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.

 

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.
Maple Peanut Crunch

Maple Peanut Crunch

Maple Peanut Crunch

Indulge in the sweet and crunchy delight of Candied Maple Peanuts with this incredibly simple 2-ingredient recipe. These delightful treats combine the natural goodness of raw peanuts with the rich sweetness of maple syrup, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The result is a snack that’s not only delicious but also offers a nutritious boost, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in a healthier way.

Peanuts are a nutrient-rich food, providing an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Regular consumption of peanuts has been linked to numerous health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease, improved blood sugar control, and enhanced weight management. Maple syrup, on the other hand, is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese. Together, these ingredients create a snack that’s not just tasty but also beneficial for your overall well-being.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying treat. Whether you enjoy them as a snack on their own or as a topping for desserts, these Candied Maple Peanuts are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (140 g) raw blanched peanuts
  • 4 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 30 g dark chocolate (optional)

Directions

  1. Coarsely chop the raw peanuts and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
  2. Add maple syrup to the peanuts and mix until the peanuts are well coated with the syrup.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  4. Spoon a tablespoon of the peanut mixture into a circular biscuit cutter placed on the baking tray. Press down on the mixture to flatten. Repeat the process until all the mixture is used.
  5. Bake the candied peanuts for 15 minutes.
  6. Allow the candied peanuts to cool and harden on the baking tray without touching them.
  7. If desired, melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled candied peanuts for an extra touch of indulgence.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 12 Servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 101 calories
  • Protein: 3.04 g
  • Fat: 6.86 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8.1 g
  • Fiber: 1.3 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store the candied peanuts in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep them for up to 10 days.
  • These treats are vegan and gluten-free.
  • Enjoy these sweet and crunchy goodness to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Express Mini Breads

Express Mini Breads

Express Mini Breads

These super-easy mini loaf breads are the perfect solution for anyone craving fresh, homemade bread without the hassle of kneading. With minimal effort and maximum freshness, you can have fluffy loaves with a golden crust ready in no time. These mini breads are versatile, making them ideal for sweet or savory sandwiches or as a delightful side to soups and salads.

Wheat flour is the star ingredient in this recipe, providing a rich source of carbohydrates that are essential for energy. Whole wheat flour, particularly when combined with wheat germ, offers additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet. Incorporating whole grains like wheat into your meals can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and support heart health. Plus, these mini loaves are light, airy, and perfect for any meal of the day.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a lunchbox staple, or a side for dinner, these No-Knead Mini Loaf Breads are sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (270 g) unbleached wheat flour
  • ⅓ cup (30 g) wheat germ (optional, to increase fiber content)
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 ½ tbsp. instant yeast
  • 1/2 tsp. maple syrup (or any other sweetener of your choice)
  • 1 ¾ cups lukewarm water (adjust up to 2 cups depending on the flour used)

For Garnish:

  • 1 tsp. sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 tsp. flaxseed (optional)
  • 1 tsp. sunflower seeds (optional)

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: unbleached wheat flour, wheat germ (if using), salt, and instant yeast. Add maple syrup.
  2. Gradually pour lukewarm water into the dry ingredients while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until you achieve a slightly runny batter with a smooth consistency.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough proof for 30 minutes in a warm corner of your kitchen. The dough will double in volume during this time.
  4. Preheat your oven to 365°F (185°C). Prepare the mini loaf pans by lightly dusting them with flour.
  5. Spoon the equivalent of half a cup of the dough into each mini loaf pan. Sprinkle sesame seeds, flaxseed, or sunflower seeds on top for garnish.
  6. Bake the mini loaves for 40 minutes or until they develop a golden crust outside and are fluffy and soft inside.
  7. Remove the mini loaves and let them cool on a wire rack. Leaving them in the pan may cause them to become moist and lose their crunch.
  8. Enjoy your express mini breads!

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 8 Servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Proofing Time: 30 minutes
  • Baking Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 150 calories
  • Protein: 5.38 g
  • Fat: 1.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28.9 g
  • Fiber: 1.8 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store cooled mini loaf breads in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • Enjoy these mini loaf breads as part of breakfast, lunch, or dinner, paired with your favorite spreads or as a side to soups and salads.