Homemade Dark Chocolate Granola: Your Ultimate Healthy & Delicious Breakfast
Discover the easiest way to make incredibly delicious, sweet, and wholesome dark chocolate granola right in your kitchen! This homemade delight combines the rich flavor of dark chocolate with creamy almond butter, tart dried cherries, delicate coconut flakes, and irresistible chocolate chips. The result is a perfectly crunchy, satisfying, and utterly addictive breakfast cereal or snack that you’ll crave every day.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Granola Recipe
This isn’t just any granola; it’s a game-changer for your breakfast routine and snack cravings. Here’s why this dark chocolate granola will become your new kitchen staple:
Taste Like a Brownie, Eat Like Cereal!
Imagine the deep, comforting flavor of your favorite brownie, but in a convenient, crunchy cereal form! This recipe achieves that magical balance with the strategic use of Dutch-processed cocoa powder. This special cocoa powder provides a rich, intense chocolate undertone that sets it apart. For an even more decadent experience, loading it up with extra chocolate chips or chunks transforms it into an ultimate chocolate chip granola that satisfies even the most intense sweet tooth without compromising on health.
Incredibly Versatile for Endless Customization
One of the best aspects of making granola at home is the freedom to customize it to your heart’s content. This recipe serves as a fantastic base, but the possibilities for variations are truly endless. Feel free to adjust or add various mix-ins to suit your personal taste and dietary preferences. From an array of dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or golden raisins, to different nut or seed spreads, or even a boost of protein powder, you can truly make this recipe your own. Want to go nut-free? Swap almonds for sunflower or pumpkin seeds! The versatility ensures you’ll never get bored.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Long-Lasting Freshness
Say goodbye to soggy, stale cereal. This homemade chocolate granola stores exceptionally well in a sealed container, maintaining its delightful crunch and fresh flavor for weeks at room temperature. This makes it an ideal candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to have a delicious, healthy breakfast or snack ready to go for busy mornings or afternoon slumps. Enjoy it daily, or portion it out to last even longer – either way, its convenience and lasting quality are unmatched.
Looking for more delightful sweet breakfast treats? Explore these delicious options:
- Fruit & Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Danish
- Strawberry Almond Bostock Croissant
- Bakery Style Pistachio Muffins
- Baked Glazed Blueberry Donuts
Homemade Granola: A Superior Choice Over Store-Bought
While the convenience of grabbing a box of granola off the supermarket shelf is undeniable, opting for homemade granola offers a multitude of benefits that far outweigh the minimal effort required. Making your own dark chocolate granola gives you complete control over what goes into your food, resulting in a fresher, healthier, and often more delicious product.
- Unmatched Customization: Commercial granolas often come with fixed ingredient lists. With homemade, you’re the master chef! You can add a wide variety of mix-ins, from exotic dried fruits and different types of nuts to various seeds and spices, precisely tailored to your unique taste preferences and dietary needs. This freedom allows for endless flavor combinations and ensures every batch is exactly how you like it.
- Control Sugar Content: Many store-bought granolas are notoriously high in added sugars, often using refined sugars or high-fructose corn syrup. When you make granola at home, you have full control over the amount and type of sweetener used. This recipe uses natural maple syrup, but you can adjust the quantity to your liking, ensuring a healthy balance without sacrificing flavor.
- Manage Fat Levels and Types: Similarly, commercial granolas can contain excessive amounts of unhealthy fats. By making your own, you can choose healthier fat sources like coconut oil or olive oil and control the overall fat content, making it a more heart-healthy option.
- No Unwanted Additives: Store-bought options frequently include preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors to extend shelf life and enhance appeal. Homemade granola is free from these artificial additives, offering a clean label and peace of mind about what you’re consuming.
- Significantly More Cost-Effective: While the initial outlay for a variety of quality ingredients might seem higher, purchasing them in bulk and making multiple batches of granola drastically reduces the cost per serving compared to buying pre-made granola. Over time, you’ll find homemade granola to be a far more economical choice, especially for a staple breakfast item.
- Superior Freshness and Flavor: There’s nothing quite like the aroma and taste of freshly baked granola. Homemade granola boasts a depth of flavor and a delightful crunch that mass-produced versions simply cannot replicate, offering a truly gourmet experience every time.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Chocolate Granola
This versatile dark chocolate granola isn’t just for breakfast; it’s a fantastic addition to various meals and snacks. Its rich flavor and satisfying crunch make it a delightful treat in many forms:
- Classic Cereal Style: Pour a generous serving into a bowl and douse it with your favorite milk – whether it’s dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. The chocolate flavor infuses the milk, creating a delightful treat reminiscent of chocolate cereal, but far more nutritious.
- With Yogurt and Fresh Fruit: Elevate your yogurt parfait game! Spoon it generously over creamy Greek yogurt or your preferred plain yogurt. Top with an assortment of fresh berries like vibrant strawberries, juicy raspberries, sweet blueberries, or sliced bananas for a refreshing and hearty meal. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and fruity textures is pure bliss.
- An Irresistible On-the-Go Snack: Sometimes, the simplest way is the best. Enjoy this granola by the handful straight from the container! It’s perfect for satisfying those mid-morning cravings, a quick energy boost during the afternoon, or a wholesome treat for hiking or road trips.
