It's been a few weeks since I've been telling myself that I should make granola again. It's really super convenient to have on hand. A craving for a different breakfast and boom, you just have to open a jar and it's ready! Plus it's really not very long to make (unfortunately, it disappears just as quickly ^^!). And industrial versions are generally loaded with sugar, not great then, to start the day. So I decided to make my own recipe for Low-Sugar Granola.

When I stumbled upon a report about Hollybelly 5, known for its breakfasts (in the Very Very Good show), I saw it as a sign. The report didn't mention the exact measurements of the recipe but indicated the secret ingredient used by the chef to reduce the sugar: applesauce! I thought the idea was brilliant and I had to try it!

I started with a classic granola base by enriching it with leftovers from my pantry (that's also the whole beauty of granola): walnuts from the garden, pumpkin seeds and pistachios. A hint of spices to liven it all up (cinnamon and ginger to match the fall theme). Then, add the sugars: homemade applesauce and maple syrup.

Applesauce provides fructose which has the advantage of sweetening but with a much lower glycemic index than white sugar. Maple syrup is also recognized for reducing the glycemic index of a recipe. Well, obviously it's not about doubling the doses, simply trying to choose more nutritionally useful ingredients.

Since the applesauce is incorporated at the same time as all the ingredients, it ends up being slowly dried out in the oven. So, the final result is nice and crispy and not moist. The apple brings a flavor that really changes things, on the other hand, I don't really know how long you can keep this granola. I couldn't do any tests, there was already none left after a week ^^.

15 minutes of prep and about an hour of cooking and there you go: a perfect balanced breakfast that's really delicious. I'm convinced it will also work wonderfully with your children to replace cereals that are way (way) too sugary! To be enjoyed soaked in milk or as a topping for yogurt or fromage blanc. If you find it really too unsweetened when tasting, you can always sprinkle a (small) teaspoon of brown sugar, crunch guaranteed!

Low-Sugar Granola