If you love crunchy, golden, and wholesome breakfasts or snacks, you are going to adore this Slow Cooker Granola recipe. It transforms simple oats, nuts, and coconut into a perfectly toasted delight without heating up your kitchen. The magic of the slow cooker gently caramelizes the honey and coconut oil, resulting in granola that’s irresistibly crisp and beautifully golden every single time. Whether you sprinkle it on yogurt, enjoy it with milk, or nibble by the handful, this Slow Cooker Granola will quickly become your go-to homemade treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Slow Cooker Granola Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each add their own special touch. From the hearty oats to the tropical sweetness of coconut, each element is essential to building layers of flavor and texture.

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base that provides chewiness and that classic granola texture.
2 cups chopped nuts: Adds delightful crunch and richness; feel free to mix walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
2 cups flaked coconut: Brings a subtle tropical sweetness and extra bite.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup coconut oil (melted): Helps everything toast evenly while imparting a gentle coconut aroma.
1/2 cup honey: Natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
1 cup dried fruit (optional): A chewy, sweet addition stirred in at the end for contrast and color.

How to Make Slow Cooker Granola

Step 1: Prep and Combine Ingredients

Start by generously coating your slow cooker with a nonstick spray—coconut oil spray is my favorite here because it complements the flavors. Mix the oats, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, and salt right in the slow cooker. Melt the coconut oil and measure the honey, then pour them in and stir everything together well so every oat and nut is evenly coated with that luscious honey-oil mixture.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the lid on your slow cooker, but leave it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape—you want a 1- to 2-inch gap. Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes before giving it a good stir, making sure you scrape the edges and bottom so nothing sticks or burns. Keep cooking on HIGH, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes, until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and smells toasted and irresistible. This usually takes between 2 and 2 1/2 hours, but keep a close eye to prevent over-darkening. If it starts browning too fast, lower your slow cooker to LOW and stir even more frequently.

Step 3: Cool and Add Fruit

When your Slow Cooker Granola is perfectly toasted, transfer it to a large baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Let it cool completely, stirring occasionally to help it crisp up nicely. Once cool, fold in any dried fruit you like—it adds lovely chewy bites and bursts of sweetness. Store your granola in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Granola

Garnishes

This granola is a fantastic blank canvas for your favorite garnishes. Top it with fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor kick that wakes up your taste buds. Toasted seeds or a drizzle of maple syrup can also take your bowl to the next level.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Granola pairs beautifully with creamy or fresh side dishes. Enjoy it alongside a fruit smoothie bowl, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or a fresh fruit salad loaded with citrus and berries—combining textures and flavors just brings your meal to life.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl and try layering your Slow Cooker Granola in parfait glasses with yogurt and fruit for a stunning breakfast or snack presentation. You can also bake it into bars by packing it with nut butter and pressing it into a pan for easy grab-and-go treats. Or sprinkle it atop baked apples or warm oatmeal to add that signature crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your granola fresh and crunchy by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay perfectly tasty for up to two weeks, making it a great make-ahead option for busy mornings.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, granola freezes wonderfully. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will keep for several months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

Although granola is often enjoyed at room temperature, you can warm it briefly to revive that toasty aroma—just pop a small amount into the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm it in a dry skillet on low heat. This step enhances the crunchy texture if it has softened a bit in storage.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts in this Slow Cooker Granola?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to experiment with walnuts, pecans, cashews, or even a mixed nut blend to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have coconut oil?

You can substitute melted butter or a mild vegetable oil instead. Coconut oil adds a nice flavor component, but other fats work well to help the granola crisp up and brown evenly.

How important is it to leave the slow cooker lid ajar?

Leaving the lid slightly open lets moisture escape, which is key for achieving crunchy granola rather than soggy oats. This small step helps the granola toast perfectly in the slow cooker environment.

Can I make this granola without honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup as a vegan or alternative sweetener. Just keep in mind the flavor and consistency might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

How long does the granola stay crunchy after cooking?

If stored properly in an airtight container, your Slow Cooker Granola will stay crisp for about two weeks. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to avoid any moisture buildup.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade granola can sometimes feel like a hassle, but this Slow Cooker Granola recipe proves it doesn’t have to be. With minimal hands-on time and everyday ingredients, you’ll have a golden, crunchy batch ready to brighten your mornings and lift your snacks. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen!

Slow Cooker Granola Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

This Slow Cooker Granola recipe is a deliciously crunchy and wholesome treat made by combining oats, nuts, coconut, coconut oil, and honey in a slow cooker. It’s an effortless way to create golden, toasted granola perfect for breakfast or snacking. Optional dried fruit can be added for extra sweetness and texture.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: About 8 cups 1x
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
2 cups flaked coconut
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup honey

Optional

1 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker. Generously spray a large slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray, preferably coconut oil spray to complement the flavors. This prevents sticking and helps with even cooking.
Mix Dry Ingredients. Add the rolled oats, chopped nuts, flaked coconut, and salt into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.
Add Wet Ingredients. Melt the coconut oil in a measuring cup first, then pour the honey on top. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the dry ingredients, then stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the oil and honey mixture.
Cook the Granola. Cover the slow cooker lid slightly askew to allow steam to escape, leaving a 1- to 2-inch gap. Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, then stir well, scraping granola from all sides and corners to prevent burning. Continue cooking on HIGH, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes, for a total of 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until granola is golden brown and toasted. If it browns too fast, reduce heat to LOW and stir more frequently.
Cool and Add Fruit. Transfer the cooked granola to a large rimmed baking sheet and spread out evenly. Allow it to cool completely, stirring occasionally until crunchy. Once cooled, mix in the optional dried fruit if desired.
Store Properly. Store the finished granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain its crunchiness.

Notes

Use a slow cooker with a ceramic insert for best results to avoid burning.
Stirring frequently is key to even cooking and to prevent granola from burning on the edges.
Feel free to customize the nuts and dried fruit based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
If you want a sweeter granola, increase the honey by 1-2 tablespoons.
For nut-free granola, omit nuts and increase oats accordingly.
Use pure honey and high-quality coconut oil for the best flavor.