Sugar Free Granola

Sugar Free Granola

Sugar Free Granola

This wholesome and nutritious granola recipe is a perfect choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Instead of using butter, oil, or traditional sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, this recipe utilizes homemade applesauce as a natural binder. The result is a light and crunchy granola that’s both calorie-wise and packed with a variety of wholesome ingredients.

Oats are the main ingredient in this recipe, providing a rich source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like manganese and phosphorus. Oats support heart health and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Combined with the natural sweetness of dried fruits and the crunch of nuts and seeds, this granola is not only delicious but also nourishing.

Enjoy this granola as a healthy breakfast or a snack option throughout the day. It’s easy to make and can be stored for up to a month, ensuring you have a tasty and nutritious option on hand whenever you need it.

This Sugar-Free Granola is a delightful way to start your day or keep your energy up between meals. With its natural sweetness and satisfying crunch, it’s bound to become your new favorite granola recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats (120 g)
  • ¼ cup chopped almonds (35 g)
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts (35 g)
  • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (35 g)
  • ¼ cup pitted dates (50 g)
  • ¼ cup raisins (35 g)
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries (35 g)
  • 2 tbsp. applesauce (add by small quantities while stirring until the oats get sticky but not wet or saggy)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, chopped almonds, and pumpkin seeds.
  3. Gradually add homemade applesauce, one tablespoon at a time, and use a fork (or your hands) to thoroughly incorporate it into the mixture. Add only small quantities while stirring until the oats get sticky but not wet or saggy.
  4. Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly, ensuring a thin and even layer to allow for even cooking.
  5. Bake for approximately 30 minutes in total. After 15 minutes of baking, stir the granola thoroughly to prevent uneven browning. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
  6. Remove the granola from the oven and immediately pour it over chopped dates, dried cranberries, and raisins. Mix well while the granola is still hot to get it sticky and naturally sweet.
  7. Once cooled, transfer the granola into a clean glass container.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 10 Servings
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Baking Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 147 calories
  • Protein: 4.58 g
  • Fat: 6.66 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19.45 g
  • Fiber: 2.9 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store your granola in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month for optimal freshness.
  • Enjoy this crunchy and healthy treat as a nutritious breakfast or snack option.

 

1 Ingredient Applesauce

1 Ingredient Applesauce

1 Ingredient Applesauce

This super-simple applesauce, made with just one ingredient—apples—boasts a pure and wholesome flavor that highlights the natural sweetness of the fruit. It’s a versatile and healthy treat that you can easily customize by using different apple varieties or adding spices like cinnamon, star anise, or nutmeg for extra flavor. Whether enjoyed on its own, as a topping for pancakes or yogurt, or incorporated into your favorite recipes, this applesauce is sure to become a kitchen staple.

Apples are the star ingredient, offering a wealth of health benefits. They are rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestion, and they provide a good source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. Apples are also low in calories and contain natural sugars that provide a gentle energy boost without the crash associated with refined sugars. Making your own applesauce allows you to enjoy these benefits without any added preservatives or sweeteners.

This 1 Ingredient Applesauce is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples. Whether you prefer it plain or spiced up, it’s a healthy treat that everyone will love!

Ingredients

  • 1 kg honeycrisp apples (or other apple type of your choice)

Directions

  1. Clean the apples thoroughly and remove all the skin and seeds. Section the apples into large chunks.
  2. Instant Pot: Add the apple chunks to the basket part and close the lid. Steam for 10 minutes in the Instant Pot.
  3. Classic Steamer: Steam the apple chunks until tender, typically up to 20 minutes.
  4. Let the steamed apples cool down for a bit. Transfer them into a glass jar and use a hand blender to transform them into a smooth puree.
  5. Allow the jar of applesauce to cool down completely before refrigerating.
  6. Let the applesauce thicken in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Enjoy this homemade applesauce as a topping for your crepes and pancakes, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes as a substitute for refined sugar.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 10 Servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Fridge Time: 4 hours

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 20 calories
  • Protein: 0.07 g
  • Fat: 0.04 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4.51 g
  • Fiber: 0.4 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store your freshly made homemade applesauce in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Experiment with different apple varieties and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

 

Applesauce Pancakes

Applesauce Pancakes

Applesauce Pancakes

These light, fluffy, and naturally sweet pancakes are a perfect choice for those looking for a diet-friendly recipe or sticking to a healthy eating plan without compromising on taste. The recipe combines mainly three wholesome ingredients—oat flour, eggs, and homemade applesauce—for an absolutely amazing and naturally sweet taste.

