Homemade And Crunchy Steel Cut Oats Granola

In just 25 minutes and with only 4 ingredients, this crunchy, maple-sweet steel-cut oats granola can be yours to enjoy for weekday breakfasts, as a crunchy topping, or as a delicious snack.  

Like my homemade nut-free granola, it's also gluten-, vegan, and dairy-free, and it's easy to adapt.

I'll show you how to make it quickly on the stovetop (with a baked version for making larger amounts).

I absolutely adore this super simple steel-cut oats granola recipe. It's so easy to make—the hardest part is waiting for it to cool before digging in. 

The crunchiness, maple flavors, and healthy nuts create a delicious snack or topping. I often dunk it in my favorite milk—cashew milk—with some berries for the perfect breakfast granola bowl.

Sprinkle it over fresh fruit, plantain breakfast, strawberry smoothie bowls, chocolate coconut chia pudding, or plain Greek yogurt for an easy morning meal or a quick afternoon snack. 

Or enjoy it as a topping and add some crunchy texture to chia puddings, ice cream, or low-carb, no-bake cheesecake cups—anything goes. 

If this is your first time making steel-cut oats granola, you're in for a treat. It's so much tastier than store-bought. Let's dig in.

Why You'll Love Steel Cut Oat Granola

• Refined sugar-free: This granola has just the right amount of sweetness from maple syrup, making it a satisfying yet healthier sweet treat. 
• It's a great crunchy topping or tasty snack. Add it to a creamy smoothie bowl, sprinkle on top of ice cream, or enjoy it as a heartier snack. 
• Enjoy as a granola bowl for breakfast: The added almonds and super crunchy texture are a nice change from my no-nuts homemade granola. 
• Adaptable: You can customize this recipe by changing the nuts or adding fruit, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds. You can also get creative with your own favorite add-ins. 

Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

So, let's look at the ingredients to make this healthy steel-cut granola recipe.

• Coconut oil: This neutral oil has plenty of heart-healthy fat and helps the ingredients to brown. 
• Steel-cut oats: To keep it gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free oats. 
• Whole almonds: Almonds pack a punch of protein and provide extra crunchiness in this granola.
• Maple syrup: It adds sweetness and helps create super crunchy granola. You can modify the amount, but don't omit it completely.

Step-By-Step Instructions

See the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card.

Step One (Picture 1 above): In a large skillet, melt the coconut oil over medium heat and add the oats and almonds. Stir to coat, then pour maple syrup into the oat mixture and stir until well combined. Spread the granola mixture into a single layer. 

Step Two (Picture 2 above) - Let the mixture come to a simmer, stirring occasionally to avoid burning, until the oats and almonds are golden brown and smell toasty. Every time you stir, flatten the oats again over the entire surface of the skillet so they can brown evenly. 

Step Three (Picture 3 above) - Remove the pan from heat and allow the oat and almond mixture to cool. Once cooled, break up the mixture with a wooden spoon, creating the size of clumps you prefer.

Expert Tips

• Make sure all almonds and oats are fully coated with the melted coconut oil and maple syrup before pressing them into the pan for the crunchiest, sweetest results.
• Stir only occasionally to prevent the oats from burning. Always spread the granola mixture back into a single layer in the pan so it can toast and brown evenly.
• Once cooled, you can break up the toasted steel-cut oats granola into large clusters—these can be handheld treats that make it easier to snack on the go. 
• Allow the granola to cool completely, as it will still develop its lovely crunchy texture during that time.

Variations

• Instead of maple syrup, use brown rice syrup or honey as a liquid sweetener.
• You can swap the coconut oil out for avocado oil.
• Sprinkle a little salt into the mixture to bring out the sweet flavors.
• You can add dried fruit or even coconut flakes to the mix.
• Play around with pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or your favorite nuts instead of almonds.
• And if you want a little added sweetness, toss some dark chocolate chips into the broken pieces after they cool.

Recipe FAQs

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