Posted in breakfast, Brunch, Food, Kids in the Kitchen, lunch box, slow cooking

Slow Cooker Breakfast Granola

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My kids seem to be addicted to granola. If I had to buy it pre-packaged every week, I’d be bankrupt. Thankfully, I have several recipes for this crunchy, delicious and versatile treat. We use it to top yogurt or ice cream, add milk (cold or hot) to eat it as a breakfast cereal, and mix it with sweet and salty treats to make a trail mix. What I like about this recipe is that you can set it in the crockpot and let it cook for a few hours without heating up the house with the conventional oven during the summer months. The key is to slightly prop the crockpot open with a wooden skewer. This tiny opening lets the moisture out but keeps the heat inside the liner. Stirring the mixture every 30-35 minutes is also the key to success.

Slow Cooker Breakfast Granola

4 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Spray the liner of the slow cooker with cooking spray. In a separate bowl, mix oats, vanilla, honey, syrup, and canola oil. Pour into prepared slow cooker.
Cook the granola on low for 2 1/2-3 hours, venting the lid slightly. ( I use a wooden skewer.) Stir mixture well every 30-35 minutes. Cook until golden brown and quite dry.
Pour the finished granola onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow to cool completely. Add pecans, cranberries, or raisins if desired. Store in an airtight container.

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14 thoughts on “Slow Cooker Breakfast Granola

  1. Hello, I made this the other day, and for the first time I had success in making granola at home. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. I am so happy to hear that it worked out for you! I love that it is kind of a no-nonsense recipe…just mix it up and throw it in the pot! All the best to you and thanks for visiting my site!

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    1. It’s my family’s favorite granola recipe ( and I have quite a few). Just remember to put something in the lid area so that the steam can escape (I use a narrow wooden skewer). Stir frequently and it will turn out fantastic. Thanks for your comment. Enjoy!

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      1. Hi, Linda! I have this in the crockpot now, using a wooden skewer from summer BBQ season to let the steam escape. I followed your recipe exactly, with the exception of adding some almond extract and spices (cardamom, ginger, nutmeg cinnamon) to the mix. šŸ™‚ I am so excited. It is cold and windy here today and quite gray. I am happy to stay home and stir your delicious granola recipe! Best, Shanna

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  2. I eat oatmeal raw ground up in milk for smoothies but I will be making this as soon as I get my crock pot back. I can’t wait. Thanks for telling the tips on how to do the crock pot so it turns out right.

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