Name: Low-Calorie Homemade Granola Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned oats; ¼ cup toasted wheat germ; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons warm water; ¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup (I like Cary's); ¼ cup coconut, shredded or chips; ¼ cup almonds or pecans; ¼ cup raisins

JUMP TO RECIPE CARD JUMP TO STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO

Sneak Preview: This low-calorie granola recipe makes crunchy clusters with oats, wheat germ, coconut, and sugar-free maple syrup—only 93 calories per serving and ready in about an hour.

bowl of granola with peaches in the background.

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If you like something crunchy on yogurt but don’t love the calories in traditional granola, this lighter version solves the problem. It keeps the texture and flavor people expect—without turning breakfast into dessert. Most versions run 200+ calories per serving. This one stays under 100 calories for a generous ¼-cup portion.

I keep this version for everyday breakfasts and make my chocolate granola clusters when I want something more indulgent.

Readers Say…
“I did not have any wheat germ so I substituted unprocessed wheat bran (millers bran) instead. Turned out great!” —MARGARET

Ingredients & Substitutions

OLD-FASHIONED OATS: Quick oats can be substituted, though granola may be crumblier. Leftover oats? Try these Five Ingredient Greek Yogurt Waffles.

WHEAT GERM: Adds flavor and bulk with fewer calories than nuts; substitute wheat bran if desired.

SUGAR-FREE MAPLE SYRUP: Feel free to use your favorite low-cal syrup.

VEGETABLE OIL: Essential for crunch. Avocado, olive, or canola oils are great alternatives.

UNSWEETENED COCONUT: Look for this in baking or freezer sections.

ALMONDS: Pecans or walnuts work well, too.

RAISINS: Substitute dried cranberries or cherries for variety.

Step-by-Step for Making Low-Calorie Granola

⬇️ Jump to the recipe below for exact amounts and detailed instructions.

combining oatmeal, wheat germ, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. — **Combine dry ingredients**

liquid ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. — **Combine dry ingredients**

Low-cal granola sprinkled over homemade Greek yogurt in a bowl with fresh nectarines.

Tips That Make a Difference

Nitrile gloves make it easy to press sticky oat clusters without mess.
Silicone baking mats replace parchment and make cleanup simple.
Vacuum-sealed jars (with a handheld sealer) keep granola fresh and crunchy for weeks.

Low-Calorie Homemade Granola Recipe

By Paula Rhodes

Bake up this tasty, crunchy Low-Calorie Granola that's perfect for breakfast or snacking. Quick to prep, packed with oats, nuts, and coconut, and only 93 calories per serving (¼ cup).

5 from 3 votes

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Video

Prep time: 5

Cook time: 1

Total time: 1 5

Ingredients

2 cups (162 g) old-fashioned oats
¼ cup (29 g) toasted wheat germ
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons (41 g) vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (45 g) warm water
¼ cup (81 g) sugar-free maple syrup I like Cary’s
¼ cup (20 g) coconut, shredded or chips
¼ cup (36 g) almonds or pecans
¼ cup (36 g) raisins

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 275 °F (140˚C) Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking sheet with cooking spray. Alternatively, cover the baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Mix 2 cups (162 g) old-fashioned oats, ¼ cup (29 g) toasted wheat germ, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
Whisk together the ¼ cup (81 g) sugar-free maple syrup, 3 tablespoons (41 g) vegetable oil, and 3 tablespoons (45 g) warm water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for one minute or until this mixture starts to simmer. Drizzle over the oat mixture and stir to combine.
Pour the granola mixture into a prepared pan. Working a handful at a time, squeeze cereal to form small clumps.
Bake for 30 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup (20 g) coconut, shredded or chips, ¼ cup (36 g) almonds or pecans, and ¼ cup (36 g) raisins. Continue to bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes longer.
Let cool and store in an air-tight container. Vacuum-packing in a quart jar is even better.

Equipment

USA Baking Sheet

Nutrition

Final Thoughts

And if you always have Greek yogurt in the fridge like I do, this granola is one of the easiest ways to make a quick breakfast feel finished. It’s simple, flexible, and easy to keep on hand for everyday breakfasts.

If you keep a big container of oats around for recipes like this, you might also enjoy my Homemade Pop-Tarts with oatmeal in the crust. These Chewy Oatmeal Cookies with Coffee Icing are my husband’s favorite cookies…and I like them, too. If you’re a bread maker, try my recipe for Honey Oatmeal Dinner Rolls or Bread Machine Oatmeal Bread with Sunflower Seeds.

— Paula, Home Economist
Homemade Food Worth Sharing

Need help troubleshooting?
Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com — photos help!

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Paula Rhodes, Owner and Author Salad in a Jar

Paula Rhodes, Home Economist & Owner

As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to prove that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my favorite ways to do that.

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

7 Comments

Luzza says:

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Thanks so much for sharing your recipies, hope you publish more healthy ones!
God bless you!

Margaret says:

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I did not have any wheat germ so I substituted unprocesed wheat bran (millers bran) instead. Turned out great! Thank you for all your great recipe ideas on here, Paula!

1. Paula says:
  
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  You’re welcome Margaret. Thanks for stopping by. Paula
  
Susie says:

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shoot! i forgot to bring you the wooden bowls! the pictures you took look great, though. you are very creative!