut oil – helps everything crisp up beautifully in the oven
• Cashew butter – creates those delicious clusters and adds depth
• Date sugar (or date powder) – a natural sweetener made from whole dates
• Cocoa powder – adds a subtle chocolatey richness
• Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
• Monk fruit liquid sweetener – boosts sweetness without added sugar
• Salt – just a pinch to balance and bring out all the flavors

Note: You can make organic granola by choosing organic ingredients!

Is Date Sugar Healthy?

Date sugar (or date powder) is made from whole, dried dates that are ground into a powder, making it less processed than refined sugar. Because it retains some of the fruit’s natural fiber, vitamins, and minerals—like potassium and antioxidants—it’s often considered a more wholesome sweetener. It also has a relatively low glycemic index, which may lead to a slower rise in blood sugar.

That said, it’s still a form of sugar and best used in moderation. In this naturally sweetened granola, date sugar adds a subtle, balanced sweetness without relying on refined sugars or syrups like honey or maple syrup.

Tips for Perfectly Crunchy Granola Without Sugar

Getting that perfectly crisp texture in a granola without added sugar is totally doable—these simple tips make all the difference:

• Stir every 5 minutes while baking to ensure even browning and prevent burning
• Spread the granola in an even layer so it bakes uniformly
• Press it down lightly before baking if you want more clusters
• Don’t overbake—it will continue to crisp up as it cools
• Let it cool completely before storing for maximum crunch

Want to customize this no added sugar granola? Here are a few tested sweetener variations I’ve tried.

Sweetener Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about this naturally sweetened granola is how flexible it is when it comes to sweeteners. I’ve tested a few variations, and they all turned out delicious—just slightly different:

• Allulose option: I’ve made this with about 2 tablespoons of liquid allulose sweetener instead of monk fruit. It works well, but keep in mind that allulose tends to make the granola brown faster in the oven, so watch it closely.
• Date sugar only (no liquid sweetener): I’ve also tested a version using only date sugar, with no monk fruit or allulose at all. For my taste, it was plenty sweet and had a more subtle, natural flavor.

Personally, I don’t love the aftertaste of monk fruit, so I prefer the version made with just date sugar. But feel free to experiment and find the balance of sweetness that works best for you!

How to Serve Granola (Toppings & Serving Ideas)

One of the best things about this granola is how versatile it is. There are so many easy ways to enjoy it beyond just snacking by the handful (which I’ve been known to do!)

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• With milk – Enjoy it like a traditional cereal with dairy or non-dairy milk
• With yogurt – Add it to Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt for extra crunch
• Fresh fruit – Top with berries, banana slices, or apple chunks
• Dried fruit – Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates add extra natural sweetness
• Flaxseed meal or hemp hearts – For an extra boost of fiber, protein, and healthy fats

It’s also delicious on top of ice cream (believe me!) and also makes a great topping for smoothie bowls or other healthy desserts when you want a little crunch.

More Healthy Breakfast & Snack Recipes

If you love this no added sugar granola, here are a few more healthy breakfast and snack ideas you might enjoy:

• Traditional Homemade Granola Recipe
• High-Protein Overnight Oats Recipes
• Healthy Protein Bar Recipes
• No-Bake Protein Balls
• Healthy Breakfast Cereals

FAQ About No Added Sugar Granola

Let me know if you make this granola recipe! I’d love to know your thoughts!