My mind has been blown. Homemade granola made in the slow cooker is so easy, I made two different batches yesterday! This is something special. Warm and soft when it first finishes cooking, or crunchy after it cools, either way, it is unforgettable. Slightly sweet, a little bit salty, the best part about making your own granola is that it’s infinitely adjustable. Use the ingredients and flavors that you love best.
When I ran across this method for making granola in the crock-pot, I think my jaw actually dropped. I had no idea that it was even possible to make granola in a slow cooker and to be honest, I was a bit skeptical that it would work. I’m grinning as I type this because it did work and it was perfect.
We snacked on this granola all day yesterday. I made a second batch last night, just because it was so easy! I haven’t stopped grinning over this yet. After burning countless batches of granola in the oven over the past few years, I love that I don’t have to pay close attention with this method! This is the easiest granola I have ever made.
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Kitchen Tip: I use this slow cooker to make this granola.
- 5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup coconut oil or butter *
- 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 cup raisins or craisins I used a combination of both
- Lightly grease the crock-pot with a teaspoon or so of oil. Add the oats, almonds and salt. In a large measuring cup or small glass bowl, combine the honey, oil, peanut butter, cinnamon and vanilla. Microwave for a minute, stir and microwave an additional 30 seconds as needed, to melt everything and allow it to combine smoothly. (In lieu of a microwave, this can easily be done in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently.)
- Pour the liquids over the oats in the crockpot and stir well to thoroughly coat. Place the lid on the crockpot, leaving it slightly vented. Cook on HIGH for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Stir in the dried fruit right at the end. Spread the granola across a large baking sheet and let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. Enjoy!
The granola cooking time varies depending on how hot your crock-pot gets. One of my crock-pots finishes the oatmeal in about an hour, while another one takes almost two hours. When you begin to smell the granola, it's probably time to stir it again. Use a spatula or large spoon to stir along the edges and the bottom of the crock-pot every 25 minutes. It is possible to burn the granola in the crock-pot if you do not stir it frequently enough or if you do not scrape the sides and bottom each time you stir it. The granola is done when the liquids have been absorbed and the oats look moist, but not wet. It will finish drying out and clump together a bit while it cools on the baking tray.
I've used both coconut oil and butter to make this granola. A refined coconut oil won't add any coconut flavor at all. Both work well and taste great.
{recipe originally published 2-5-2014 – notes and photos updated 11-2-2016}
Here are some more granola recipes you might like:
Honey Almond Granola by Tried and Tasty
Slow-Cooker Tropical Coconut Granola by Barefeet In The Kitchen
Lemon Poppyseed Granola by Dessert for Two
Pistachio Cardamom Granola by The View from Great Island
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola {In The Crock-Pot} by Barefeet In The Kitchen
Chunky Homemade Granola by The Baker Mama
Anonymous says
What can be a substitute for the peanut butter? My girls work at a peanut free camp.
Mary says
I haven't tried it myself, but I've been told that this granola works great with sunflower butter or alternative nut butters. I hope that helps!
MommaMary says
How can I adjust the recipe, leaving out the peanut butter? I'm not fond of peanut butter flavor in things. I have pecans that I can add.
Mary says
The peanut butter is part of the liquids / moisture in this recipe. You'll need to replace it either with an alternate nut butter or add an additional 1/4 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of honey.
Anonymous says
Made this last night. It was very good, thanks for sharing!
KENTUCKY LADY 717 says
Sounds good, does it end up crunchy after cooking it? My daughter loves one she gets at Sam's Club, but I gave her this recipe and told her to try it….probably would be cheaper….
Shannon says
How long do you estimate that I can store this?I love to meal prep ahead so I would make a couple batches at once. Thanks!
Mary says
I usually make it and store it in the pantry for a week or two. It’s probably good for longer than that, but it rarely lasts longer than a week in our house.
Patricia Murray says
I would definitely like to try this but would like to know the nutritional information first.
kathy says
What size crock pot do you use? I am wondering if this quantity will work in my 3 quart crock.
Thanks,
Kathy
Mary Younkin says
This should work fine in a 3 qt crock-pot, Kathy.