Crock Pot Granola

Granola is one of those magical foods that can transform breakfast or snack time into something truly special. The delightful combination of crunchy oats, nuts, and sweeteners creates a symphony of texture and flavor. But what if I told you that you could make this wholesome treat effortlessly in your Crock Pot? Yes, you heard me right! Crock Pot Granola is not only simple to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste buds. So, let’s dive into the world of slow-cooked granola!

Why You’ll Keep Making It

There are countless reasons to make Crock Pot Granola a staple in your kitchen. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to throw together. Just mix your ingredients, set it in the Crock Pot, and let it do the work while you go about your day. The result? A fragrant, wholesome granola that’s perfect for topping yogurt, snacking straight from the jar, or enjoying with milk. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, ensuring every batch is uniquely yours!

Ingredient Checklist

To whip up a batch of this delicious Crock Pot Granola, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
• 1 ½ cups raw nuts or seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pepitas)
• ¾ cup ground flaxseed meal or additional ¼ cup raw nuts
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large egg whites at room temperature (or ¼ cup coconut oil for a vegan option)
• ¾ cup pure maple syrup or honey
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted and cooled (or very light olive oil)
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried fruit, chopped into pieces if large (such as low-sugar dried cranberries and apricots)

Prep & Cook Tools

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools handy:

• Crock Pot: The star of the show! A 6-quart size works best.
• Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Spatula: For mixing and spreading the granola.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Baking sheet: For cooling the granola once cooked.

Crock Pot Granola Made Stepwise

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts or seeds, ground flaxseed meal, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir them together until they are well mixed.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the egg whites (or melted coconut oil), maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. This is where the magic happens; the oats and nuts absorb all that sweet, nutty goodness!

Step 4: Transfer to the Crock Pot

Lightly grease the Crock Pot with a little coconut oil or cooking spray. Spread the granola mixture evenly in the bottom of the Crock Pot.

Step 5: Cook on Low

Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours. Stir the granola every hour to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. It’s a slow process, but the smell will make it worth the wait!

Step 6: Cool and Add Dried Fruit

Once the granola is golden and fragrant, turn off the Crock Pot and let it cool completely. Once cool, stir in the dried fruit.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy!

Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. It can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even sprinkled over dessert!

No-Store Runs Needed

One of the best parts about this recipe is the flexibility it offers. You likely have many of these ingredients at home already. Here are some substitutions you can make without needing a trip to the store:

• Oats: Use any type of oats you have on hand, though rolled oats yield the best texture.
• Nuts: Don’t have almonds? Use whatever nuts or seeds you have available!
• Sweetener: Maple syrup can be swapped for honey or agave syrup if necessary.
• Oil: If you’re out of coconut oil, light olive oil can do the trick!

Notes on Ingredients

Choosing quality ingredients will elevate your Crock Pot Granola. Here are some tips:

• Opt for organic oats and nuts when possible for the best flavor and nutrition.
• Experiment with spices! Add nutmeg or vanilla bean for a unique twist.
• Be mindful of dried fruit; some brands add sugar, so check the labels for healthier options.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This granola is freezer-friendly! Store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain its crunchy texture.

Crock Pot Granola Q&A

Can I make this granola vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the egg whites with ¼ cup of melted coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly!

How long does homemade granola last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your Crock Pot Granola will stay fresh for about 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it!

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! If you’re a chocolate lover, add some dark chocolate chips once the granola has cooled completely to prevent melting.

What if I don’t have a Crock Pot?

No worries! You can bake the granola in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes for even toasting.

Similar Recipes

If you love this Crock Pot Granola, you might enjoy these other tasty recipes:

• Homemade Granola
• Healthy Granola
• Simple Gluten-Free Granola
• Coconut Granola

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Granola is a game-changer in the world of homemade snacks. Not only does it offer a wholesome and nutritious way to start your day, but it also fills your home with an irresistible aroma while it cooks. The best part? You can customize it to your heart’s desire, making it a truly personalized treat. Whether you’re enjoying it on top of yogurt, with milk, or straight from the jar, this granola will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab your Crock Pot and get ready to relish in the delightful crunch of homemade granola!