Name: Chocolate Granola Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups old fashioned oats; 1/3 cup pecans; 1/3 cup cashews; 1/3 cup almonds; 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes; 1 Tbsp chia seeds; 1 Tbsp flax seeds; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

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If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep things on the healthier side, this Chocolate Granola Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It perfectly balances crunchy clusters, toasty nuts, and rich chocolate flavor, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert toppings. Every handful delivers a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness, all from wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. I’m excited to share how easy it is to whip up this crave-worthy Chocolate Granola Recipe that feels indulgent without any guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a close-up of dark brown granola with a rich and chunky texture. The granola clusters are mixed with small, round, dark chocolate chips that add a smooth contrast to the rough clusters. There are also whole nuts like cashews and almonds scattered throughout, adding a light tan color to the mix. The granola looks dense and crunchy with a mix of oats and nuts all tightly packed together. The background is a white marbled texture, highlighting the granola's deep, earthy colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, natural ingredients is the first step to creating a granola that’s bursting with texture and taste. Each component plays a key role: from the wholesome oats forming the base, to the variety of nuts adding crunch and richness, and the cocoa powder giving it that deep chocolate magic.

3 cups old fashioned oats: The foundation providing chewy, hearty texture and fiber.
1/3 cup pecans: Adds buttery richness and a subtle, nutty sweetness.
1/3 cup cashews: Offers a creamy crunch and helps balance flavors.
1/3 cup almonds: Introduces a robust crunch that holds up well during baking.
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes: Brings a fragrant tropical note and lightness.
1 Tbsp chia seeds: Boosts nutrition with added omega-3s and a slight crunch.
1 Tbsp flax seeds: Adds depth in texture along with heart-healthy benefits.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors in the mix.
1/3 cup cocoa powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
1/4 cup coconut oil melted: Helps bind everything together and adds subtle sweetness.
1/2 cup maple syrup: Natural sweetener that caramelizes perfectly during baking.
1/2 cup chocolate chips: The final touch for melty pockets of chocolate throughout the granola.

How to Make Chocolate Granola Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 340℉ so it’s ready to go by the time your granola mixture is assembled. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This small step will save you a lot of hassle later!

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the oats, pecans, cashews, almonds, coconut flakes, chia seeds, flax seeds, salt, and the star ingredient, cocoa powder. This mixture forms the base and will give your granola its texture and chocolate essence. Make sure the ingredients are evenly combined for balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and maple syrup. The coconut oil adds a lovely subtle sweetness and crispness once baked, while the maple syrup naturally sweetens and helps everything stick together. This combo also enhances the chocolate notes beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the coconut oil and maple syrup mixture over the oat and nut blend. Stir thoroughly so every oat and nut is coated with that glossy, sweet cocoa mixture. This ensures your granola will bake up chewy and delicious, not dry or crumbly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread your granola in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pop it into the oven and bake for 17 minutes until your kitchen smells like chocolate heaven and the granola looks golden brown and toasted. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning—each oven is a little different!

Step 6: Cool and Add Chocolate Chips

Once out of the oven, allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial because the granola will crisp up as it cools. Once it’s cool, break it into chunks and gently fold in the chocolate chips so they stick to the clusters without melting into a mess. Yum!

How to Serve Chocolate Granola Recipe

A clear bowl filled with dark brown granola made from oats and chocolate chips, with some pecan nuts mixed in, sitting on a white marbled surface. The granola texture looks crunchy and chunky with little clusters showing. Few loose granola bits, a pecan, and chocolate chips are scattered around the bowl. In the upper right corner, there is a green plant in a white pot, adding a fresh touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a handful of this homemade chocolate granola over Greek yogurt or a smoothie bowl for added crunch and flavor. You can also top ice cream or drizzle some fresh berries on top to brighten the chocolate intensity and add freshness to each bite.

Side Dishes

This granola pairs wonderfully with cold milk or a warm cup of coffee to balance its chocolate richness. Serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy banana pudding for a delightful contrast in texture and taste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, layer your Chocolate Granola Recipe in a mason jar parfait with alternating layers of yogurt and fruit. It’s a visually stunning, portable snack or breakfast that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover granola in an airtight container at room temperature. This will maintain its crunch and flavor for up to two weeks. Avoid storing in humid areas to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, granola freezes beautifully. Just place it in a sealed freezer bag or container, and it will keep for a few months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying to bring back its full crispness.

Reheating

While granola is typically eaten cold or at room temp, you can re-crisp it by warming it in a 300℉ oven for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and restore that fresh-out-of-the-oven crunch sensation.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts in this Chocolate Granola Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap pecans, cashews, and almonds with your favorite nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios. This recipe is very flexible and looks for what you enjoy most.

Is the maple syrup necessary, or can I substitute it?

Maple syrup provides natural sweetness and helps bind the granola. You can substitute with honey, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might shift slightly depending on your choice.

Why add chia and flax seeds?

Chia and flax seeds boost the nutritional profile by adding omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and a subtle crunch. They also help the granola hold together better, making those tasty clusters.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and maple syrup instead of honey or butter.

How can I prevent the granola from sticking to the pan?

Using parchment paper on your baking sheet is the best way to keep the granola from sticking and makes it easier to lift off and break into clusters once cooled.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like homemade granola, especially when you add that luscious chocolate touch. This Chocolate Granola Recipe is a beautiful blend of wholesome goodness and chocolaty indulgence that’s perfect for any time of day. I hope you give it a try soon—it just might become one of your favorite staples!