Healthy Crockpot Granola Recipe | Gluten Free and Vegan Trail Mix (2024)

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When we think of granola, it’s usually as a breakfast food or snack food consisting of rolled oats, lots of sweetener, and maybe some dried fruit or chocolate chips. We know it tastes good but we aren’t always sure if it’s healthy! There are a variety of factors to consider when it comes to the healthfulness of granola. Fortunately, you can make your own healthy granola with this easy crockpot granola recipe.

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Healthy Crockpot Granola Recipe | Gluten Free and Vegan Trail Mix (1)

Before you reach for that bag of granola on the grocery store shelf, consider making yourown at home using this healthy crockpot granola recipe.

If you’re watching your weightor simply trying to eat healthier, you might find yourself turning to more wholesome foods like granola. Unfortunately, some granola and granola bars are loaded with unhealthy oils and sugars, even the dreaded high fructose corn syrup we all try to avoid these days. If you see a high-fat content, ingredients you cannot pronounce, or refined sugars, you can do better! Grab your crockpot and some healthy ingredients instead.

It is easy to make your own healthy granola at home. It’s also really easy to make it healthier than any granola you find on store shelves.

At the base of just about every granola recipe are oats. Oats pack a punch of fiber and provide iron that we all need. From there, simply add a variety of your healthy favorites like nuts and seeds, and maybe a sprinkle of unsweetened dried fruit for flavor. Pull it all together with a heart-healthy fat and some unrefined sweetener and you have a perfectly healthy breakfast or snack that is great to grab when you’re on-the-go or needing something quick.

Your crockpot granola recipe will be a breeze. This slow cooker version is chock full of health benefits and tastes even better than any store brand. It’s gluten-free (with gluten-free rolled oats), vegan, and contains zero refined sugar!

Chia Seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and even calcium. Add in raw nuts for fiber and heart-healthy fats. Then, to really add flavor and nutrition, throw in some cacao nibs, which are basically chocolate in its most raw form (sometimes referred to as a superfood for their antioxidant content).

I’ve also replaced the usual honey with agave nectar for its lower glycemic index and to make this healthy crockpot granola recipe vegan. It’s also quite sweet so you need less than other sweeteners.

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Healthy Crockpot Granola Recipe

Spray the bottom and sides of your Crockpot with cooking spray. Add the oats, nuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine the ingredients.

In a small bowl, stir together the oil, agave nectar, and vanilla. Then, pour over the dry ingredients in the Crock-Pot and stir until coated evenly.

Place the Crockpot lid on slightly ajar to leave a little room for steam. This will keep your granola from getting soggy. Cook on high for 2 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Once the oats look golden brown and feel dry, turn off the Crockpot and mix in the cranberries, coconut, and cacao nibs.

Pour the granola onto a cooking sheet and spread out evenly to cool. This will let your granola get nice and crispy.

Once the granola is completely cooled you can enjoy it right away or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about a week.

Healthy Crockpot Granola Recipe | Gluten Free and Vegan Trail Mix (7)

Healthy Crockpot Granola Recipe | Gluten Free and Vegan Trail Mix (8)

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Healthy Crockpot Granola

Make your own healthy crockpot granola recipe at home. This slow cooker granola recipe is gluten free and vegan free, too, making it an allergy friendly recipe.

Cook Time2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course: Snack

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Old-Fashioned Oats Gluten Free
  • 1 1/2 cups Nuts of your Choice Raw
  • 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds Organic
  • 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Avocado Oil
  • 1/2 Cup Agave Nectar
  • 1 Tbs Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 Cup Toasted Unsweetened Coconut
  • 1/2 Cup Dried Unsweetened Cranberries
  • 1/4 Cup Cacao Nibs

Instructions

  • Spray the bottom and sides of your Crock-Pot with cooking spray. Add the oats, nuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine the ingredients.

  • In a small bowl, stir together the oil, Agave, and vanilla. Then, pour over the dry ingredients in the Crock-Pot and stir until coated evenly.

  • Place the Crock-Pot lid on slightly ajar to leave a little room for steam. This will keep your granola from getting soggy. Cook on high for 2 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.

  • Once the oats look golden brown and feel dry, turn off the Crock-Pot and mix in the cranberries, coconut and cacao nibs.

  • Pour the granola onto a cooking sheet and spread out evenly to cool. This will let your granola get nice and crispy.

  • Once the granola is completely cooled you can enjoy it right away or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about a week.

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Healthy Crockpot Granola Recipe | Gluten Free and Vegan Trail Mix (2024)

FAQs

Is homemade granola healthier? ›

You can also make your own granola, which is a good way to avoid the excess fats and sugars you may find in store-bought brands.

What is gluten-free granola made of? ›

What is Gluten-Free Granola? Granola is a breakfast food made from rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. Gluten-free granola is made without any gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye.

What is a healthy version of granola? ›

Some brands offer unique varieties such as quinoa and spelt. Granola without some sort of sugar would taste like cardboard. But the best bet is to choose a granola with minimally processed sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey and agave. Dried fruit will also add fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

What was the downside to granola as a food? ›

On the downside, granola can be high in added sugars, hidden calories, and saturated fat, making some options less healthy.

What to avoid in granola? ›

"Standard granola often contains rolled oats, which provide fiber and complex carbohydrates, and nuts that contribute healthy fats, plant protein and vitamin E," says Gellman. On the flip side, it can also be a source of saturated fats and added sugars, which are harmful for your heart when eaten in excess.

Is granola healthy for weight loss? ›

The Bottom Line. So, is granola good for losing weight? Yes, it can aid in weight loss. However, you need to control your portion size to make sure you get all the nutrients, and it keeps you full for a longer time.

Is granola anti inflammatory? ›

Many types of granola contain healthy ingredients that may offer numerous benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and gut health.

Is it better to make your own granola? ›

Once you try homemade granola, you won't go back to store-bought granola. It's so much better! This granola recipe is also a far more healthy granola option, since it's made with whole grains, unrefined oil and naturally sweetened.

Is homemade granola a processed food? ›

Is granola processed? Technically, all granola is processed to some degree because it's a food made out of ingredients which you have combined and cooked. However, there are huge variations in the amount of processing used across different brands.

Is homemade granola a healthy breakfast? ›

Granola is usually considered a healthy breakfast cereal. It's a toasted mixture of rolled oats, nuts, and a sweetener like sugar or honey, though it can also include other grains, puffed rice, dried fruit, seeds, spices, and nut butters.

Are homemade granola bars healthier than store-bought? ›

While store-bought granola bars can be unhealthy and full of added sugars, these homemade granola bars are healthy in moderation. They're a delicious and nutritious snack option compared to those that come in a package.

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