Healthy Stovetop Granola

Name: Healthy Stovetop Granola
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 tsp coconut oil; 1 tsp honey; 3 tbsp whole oats (certified GF if required); ½ tsp cinnamon

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This healthy stovetop granola recipe is great when you want to quickly make a small amount of granola. It's ready in just 10 minutes, and needs only 4 ingredients. No bake granola makes a delicious crunchy breakfast or even topping for your dessert. If you enjoy a bowl of fruit and yogurt for your breakfast, this toasted granola will add a satisfying crunch, and keep you fuller for longer.

Healthy stovetop granola pouring out of jar with fruit and nuts

Is granola healthy?

Although the main ingredient of granola, which is oats, is a really healthy choice, it doesn't always follow that the granola that you buy at the supermarket is healthy. The main brands of granola can contain up to a third of your recommended allowance of sugar for the day. They can also be high in unhealthy fats.

This healthy stovetop granola recipe contains a lot less sugar. It is sweetened with a small amount of honey. It also contains healthy coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids which can help support brain function and weight control. (Read more about the health benefits of coconut oil here). And of course oats are packed with fibre. They are good for your heart, and can help to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

What you'll love about this recipe

No bake frying pan granola is ready in 10 minutes
Adds a delicious crunchy texture to breakfast and desserts
Dairy free and naturally sweetened with a small amount of honey
Gluten free (use certified oats)
Wholegrain oats are a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals

Ingredients

Oats. You'll need rolled or porridge oats. Instant oats have too fine a texture for this recipe. If you want a gluten free granola, make sure that your oats are certified gluten free
Coconut oil. If you use extra virgin coconut oil, you'll have a distinctive taste of coconut. With a refined coconut oil, there's no discernible coconut flavour. Or if you prefer, you can use another healthy fat such as olive oil
Honey. If you prefer to make a vegan stovetop granola, use maple syrup rather than honey
Cinnamon adds a lovely warm, rich taste. You could use mixed spice instead, or even omit the spice if you don't like the flavour

Optional ingredients

Of course you could add some nuts to the mix if you wish. As well as tasting good, adding nuts will make a higher protein granola. Pecans, walnuts or almonds would all be great. If you are going to add dried fruit or shredded coconut, add it after cooking as otherwise it will end up hard and dry.

How to make healthy stovetop granola

This is a very simple recipe, and your healthy stovetop granola will be ready to eat in ten minutes.

Melt the coconut oil and honey in a frying pan.

Stir in the oats and cinnamon, and cook until lightly toasted.

You can use no bake granola straight away (don't burn your mouth!), or store it in an airtight jar. The quantity here makes enough for 2 as a topping, but can easily be scaled up or down.

If you want a larger portion of stovetop granola, use 2 tablespoons each of coconut oil and honey, and 80 g or ⅞ of a cup of oats.

For a much larger batch of granola, I use this low sugar granola which is baked in the oven.

This easy frying pan granola makes a quick healthy crumble topping if you are after a simple low sugar dessert. Try these healthy stewed apples or cooked pears with quick granola for a cheat's version of apple or pear crumble. It is also delicious as a crunchy topping for this almond and yogurt parfait.

Quick stovetop granola with yogurt and fruit

Frequently asked questions

Why is my granola bitter?

When making granola, you want to toast the oats so that they have flavour and crunch. However, if you overdo it and the oats start to burn, they'll taste bitter. As this stovetop granola only takes a few minutes, it's best to watch the oats constantly to avoid the risk of burning, and get the perfect toasted granola.

What can I use instead of coconut oil in granola?

It's best to use a healthy oil to make granola - after all, that's one of the benefits of making it. Olive oil or rapeseed oil will both work well. Remember, refined coconut oil doesn't taste of coconut, so you might want to give it a try.

What's the healthiest way to eat granola?

Fruit, nuts and yogurt all make a good addition to granola, as they add extra protein, probiotics, vitamins and minerals. If you don't like yogurt, add a splash of milk. Or make a thick smoothie and serve the crunchy granola as a topping.

Is granola good for weight loss?

Granola, especially a heavily sweetened store bought granola, is relatively dense in calories. So watch your portion sizes, and enjoy the crunch alongside some less calorific foods such as fruit. The coconut oil and wholegrain oats in this healthy granola recipe will help to keep you feeling full and less likely to snack later in the morning.

Other healthy breakfast recipes you might like

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