This slow cooker granola is vegan, gluten free and packed with fibre. I don’t add any maple syrup or honey to it because I like to top with dried fruit or fresh fruit and I find that sweetens it up enough. 
I love adding fresh berries and Greek yogurt for a super-satisfying parfait. This granola is also great as a snack for your next hiking or camping trip. I keep a bag in my purse for when I need an energy boost, stat!
Granola is great to have on hand to make a quick dessert: crumble. One of my favourites! Use it to top peaches, berries, pears or apples and bake for a healthy, yummy dessert.
If you want to turn this into granola bars, it’s super easy. Just mix with natural nut butter and maple syrup until combined. Press into a tray, put in the fridge to set, and enjoy!
Slow cooker granola also makes a great gift. Who doesn’t love something homemade and yummy? Just put in a mason jar with a pretty ribbon. I love any recipe that you can put in the slow cooker and basically forget about. So simple!
Reasons to eat granola
Health benefits of oats:
- Oats are a good source of fibre. Fibre helps keep the digestive system working well and prevents constipation.
- Oats contain a type of fibre called beta-glucan that has been shown to lower “lousy” LDL cholesterol levels. High LDL levels are associated with a higher risk of heart disease. In one study, eating oats every day was associated with an average LDL reduction of 7%.
- In cell studies, beta-glucan activated cancer-fighting cells such as T-cells and natural killer cells. In animal studies, beta-glucan was shown to prevent cancer cells from growing.
- Oats are also an excellent source of thiamin, which is needed for a strong immune system and to turn carbohydrates into energy.
Health benefits of pumpkin seeds:
- Pumpkin seeds, also called pepitas, are an excellent source of magnesium: 1/4 cup gives you about half of what you need in a day. Magnesium is essential for the growth and maintenance of bones and for nerve and muscle function. It also helps keep you regular!
- Nuts and seeds add protein and heart healthy fats to your diet. These nutrients will help you feel full for a longer time after you finish eating. Protein also helps repair and build muscle, and is needed for a healthy immune system.
- 1 cup Large flake rolled oats (if you're gluten free, make sure your oats are gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup Almond milk unsweetened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 cup pepitas raw, unsalted
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut unsweetened
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup dried figs sliced
- Turn your slow cooker to high. Spray with light olive oil or grapeseed oil using a mister.
- Add all ingredients except the figs and stir. Cover the slow cooker leaving the lid open slightly (about 1/2 an inch or so). Cook for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Top with figs or other favorite dried fruit. I love adding fresh berries and yogurt for a super-satisfying parfait. Enjoy!
I’m seriously obsessed with the fact that you can make granola in the slow cooker. That is UNREAL!
I know! This was a game changer for me. I hate watching over the oven. Hello multi-tasking!
Woah!! I totally agree!!! Granola in a slow cooker! Genius.