The light sugar-free granola with dark chocolate is a simple and genuine solution for a healthy homemade breakfast, perfect for those who want something crunchy and indulgent without refined sugars. It is made in just a few minutes with easy-to-find ingredients and is ideal to enjoy with yogurt, milk or plant-based drinks.
To achieve a balanced result and keep this granola light, I recommend using 70% or 80% dark chocolate, which adds flavor without significantly increasing the sugar content, making this granola suitable for those following a balanced diet.
If you prefer a version without chocolate, you can also try my homemade granola with honey (sugar-free), equally simple and wholesome.
This recipe is part of my collection of healthy breakfast recipes, where you can find lots of light and nourishing ideas to start the day with homemade sweets like fluffy egg-free, butter-free pancakes.
Making the homemade light sugar-free granola with dark chocolate is very easy and will allow you to always have a healthy snack on hand, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
This homemade granola without refined sugars is perfect for a healthy, balanced breakfast and can be prepared in advance for the whole week.
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
- Portions: 38
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 155.85 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 18.35 (g) of which sugars 8.25 (g)
- Proteins 2.87 (g)
- Fat 8.82 (g) of which saturated 1.57 (g)of which unsaturated 5.56 (g)
- Fibers 2.65 (g)
- Sodium 47.95 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 30 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients to make the light sugar-free granola with dark chocolate
- 3 7/8 (350 g) cups rolled oats
- 3 oz (80 g) oz puffed rice
- 1/2 cup (80 g) cups almonds
- 3/4 cup (80 g) cups walnut kernels
- 3/4 cup (80 g) cups hazelnuts
- 3/4 cup (120 g) cups dried fruit (mixed, such as raisins, red fruits, bananas, whatever you have)
- 1/3 cup (40 g) cups cashews
- 1/2 cup (60 g) cups mixed seeds (chia, sesame, flax, sunflower, pumpkin, etc.)
- 3 tbsp + 1 tsp (50 ml) tbsp water
- 7 tbsp (150 g) tbsp acacia honey (or orange blossom honey)
- 6 tbsp (80 g) tbsp sunflower seed oil
- 5 oz (150 g) oz dark chocolate (70% (or 80%))
Tools
- Bowl
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
How to make the light sugar-free granola with dark chocolate
Before you start, note that the quantities for the nuts and dried fruit are only indicative and you can vary them as you like, as long as the total weight remains the same.
I often buy mixed packs of nuts and dried fruit already prepared, they can be found in most supermarkets.
Gather all the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix them, then add the honey, oil and water; work everything until you obtain a homogeneous mixture where everything is evenly coated.
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper, pour the granola on it and spread it evenly over the entire sheet, pressing it down with your hands or a spatula to compact it.
Place in the oven at 302°F for 60 minutes; as soon as it begins to brown check that the raisins and red fruits are not burning, otherwise lower the temperature.
Let it rest in the turned-off oven for 20 minutes, then remove it from the oven, let it cool completely and only now add the dark chocolate cut with a knife into large shards.
Store the granola in airtight jars; it will keep for a long time without losing its crunch.
To give it an extra boost, you can add additional seeds of your choice to the granola.
Keep the granola well sealed in airtight jars; it will also last a couple of months without losing its crunch.
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Can I make the light sugar-free granola without chocolate?Yes, you can make this light sugar-free granola without adding dark chocolate. You will obtain a simpler but still crunchy and balanced version, ideal for everyday breakfast.
If you prefer a naturally sweetened variant, you can also try our homemade granola with honey (sugar-free).Is the light sugar-free granola with dark chocolate suitable for breakfast?
Yes, this light sugar-free granola is perfect for a balanced breakfast when paired with a protein source such as Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt. This makes the meal more balanced, filling and suitable even for those following a controlled diet.
Is the sugar-free granola with dark chocolate suitable for someone on a diet?
The sugar-free granola with dark chocolate can be included in a balanced diet if consumed in appropriate quantities. Thanks to the absence of refined sugars and the presence of fiber and healthy fats from nuts, it helps keep you feeling full for longer.
Can I replace the dark chocolate in the light granola?
Yes, you can replace the dark chocolate with dried fruit or oilseeds to keep a light version without added sugars. However, 70% dark chocolate helps provide flavor without significantly affecting the calorie intake.
How much light sugar-free granola should I eat for breakfast?
The recommended portion of light sugar-free granola is about 30–40 g for breakfast, to be accompanied by milk or yogurt and fresh fruit for a complete and nutritionally balanced meal.
Is homemade granola better than store-bought?
Making granola at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and avoid refined sugars or preservatives often found in industrial products. In addition, you can customize it according to your nutritional needs and easily include it in a healthy breakfast alongside other homemade recipes.
Is the light sugar-free granola with dark chocolate balanced?
Yes, this light sugar-free granola with dark chocolate can be part of a balanced diet when eaten in appropriate quantities. Thanks to the absence of refined sugars and the presence of oat fiber and healthy fats from nuts, it helps maintain a feeling of satiety for longer. Using 70% or 80% dark chocolate also provides flavor and crunch without significantly increasing the caloric intake, making it suitable for a healthy and balanced breakfast.
Which chocolate should I use to prepare the light sugar-free granola?
For a light sugar-free granola it is recommended to use dark chocolate with a cocoa percentage between 70% and 80%, as it contains less sugar than traditional chocolate and guarantees an intense flavor without altering the nutritional balance of the recipe.

