This gorgeous crispy granola from the Bored of Lunch cookbook makes for such a great breakfast, made in the slow cooker using butter, porridge oats, egg whites, dried fruit, nuts, and cinnamon.

To make Granola in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply melt the butter, combine it with the other ingredients, and cook on high for a total of 3 hours, stirring after the first 2 hours to ensure even crisping.

This recipe makes loads, so store it in an airtight jar and you’ve got breakfast sorted for the week. I also like to snack on handfuls of this when I’m working from home and need a quick energy hit.

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Can I use quick oats instead of porridge oats for this recipe?

Using quick oats in this recipe is not recommended as they tend to cook faster and may result in a softer, less crunchy granola. Stick with porridge oats to ensure a robust texture that stands up well to the slow cooking process.

Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Granola Ingredients

• 1.5 tbsp (22g) of half-fat butter
• 225g (8 oz) of porridge oats
• 2 egg whites, beaten
• 75g (2.6 oz) of dried fruit of your choice, chopped if large pieces
• 75g (2.6 oz) of nuts of your choice, finely chopped
• 2 tsp (10ml) of ground cinnamon
• 6 tbsp (90ml) of honey
• Greek yogurt, to serve
• Fresh fruit, to serve

How To Make Bored of Lunch Granola In Slow Cooker

1. Prepare the butter: Melt the butter in a heatproof bowl in the microwave, ensuring it is completely liquefied after about one minute.
2. Mix the ingredients: Pour the melted butter into the slow cooker, then add the oats, beaten egg whites, dried fruit, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and honey. Stir the combination well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated and mixed.
3. Cook the granola: Set the slow cooker on high and let the mixture cook undisturbed for 2 hours, then stir the granola thoroughly to ensure even cooking and crispness. Continue to cook on high for an additional hour to perfectly dry and crisp the granola.
4. Finalize and serve: Once the cooking process is complete, spread the granola evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to cool, which will help it achieve the desired crunchiness. Serve the cool granola with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a refreshing and wholesome breakfast.

How do I know when the granola is perfectly cooked?

The granola is perfectly cooked when it feels dry to the touch and has a golden color. It should be crunchy, not soft or chewy. Always allow it to cool completely to achieve the optimal crunch.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the sweetness: If you find the granola too sweet, reduce the honey to 4 tablespoons or substitute it with the same amount of agave syrup for a milder taste.
• Enhance the crunch: For a crunchier texture, cook the granola in the slow cooker for an additional 30 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn.
• Boost the flavor: Toast the oats and nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker, which will enhance their flavor and aroma.
• Add variety: Mix in coconut flakes or chocolate chips during the last 30 minutes of cooking to add a new flavor and texture to your granola.
• Control the clumps: If you prefer chunky granola, press the mixture down with a spatula before it cools and break it into clusters once it’s cooled.

Recipe Variations

• Go nut-free: Replace nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to keep the crunch but make it suitable for those with nut allergies.
• Try a savory twist: For a savory granola, reduce the honey add spices like curry powder or smoked paprika, and include savory seeds like flax or chia.
• Make it vegan: Use maple syrup or brown rice syrup instead of honey to make your granola vegan-friendly without losing the sticky sweetness.
• Experiment with fruits: Add dried tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or banana chips for a burst of fruity flavor in your granola.

What To Serve With Granola

I love pairing my homemade granola with refreshing sides like thick Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh berries, Poached Quince, or a spoonful of almond butter.

You can also enhance the experience by adding a side of cottage cheese, pomegranate seeds, or a small glass of chilled almond milk.

How To Store Leftover Granola

In The Fridge:

For the best freshness, store your leftover granola in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always make sure to cool it down completely before sealing it to avoid condensation which can make the granola soggy.

In The Freezer:

Granola does not need to be stored in the freezer as it remains fresh and crunchy when kept in a cool, dry place. Freezing granola is not recommended because it can introduce moisture and make the texture less enjoyable.

How To Reheat Leftover Granola

To reheat your leftover granola and bring back its delightful crunch, spread it on a baking sheet and toast it lightly in an oven at 150 degrees Celsius (300 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Ferrero Rocher Fudge
• Bored of Lunch Mini Egg Fudge
• Slow Cooker Christmas Plum Pudding