Homemade applesauce provides a natural and fruity source of sweetness, eliminating the need for added sugars. Paired with oat flour, which is prepared from rolled oats, these pancakes are rich in fiber, protein, and other important nutrients. Oat flour offers the benefits of whole grains, helping to support heart health and maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.

These Applesauce Pancakes are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast. With their natural sweetness and satisfying texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your morning routine! ​

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups (100 g) oat flour (by blending rolled oats)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup homemade applesauce (If needed, add 1 or 2 tbsp. of applesauce to get the right batter thickness)
  • ½ tbsp. baking powder
  • ½ tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine oat flour, egg, homemade applesauce, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. If the batter is too thick, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of applesauce to achieve the desired consistency.
  2. Preheat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with a fraction of oil.
  3. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the heated griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges begin to look set, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Carefully flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Serve warm, optionally top with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, yogurt, honey, or maple syrup.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 5 Servings
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Pan Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 105 calories
  • Protein: 4.68 g
  • Fat: 2.36 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16.83 g
  • Fiber: 2.4 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving if desired.
  • For the toppings, you can keep it calorie-wise by using applesauce and cinnamon like here, or serve with your favorite toppings!

 

Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Indulge in the creamy delight of this trending frozen treat that harmoniously blends the smoothness of cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is not just a refreshing dessert, but also a healthier alternative to traditional ice creams. It’s rich in protein, low in fat, and easy to make at home.

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient here, known for its high protein content and low-fat profile, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying a sweet treat. Combined with bananas, which add natural sweetness and a creamy texture, this ice cream provides a guilt-free dessert option that’s also packed with essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber.

This irresistible dessert offers a symphony of flavors and textures that will make you want to make it again and again. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a healthy dessert, this Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is sure to satisfy your cravings.

This Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is the perfect treat for anyone looking for a healthy yet indulgent dessert option. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups or 250 g frozen banana
  • ½ cup or 125 g drained cottage cheese
  • 1 maple peanut crunch or any garnish you prefer (optional)

Directions

  1. In a blender, combine the frozen ripe bananas and drained cottage cheese. Blend until the mixture transforms into a velvety, creamy, and smooth puree.
  2. Transfer the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container. Allow it to sit in the freezer for about an hour, letting it churn and freeze until it achieves a dreamy, scoopable consistency.
  3. Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, serve the frozen delight as is or top it with your favorite chocolate and crushed nuts garnishes.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 2 Servings
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Freezing Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 206 calories
  • Protein: 9.72 g
  • Fat: 5.56 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33.12 g
  • Fiber: 3.9 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • For optimal texture and creaminess, enjoy the ice cream within a few hours of preparation. If you decide to freeze leftovers, allow the dessert to defrost for at least half an hour before serving to regain its creamy texture.
Almond Cupcakes

Almond Cupcakes

Almond Cupcakes

Indulge guilt-free in these delectable chocolate banana cupcakes, crafted with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and ripe bananas. These cupcakes are not only moist, fluffy, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor, but they are also gluten-free, making them a delightful and wholesome treat to enjoy on any occasion.

Almond flour is the key ingredient in these cupcakes, offering a gluten-free alternative that’s rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Almond flour is made from finely ground almonds, which are packed with nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to heart health, help manage blood sugar levels, and support overall well-being. Combined with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these cupcakes offer a healthier twist on traditional baked goods without compromising on taste.

Perfect as a snack or dessert, these Almond Flour Cupcakes are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your health goals.

These Almond Flour Cupcakes are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a healthy choice that you can feel good about enjoying. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe bananas or 200 g
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup (100 g) almond flour
  • 4 tbsp. cocoa powder
  • ½ tbsp. baking powder
  • 30 g chocolate chips for topping (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare cupcake paper liners and place them on a baking tray.
  2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
  3. Add the eggs to the mashed bananas and mix thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Add cocoa powder and baking powder to the banana mixture. Gradually add almond flour and stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and the batter achieves a smooth consistency, resembling cake batter.
  5. Using an ice cream scooper, portion the batter evenly into the cupcake paper liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
  6. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  7. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 6 Servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 189 calories
  • Protein: 7.02 g
  • Fat: 12.62 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16.31 g
  • Fiber: 4.6 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store your cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
  • Enjoy these guilt-free cupcakes as a delightful snack or dessert, perfect for any occasion.