Are you searching for an incredibly simple and utterly delicious granola recipe that promises to vanish from your counter almost as quickly as you make it? Look no further! This **Crockpot Granola with Honey and Dried Fruit** is not just a recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy households and anyone craving a wholesome, customizable snack. Our family can attest to its addictive quality – I once made a generous batch, only to return a few days later to find it completely gone, with my husband, John, already asking for more!
Effortless Crockpot Granola: A Busy Day Essential
The beauty of this granola lies in its simplicity and the magic of your slow cooker. Forget the constant vigilance required when baking granola in the oven; the crockpot handles most of the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks. I’ve started making multiple batches at a time, especially when I travel, ensuring John always has his favorite snack on hand. For storage, I’ve found that leftover gelato containers work wonderfully – a delicious excuse to enjoy some gelato, wouldn’t you agree? They’re perfectly sized and create an airtight seal, keeping the granola fresh and crunchy.
Beyond its convenience, this recipe holds a special place in our hearts. Earlier this year, John was diagnosed with diverticulitis, a condition that restricts him from eating nuts or seeds. This posed a significant challenge, as granola bars and traditional granola were among his absolute favorite treats. Most commercial varieties, and even many homemade recipes, heavily feature nuts and seeds, making it difficult to find safe options. Determined to let him enjoy his beloved snack without worry, I set out to create a delicious **nut-free and seed-free granola** version that he could savor safely.
This **Slow Cooker Honey Granola** isn’t just a solution for dietary needs; it’s also an incredible back-to-school snack. Its robust nature means it travels exceptionally well, holding up beautifully in lunchboxes or backpacks without melting or crumbling. It’s an ideal choice for busy parents looking for wholesome, ready-to-eat options that kids will genuinely enjoy. The delightful combination of rolled oats, golden honey, and sweet dried fruits makes it an irresistible treat for all ages.
Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Your Granola?
You might wonder why a slow cooker is the preferred method for this delightful **homemade granola**. The answer lies in the even heat distribution and gentle cooking process. Unlike an oven, which can sometimes lead to uneven toasting or burnt spots, the slow cooker creates a consistent, low-heat environment. This allows the oats and other ingredients to slowly toast to a perfect golden crispness, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the honey and oil without the risk of scorching. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is simply divine – a bonus sensory experience!
Another fantastic benefit is the hands-off approach. Once you’ve combined your ingredients, your slow cooker does the heavy lifting, freeing you up to tackle other tasks. Occasional stirring is all that’s needed to ensure every cluster achieves that desirable crunch. This method also tends to be more energy-efficient for longer cooking times compared to heating a large oven, making it a smart choice for delicious, budget-friendly meal prep.
When selecting a slow cooker, we highly recommend one equipped with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature is invaluable, providing peace of mind and preventing your granola from overcooking if you’re not immediately available to turn it off. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in achieving perfectly cooked, consistently crunchy granola every time.
Crafting Your Perfect Batch: Ingredients and Customization
The beauty of this **honey and dried fruit granola** recipe is its adaptability. While our core ingredients lay the foundation for a fantastic, nut-free base, feel free to get creative with your favorite dried fruits and other flavor enhancers. Here’s a closer look at what goes into this simple yet satisfying recipe:
Essential Ingredients:
- Old-fashioned oats: These are crucial for the right texture. Quick-cooking or instant oats won’t give you the same delightful chewiness and crunch. They hold their shape better during slow cooking, creating those lovely clusters.
- Flaked coconut: Adds a wonderful aroma, subtle sweetness, and a chewy texture. Ensure you’re using unsweetened flaked coconut to control the sugar content.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is vital to balance the sweetness of the honey and bring out the full flavor of the oats and coconut. Don’t skip it!
- Canola oil: A neutral-flavored oil like canola helps achieve that perfect crispiness without imparting any strong flavors. You could also experiment with melted coconut oil for a richer, more tropical note, if desired.
- Honey: The star sweetener and binder! Honey not only provides a natural, golden sweetness but also helps the granola cling together, forming delicious clusters. Maple syrup can be a good substitute if you prefer.
- Dried pineapple: Adds a tropical, tangy sweetness and a pleasant chew. Chopped pieces work best.
- Dried berries: Think cranberries, blueberries, or cherries for a burst of tart-sweet flavor and vibrant color.
- Raisins: A classic granola addition, offering soft, sweet pockets of fruit.
Other Nut-Free Add-ins to Consider:
The possibilities for customization are endless once your granola has cooled. While we focus on a nut-free and seed-free base for John’s dietary needs, you can explore other delicious additions. Consider adding dried bananas (banana chips add a great crunch!), dried apples, or any other dried fruit you adore. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a hint of vanilla extract can also elevate the flavor profile. Just remember to add dried fruits *after* cooking to prevent them from becoming too hard or burnt.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
This **easy slow cooker granola** is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it in a bowl with milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative for a quick and satisfying breakfast. Sprinkle it over yogurt, kefir, or a smoothie bowl for added crunch and flavor. It also makes a fantastic topping for oatmeal, fruit salads, or even ice cream. Of course, it’s perfectly delicious on its own as a grab-and-go snack for road trips, hiking, or just an afternoon pick-me-up.
Once cooled completely, store your homemade granola in an airtight container at room temperature. Those gelato containers I mentioned earlier are fantastic for this purpose, but any well-sealed jar or food storage container will do. Stored properly, this granola will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze it for even longer storage – just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Discover More Delicious Snack Recipes
If you’re on the hunt for more delightful snack ideas, especially for busy school days or simply to have on hand, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Caramel Oat Bars
Maple Monkey Bread
Don’t miss all of our savory snacks and explore our extensive collection of vegetarian crockpot recipes, perfect for effortless meal planning.
This recipe is also a star feature in our curated Road Trip Snacks Collection, offering tasty and convenient options for your next adventure.
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to check out our exciting copycat recipes, indulgent dessert recipes, and a wide array of CrockPot Recipes, designed to make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
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Crock Pot Honey Granola with Dried Fruit Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup Coconut Flakes
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Canola Oil
- ½ cup Honey
- 1 cup Dried Pineapple chopped
- 1 cup dried berries
- 1 cup raisins
- other nut-free add-ins could include dried bananas
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine the old-fashioned oats, flaked coconut, and salt. Stir gently to ensure everything is well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the canola oil and honey. Pour this liquid mixture over the dry oat mixture in the crock pot and stir thoroughly until all the oats are evenly coated. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on HIGH for 2 hours. It is crucial to stir the granola every 20 minutes to prevent burning and promote even toasting. This constant stirring helps achieve that perfect, uniform golden-brown crunch.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the oats from the crock pot and spread them out in a thin, even layer on large cookie sheets. Allow the granola to cool completely. It will crisp up significantly as it cools.
- Once the granola is completely cool, combine it with the dried pineapple, dried berries, and raisins. Mix well, then store in an airtight container.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 144
Recipe originally shared August 20, 2015. Updated January 2021.