My mind has been blown by this slow-cooker granola. Homemade granola made in the slow cooker is so easy, I made two different batches yesterday! This is something special.
Slow Cooker Granola
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. (Thanks so much, Kristen!) This recipe is gently adapted from and with thanks to Dine and Dish.
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.
Kitchen Tip: I use this slow cooker to make this granola.
Slow Cooker Granola Ingredients
- old-fashioned rolled oats
- slivered almonds or chopped pecans
- kosher salt
- honey
- coconut oil or butter
- chunky peanut butter
- cinnamon
- vanilla
- raisins or craisins
How To Make Granola In The Crock-Pot
- 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. (I use a wooden chopstick for this – as pictured below.) 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.
I’ve used both coconut oil and butter to make this granola. Refined coconut oil won’t add any coconut flavor at all. Both work well and taste great.
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.
How to Choose a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers or crockpots are an appliance of which I have more than one. If you are an avid slow cooker user like I am, you might understand the need for more than one. So, let’s talk about my favorites:
First up is this 6-quart slow cooker that has a locking lid. These crockpots are fantastic for transporting foods. Mine has gone everywhere from church potlucks to barbecues, game nights to Thanksgiving dinner. However, fair warning, these slow cookers run crazy hot. Low is closer to a boil than a simmer, the warm setting actually simmers. So trust me when I say HIGH is high.
My everyday slow cooker is this 8-quart Crockpot. It’s my go-to appliance for cooking large roasts and big batches of chili. Fun fact: did you know that a full 4-quart cooker, actually cooks more slowly than a half-full 8-quart cooker?
For just cooking a few pounds of chicken to shred for enchiladas or other smaller recipes, this 3-quart version is perfect.
Thanksgiving has become a breeze since I have mastered how to hold all of the side dishes using these medium-sized round slow cookers.
If you aren’t a fan of the idea of keeping more than one slow cooker in the house, these CrockPockets are a game-changer when it comes to preparing and holding multiple dishes at the same time. They slide into a standard 6-quart crockpot, dividing it into two sections that are perfect for serving different side dishes or keeping taco fillings warm for parties.
Check out all of our Oatmeal Recipes and 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
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
How To Make Granola In The Crock-Pot
Ingredients
- 5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup slivered almonds OR ¾ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅔ cup honey
- ⅓ cup coconut oil or butter *
- ½ cup chunky peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 cup raisins or craisins I used a combination of both
Instructions
- 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. (I use a wooden chopstick for this, as pictured in the post.) 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!
Notes
Nutrition
{recipe originally published 2-5-2014 – notes and photos updated 3/30/22}
Magnolia Verandah says
This looks and sounds amazing. Would never have believed this could be made in a slow cooker what a great idea.
Jenn S says
What a great idea! I would have never thought of making granola in a crock pot!
Kim Honeycutt says
I would probably like this sprinkled over my ice-cream. I know, I'm strange.
Kelly Lemieux says
This looks amazing! A more economical way to enjoy granola and control the amount of sugar added!
Big Dude says
Sounds like a tasty and easy to make treat.
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Looks delicious! What a great idea. I will be making this soon.
Carla from The River says
Great idea, I had no idea to make granola in a crock pot!
Tracie says
OMG I made this last night and it's AMAZING!!! Thank you
Anonymous says
It looks delicious! I am going to make this over the weekend.
Anonymous says
How much Honey?? It says 2/3…I just want to double check as to 2/3 of what 🙂
Mary says
As many times as I've made this, I can't believe I never caught that. 2/3 cup is correct. I'll update the recipe. Thanks!
Anonymous says
I cook my granola in the oven at 170 degrees Fahrenheit all night and it turns out perfect and I don't have to stir it. It seems easier than this recipe. But I might give it a try and compare the flavir, but then I don't have time to stir it.
Teresa says
Can I get your recipe?
michelle says
Just finished a bowl. So good! Thanks for the recipe!
RickvV says
I never would have thought of the peanut butter…Thanks! Trying this recipe this afternoon 🙂
Melissa Tracy says
Do you think Maple Syrup would be a good substitute for the honey? I have fructose issues and don't tolerate it well. I just bought way too much granola full of canola oil and other crap at Costco so I'll have to wait about 2 months to make it but I'm excited. lol Thanks!
Mary says
I've made it with maple syrup and it works great!
Anonymous says
Mine burned after the first hour. I picked out all the black pieces and finished cooking on Low. As you said, crockpots are all different–mine must get very hot. Funny, because it's about 20 years old and cost all of $10. It's probably better-made than the ones made now at 2 or3 times the price.
Mary says
Wow! You're crock-pot must get crazy hot. Glad it worked out alright though!
Anonymous says
OMG-WOW!! this recipe!! is simple, and not too sweet… Cooked mine in my rice cooker, and used mixed dried fruits and seeds at the end! Taking some to my work-team this afternoon. I know they'll love it as much as I do!!
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.