One of the best things I ever learned was making granola in the crockpot. You know why? Because in the oven, I always burned it–never failed. Oh, you can still burn it in the crockpot, but it’s not as easy.
How to make crockpot granola
Fill your crockpot about 3/4 full of rolled oats.
Add the following:
- a bag of chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, pecans, or peanuts. If the nuts are too big, I will use my Black and Decker Chopper to chop them up into smaller pieces.
- about 1/2-1 cup of whole grain flour
- 1/4 cup ground flax seed
- a few sprinkles of salt
Stir that together and then mix the following in a saucepan:
- 1-1 1/2 cups of honey, maple syrup, or a combination thereof,
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of oil. I like to use coconut oil but olive oil works and you won’t taste it. However, if I use peanuts in the mix, I will use peanut butter.
- 1/4 cup of water
Heat this mixture over low heat until everything is melted and blended. Then pour it over the mixture in the crockpot and stir it in well.
Turn the crock on low and cover, but keep the lid ajar to let the steam escape. Set a timer for 30 minutes to remind you to stir.
Some recipes say you can stir every 45 minutes, but my crockpot gets too hot and I’ve scorched mine this way. So I stir every 30 minutes. And when you stir, make sure you scoop way down to the bottom and lift what’s down below up to the surface.
It is done when it is brown and dry. At this point spread on cookie sheets to cool.
When cool, mix in dry fruit to suit. Store in an airtight container.
Any questions?
This post is linked to the HomeAcre Hop, Homestead Barn Hop, On the Menu Monday, Mix it Up Monday, Homesteading Kitchen Skills, and Mostly Homemade Mondays
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Sounds yummy Carol! I love this idea, since I have burned granola in the oven too! Thanks for sharing.
I love granola with the Thrive freeze Pineapple, bananas an Fuji apple slices.
That sounds, delicious, Holly. Thanks for the ideas.
Great idea! I am going to give this a try. I saw this post on Mostly Homemade Mondays. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for stopping by, Kari. You’ll be glad if you try it.
I LIKE this idea, Carol! What size crockpot do you use?
That’s my crockpot in the picture, Kathy. I believe it’s a six-quart. If yours is smaller, I’d just use a little less of the liquid mixture. It really isn’t a “recipe.” Just suggestions and you take it from there for a custom granola designed with your family in mind.
Do you use quick oats or old fashioned oats? What size crock pot do you use?
Hi Mary Jane,
I use old-fashioned oats and my crock pot is 6 quarts. Enjoy!
That sounds really yummy. I was wondering if molasses would work for the recipe.
That’s a good question, Luisa. I think that the flavor of molasses is so strong, that you better not use it as your only sweetener if you don’t truly l-o-v-e the taste. Better to mix it with some honey or syrup. I would play with the mixture a bit till you come up with something your family would love.
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Am going to try this on Thursday while we are snow/iced in… looks simple and I have everything I need.
Great idea! Thanks so much for sharing this on The Creative HomeAcre Hop! Hope to see you tomorrow on the next Creative HomeAcre hop!
http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/02/the-creative-homeacre-hop-4.html
This is such a great idea. Do you grease your crockpot with a spray first? Pinning this to use! Thank you so much for sharing.
Sorry Tanya, your question got lost. No, do not grease your crockpot. Let me know how it works for you.
Oh my word! This is totally EASY!
With 11 children, I. Like. Easy.
I am going to be making this very soon.
We love granola here at our house but man, that stuff is pricey! And I like how easy it is too. We have like 4 crock pots.
Blessings,
Janet
Wow, Janet, 4 crockpots would make a ton of granola! Although the one crockpot full I make only lasts about a week and I only have 2-3 people eating it.
I gave up making granola because it never turned out right, so THANKS AGAIN, Carol, for offering a great idea! One question–Do you buy your flax seed already ground up or do you have a grinder?
Wait, let’s make that two questions–do you have a book or are you working on one that contains so many of these helpful ideas and recipes?
I’ll have to give this a try. Thanks Carol!