Healthy Crockpot Granola Recipe | Gluten Free and Vegan Trail Mix

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.

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

If you’re watching your weight or 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.