A delicious and easy to make kids granola recipe. This granola for kids contains no refined sugars. Kids can add in their favorite mix-ins at the end.
Kids Granola
We just about always have a jar of this granola on our kitchen counter. It works well for every meal from breakfast to dessert. It's so tasty!
This granola is perfect for kids because it is made without any refined sugars and it's only sweetened with honey. In addition, this is a nut free granola. By leaving nuts out, it makes it easier for kids to chew.
Did you know that it is super easy to make your own granola? This recipe is so simple to make that my four-year-old does about 80% of the work in this recipe.
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Why Make Granola for Kids
There are so many reasons why I love making granola for kids. When the kids were little, I started making homemade granola to be healthier (no refined sugar, no added preservatives). Now, we continue to make granola at home because the kids love making it.
No refined sugar in this granola recipe
One of the primary reasons why I started making homemade granola for my kids is because store bought versions are often high in refined sugars or sweeteners. This recipe only uses honey.
This kids granola recipe is nut free
In addition, many store bought granolas contain nuts in the ingredients, which I don't include in this granola recipe for a few reasons.
First, little kid teeth seem to struggle with almonds and other whole nuts found in store bought granolas. They simply don't like granolas with nuts. Second, nuts are a choking hazard for little kids.
Third, my kids are in nut free schools, so keeping this recipe nut free means I can pack it in their lunches.
The kids love making their own granola
Lastly, and most importantly, the kids enjoy making their own granola. My kids love making food in the kitchen, and this is an easy recipe that is forgiving and generally mess free.
Because this recipe calls for adding mix-ins (raisins, other dried fruit, chocolate chips, etc.) at the end, the kids can personalize their own batch. If you have multiple kids, you can split the baked oats and let each kid add their preferred mix-ins.
Ingredients
- Old fashioned oats
- Coconut oil
- Honey
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Choice of mix-ins: raisins, other dried fruit, seeds, chocolate chips, sprinkles
Full details below in the actual recipe.
Ingredient Notes and Tips
- Old Fashioned Oats: Make sure you use old fashioned oats, not instant, quick or steel cut oats.
- Flavoring: In addition to cinnamon, the kids also like pumpkin pie spice.
- Coconut Oil: I strongly recommend coconut oil. However in a pinch you can also use a neutral oil (the final taste will be different though).
How to Make Granola for Kids
The full recipe and directions are below. However, here is a quick summary:
- Mix oats, coconut oil, honey, cinnamon and salt together in a large bowl.
- Spread the granola mixture on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes at 350°F / 175°C, stirring halfway through.
- Remove from oven and allow the granola to cool completely. Break the granola into clumps.
- Add in the mix-ins.
- Enjoy!
How Kids Can Help Make This Granola Recipe
As I mentioned above, the kids love making this granola themselves. Here's how they can help with this granola recipe:
- Measure: The kids can measure all the ingredients. Since this is a forgiving recipe, it's ok if they go over or under a little.
- Mix: My kids love mixing the oats with the honey, coconut oil and spices. If your kitchen is cold, it helps to microwave the honey and coconut oil a bit to liquify it.
- Spread the oats on the pan: If you use a rimmed baking sheet, the kids can use a spatula and spread the oats out on the pan.
- Break apart the granola after baking: Once the granola is cooled, kids can help break apart the granola into clusters.
- Add in the mix-ins: Finally, kids can chose and add in their own choice of mix-ins.
As you can see, kids can be involved in almost every step of the way. The only tasks I need to do are pop the baking sheet in the oven, stir the oats halfway through, and take the granola out of the oven when it's finished.
What To Eat With Kids Granola
We love this granola served with Healthy Stewed Apples. In fact, if you pop over to that recipe, you can see this granola sprinkled on top of the apples.
Other ways we enjoy this granola:
- On top of Bircher Muesli for breakfast
- In a bowl with milk as a cereal
- Straight up as a snack
- Mixed in with yogurt
- Sprinkled on ice cream
Any questions? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I'd also love to hear if you have a favorite mix-in for the granola!
Kids Granola (no refined sugar and nut free)
Equipment
- 1 9x13 or larger baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ - 1 cup mix-ins see notes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C. Line a 9x13-inch or larger baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, coconut oil, honey, cinnamon and salt. If your kitchen is chilly, it may be easier to first heat the coconut oil and honey in the microwave for about 15 seconds before adding it to the oats.
- Spread the oats on the baking sheet, and use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the oven for 22-28 minutes total, stirring halfway through with a spatula.If you would like a softer granola, take it out between 22-25 minutes. If you like crunchy granola, take it out between 25-28 minutes. The granola will harden while it cools. If you want clusters in your granola, once you have taken it out of the oven, do not stir the granola until it has completely cooled.See notes for the clink test to tell if your granola is done.
- Once the granola has cooled, transfer it into a big bowl and break apart any large clumps you would like. Add in your choice of mix-ins.
- Store in an airtight container. Granola should last up to 2 weeks, but but use your best judgment depending on how dry/crunchy you like your granola toasted.
Notes
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