Super Easy Slow Cooker Granola Recipe

I absolutely love starting my day with a warm, crunchy bowl of homemade granola, and this Super Easy Slow Cooker Granola Recipe has quickly become my go-to for a wholesome breakfast treat. What’s fantastic is how effortlessly it comes together in the slow cooker, filling the house with the most inviting aroma while it cooks low and slow. I get that perfect balance of toasted oats, nuts, and seeds all coated in just the right amount of honey and coconut oil, finished with bursts of chewy dried fruit. If you’re looking for a breakfast (or snack) that combines comfort, nutrition, and ease, this recipe is exactly what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Super Easy Slow Cooker Granola Recipe

One of the first things that stole my heart about this Super Easy Slow Cooker Granola Recipe is the flavor. It manages to be warming and aromatic thanks to the cinnamon and vanilla, yet still light and fresh with the toasted coconut flakes and crunchy nuts. The slow cooker does the magic, gently caramelizing the honey and coconut oil to create that golden texture and deep toasty flavor that is just so satisfying. I love that each bite has a perfect crunch paired with little bursts of chewiness from the dried cranberries and golden raisins.

What makes this recipe stand out even more is just how hands-off it is. I simply toss in all the dry ingredients, whisk the wet ones, combine, and let the slow cooker work while I go about my morning. No need to babysit the oven or stir constantly. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable whether you want to keep it vegan with maple syrup or give it a nutty twist with your favorite seeds. I often make it for weekend brunches and it never fails to impress guests, yet it’s simple enough to whip up for weekday breakfasts. The fact that it keeps well too means I have grab-and-go goodness waiting in the cupboard whenever I need it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and accessible, yet each plays an essential role in making this granola bursting with flavor, crunch, and balanced sweetness. I love how the combination of oats, nuts, and seeds builds a perfect texture foundation, while the coconut oil and honey blend together to coat everything in a subtle sweetness that enhances every bite.

• 4 cups old-fashioned oats: The hearty base that brings all the textures and flavors together.
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (or shredded coconut): Adds a lovely tropical touch and extra crunch.
• 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas): Brings a nutty pop and an added boost of nutrients.
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped raw pecans (or walnuts): Provides rich, buttery flavor and crunch.
• 1/2 cup raw sliced almonds: Adds crispness and complements other nuts perfectly.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 4 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil, melted: Creates that golden, toasty coating and subtle tropical flavor.
• 1/2 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that bring warmth without overpowering.
• 1/3 cup water: Helps blend the ingredients evenly and keep things moist during cooking.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and a warm, comforting aroma.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Gives the granola a pleasant spice note that feels like a hug in every bite.
• 1 cup dried cranberries: For tangy bursts of sweetness to contrast the nutty base.
• 1/2 cup golden raisins: Adds natural sugary chewiness and color variation.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by combining the old-fashioned oats, unsweetened coconut flakes, raw pumpkin seeds, chopped pecans, and sliced almonds in the bowl of your slow cooker or crockpot. Mix them to ensure even distribution of your nuts, seeds, and oats.

Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, raw honey (or maple syrup), water, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined; this will soak into the dry ingredients to create that beautiful golden coating.

Step 3: Pour the wet mixture evenly over the oat mixture in the slow cooker. Use a spatula or large spoon to thoroughly stir and coat all the dry ingredients. This step is key to getting consistent flavor and crispiness throughout.

Step 4: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on HIGH for about 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours. I like to check in after 90 minutes to stir gently, ensuring it cooks evenly and nothing sticks to the sides. You’ll notice a delicious aroma filling your kitchen as it cooks.

Step 5: Once the slow cooker time is up, carefully stir in the dried cranberries and golden raisins. The residual heat softens the dried fruit just enough to blend nicely without losing that chewy texture.

Step 6: Spread the granola out onto a large baking sheet in an even layer and let it cool completely at room temperature. This cooling step is crucial since it allows the granola to crisp up fully and develop that satisfying crunch we all love.

Step 7: After cooled, transfer your granola to clean airtight jars or containers. Store it in a dry cupboard for up to two weeks or pop it in the freezer for longer storage.

