Slow Cooker Granola
Ingredients
- 4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup nuts
pecans, almonds, walnuts or a combination
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
ground
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
ground
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
ground
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup coconut oil
melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
or vanilla bean paste
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
or honey
- ¼ cup coconut flakes
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Directions
- 1
Grease the Pot - Coat the sides and bottom of a 6-quart or larger-sized slow cooker with cooking spray, vegetable oil, or coconut oil.
- 2
Add the Dry Ingredients - Add oats, pecans, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt and stir to combine.
- 3
Add the Wet Ingredients - In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla. Pour it into the slow cooker and stir until evenly combined.
- 4
Cover with Lid - Place the lid on the slow cooker with it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, about a ¼-inch opening, for the entire duration of cooking. If you do not do this, the steam will not escape and make the granola soggy.
- 5
Slow Cook the Granola - Cook on the high setting for 2 to 2 ½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes and leaving the lid ajar. The granola should feel dry when touched, and the nuts will be toasted and crunchy. At the end of cooking, add in coconut flakes and cranberries, and stir to combine.
- 6
Let it Cool - Transfer the mixture to a sheet pan and allow it to cool completely then transfer it to an airtight container.
Slow Cooker Granola
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 20 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the comforting aroma and satisfying crunch of homemade granola without constantly stirring a hot oven? This slow cooker granola recipe offers a brilliant, hands-off approach to a breakfast staple, letting your appliance do the heavy lifting.
Why This Granola Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its use of the slow cooker, which gently toasts the old-fashioned oats and nuts to golden perfection without the risk of burning. This method ensures an evenly cooked, wonderfully crispy granola with a deep, caramelized flavor from the maple syrup. You'll love how effortlessly it brings together the wholesome ingredients.
What to Expect
Prepare for your kitchen to be filled with the inviting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger as this granola slowly bakes. The resulting mixture is a delightful blend of hearty rolled oats, crunchy nuts like pecans or almonds, and the delightful chewiness of dried cranberries. Every spoonful delivers a harmonious balance of sweet maple, warm spices, and a satisfying mix of textures. It's a remarkably easy process that yields a genuinely delicious homemade treat.
This granola promises a naturally flavorful experience, combining the richness of coconut oil with pure maple syrup for a balanced sweetness. The inclusion of sunflower seeds and chia seeds adds extra texture and a subtle earthiness that complements the fruit and spice.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to personalize your slow cooker granola. You can easily swap out the nuts; try walnuts, cashews, or even a mix for varied flavor and crunch. For the dried fruit, consider dried cherries, chopped apricots, or golden raisins in place of cranberries. If you prefer, honey can be used instead of maple syrup, or a combination of both. You can also experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice to tailor the flavor profile to your liking.
Serving & Context
This versatile granola is perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a delightful topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or oatmeal. Serve it with a splash of milk or sprinkled over fresh fruit for a wholesome and satisfying start to your day.