Servings and Timing

This Super Easy Slow Cooker Granola Recipe makes about 8 generous servings, perfect for a week’s worth of breakfasts or snacks. Prep time is really minimal, around 10 minutes to mix everything, and the cook time is about 1.5 to 2 hours in the slow cooker. Allow an additional 30 to 45 minutes for the granola to cool completely and crisp up before serving. Overall, from start to finish, you’re looking at approximately 2.5 to 3 hours—most of which is hands-off time.

How to Serve This Super Easy Slow Cooker Granola Recipe

I find this granola totally versatile in how I serve it. My favorite way is spooning it over creamy Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a refreshing and satisfying breakfast that keeps me full for hours. The contrast between the crunchy granola and the smooth yogurt is heavenly, and the berries add a juicy brightness that balances the toasty flavor perfectly.

If I want to dress it up for brunch with friends, I like to serve the granola in pretty glass parfait cups layered with vanilla yogurt and a drizzle of local honey on top. Garnishing with extra sliced almonds or even a few fresh mint leaves creates a pretty, inviting presentation that makes everyone feel special. For a quick snack, it’s perfect right out of the jar or sprinkled over smoothie bowls too.

As for drinks, a hot cup of chai tea or a vanilla latte pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and vanilla notes in this granola. If you’re hosting a brunch, sparkling water with lemon or a mimosa adds a festive touch. I usually enjoy the granola at room temperature or slightly chilled after cooling, but it’s always great with cold milk poured right over it for a classic approach.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Super Easy Slow Cooker Granola Recipe is how flexible it is to suit a variety of tastes or dietary needs. For example, if you prefer it vegan, swapping the honey for pure maple syrup keeps the sweetness plant-based and delicious. You can also easily swap pecans for walnuts or cashews depending on what nuts you have on hand or what flavor you’re craving.

If you want to boost the protein and texture, adding chia seeds or hemp seeds to the mix before cooking is a brilliant option. For a twist in flavor, I sometimes add a teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg along with the cinnamon—this adds a warm complexity that’s fantastic in colder months. I’ve even tried using dried apricots or chopped dates instead of raisins and cranberries for a more caramel-like sweetness.

If slow cooking isn’t your style, you can adapt this to bake in the oven at 300°F for about 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until crisp and golden. Although it won’t have the exact slow-cooked flavor, it’s a great alternative that still delivers on texture and taste.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover granola in an airtight jar or container at room temperature to keep it crunchy. A glass jar with a tight seal works great, and this granola will stay fresh and crisp for up to two weeks. Keeping it in a cool, dry place away from moisture is the key to preserving that satisfying crunch and preventing it from becoming stale.

Freezing

If I want to make a big batch to last longer, freezing is my best friend. This granola freezes exceptionally well for up to two months. I portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, trying to remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw it at room temperature and it will retain the same great texture and flavor as fresh.

Reheating

I typically enjoy granola without reheating, but if you prefer it warm, I pop a portion into the oven on a baking sheet at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crunch and warmth. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make granola chewy instead of crisp. A quick re-toast in the oven works wonders to revive that fresh granola experience.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

I recommend sticking with old-fashioned oats because they hold their texture better during slow cooking, resulting in that perfect crunchy bite. Quick oats tend to get mushy and can turn into more of an oat porridge texture, which isn’t what you want for granola.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this recipe another way?

Absolutely! You can bake this granola in the oven at 300°F for 25-30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes to toast it evenly. While the flavor differs slightly since you won’t get the slow-cooked depth, it’s still a delicious shortcut.

Is it possible to make this granola nut-free?

Yes! Simply omit the pecans and almonds and increase the pumpkin seeds or add other seeds like sunflower or hemp seeds to keep the crunch and nutrition high without nuts.

How do I make sure my granola stays crunchy?

Cooling it completely on a baking sheet before storing is crucial. Also, make sure it’s stored in an airtight container away from moisture. Re-toasting in the oven before serving can help revive crunchiness if it softens.

Can I add other dried fruits or mix-ins?

Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add dried cherries, chopped dates, or even vegan chocolate chips after cooking for extra flavor and texture. Just add these mix-ins after the slow cooker step to keep them from getting too soft.

Conclusion

I truly can’t recommend this Super Easy Slow Cooker Granola Recipe enough for anyone who loves a hearty, wholesome start to their day without fuss. It’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and nourishing, with minimal effort and maximum flavor payoff. Whether you’re a slow cooker pro or just looking for a straightforward recipe to make ahead, I promise this granola will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and you might never buy store-bought granola again!

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