- Dessert Topping Extravaganza: Take your desserts to the next level. Sprinkle this chocolatey goodness over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a rich chocolate pudding, or even a fruit crisp for an added layer of texture and an explosion of flavor. The contrast between cold, creamy, and crunchy is absolutely divine.
- Smoothie Bowl Booster: For a nutrient-packed breakfast, add a sprinkle of this granola to your favorite smoothie bowl. It adds a wonderful crunch and a boost of flavor, making your smoothie feel more substantial and satisfying.
Essential Ingredients for Your Dark Chocolate Granola
Crafting the perfect dark chocolate granola starts with a thoughtful selection of high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture, flavor, and nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:
- Rolled Oats: Often labeled as “old-fashioned oats,” these are the backbone of any good granola. They provide that classic chewy-crispy texture and are rich in fiber. It’s crucial to use rolled oats and avoid quick-cooking oats, instant oats, or steel-cut oats, as they have different cooking times and will yield a different texture. For a gluten-free granola, ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Almond Butter: This creamy nut butter acts as a binder, helping the granola clump together while adding a rich, nutty flavor and healthy fats. Choose a natural almond butter with minimal added sugar and oils for the best results.
- Coconut Oil: Essential for achieving that coveted crunch and contributing a subtle tropical note. Coconut oil also helps to evenly distribute the chocolate mixture and promotes browning during baking. It should be melted for easy mixing.
- Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: This is key for the deep, dark chocolate flavor and color, giving the granola its “brownie-like” quality. Dutch-processed cocoa powder is less acidic than natural cocoa, resulting in a smoother, mellower chocolate taste. While natural cocoa can be used in a pinch, it won’t offer the same depth of flavor or rich hue.
- Maple Syrup: Our chosen natural sweetener, maple syrup provides a lovely caramel-like sweetness and contributes to the granola’s crispy clusters. Its liquid form helps bind the ingredients together.
- Water: A small amount of water helps to thin the wet ingredients, ensuring they thoroughly coat the oats and nuts for even flavor and texture.
- Almonds: Raw, non-toasted almonds, roughly chopped, add an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor. They also contribute healthy fats and protein, boosting the nutritional value.
- Dried Cherries: The tartness of dried cherries perfectly complements the rich dark chocolate, creating a delightful flavor combination. This ingredient is optional, but highly recommended. Feel free to substitute with other dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots if preferred.
- Coarse Sea Salt: A pinch of coarse sea salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors, particularly the chocolate. It truly makes the chocolate sing!
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: These add a delicate texture and a hint of tropical sweetness without added sugar. Ensure you use unsweetened large flakes, not sweetened flakes or shredded coconut, as they can burn easily and alter the taste.
- Dark Chocolate Chips or Chunks (Optional): For the ultimate chocolate experience, stir in dark chocolate chips or chunks after the granola has cooled. Mini chocolate chips work wonderfully too, melting slightly into pockets of gooey deliciousness when warmed slightly. This addition elevates the granola from a delicious treat to an extraordinary indulgence.
For a complete list of ingredients and precise quantities, please refer to the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Creative Variations
This dark chocolate granola recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your signature blend!
- Nut Butter Swaps: If almond butter isn’t your preference or you have other nut butters available, feel free to use tahini for a unique, slightly savory note, or natural peanut butter for a classic flavor profile. Ensure they are natural varieties with minimal added ingredients.
- Nut Choices: Experiment with your favorite raw nuts! Walnuts, pecans, cashews, or even hazelnuts would be delicious additions. Lightly toasting them before adding to the mixture can enhance their flavor.
- Go Nut-Free: If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a nut-free option, omit the almonds and substitute them with seeds.
- Boost with Seeds: Seeds are a fantastic way to add extra nutrients and crunch. Sunflower seeds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), chia seeds, or flax seeds are all excellent choices. Add them along with the oats for baking.
- Alternate Dried Fruits: While dried cherries are a superb pairing with chocolate, almost any dried fruit can work. Consider dried apricots (chopped), cranberries, golden raisins, or even chopped dates for different flavor and texture dimensions.
- Add Protein Power: For a more filling breakfast or post-workout snack, mix in up to 3 tablespoons of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or unflavored works best) with the dry ingredients before combining with the wet mixture. Adjust liquid slightly if the mixture becomes too dry.
- Chocolate Variety: Instead of dark chocolate chips, try white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast, or even milk chocolate chips for a milder chocolate flavor. You could also use cacao nibs for a more intense, less sweet chocolate kick.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Honey can be used in place of maple syrup. If you’re looking to achieve more distinct granola clusters, increase the amount of honey to â…” cup, as its thicker consistency helps bind the ingredients more effectively. Agave nectar is another vegan-friendly option.
How to Craft This Irresistible Dark Chocolate Granola
Creating this homemade dark chocolate granola is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfect, crunchy, and flavorful results:
Step One: Prepare the Liquid Base. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter and coconut oil. Microwave for approximately 30 seconds, or until both are melted and easily stirrable. Stir them together until they form a smooth, uniform liquid mixture.
Step Two: Infuse with Chocolate and Sweetness. To the melted almond butter and coconut oil, add the Dutch-processed cocoa powder, maple syrup, and water. Whisk or stir vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and dark, resembling a thin chocolate sauce.
Step Three: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients. Add the rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried cherries (if using), and coarse sea salt to the large bowl with the chocolate mixture. Mix exceptionally well using a sturdy spatula or your hands, ensuring all the dry ingredients are completely coated with the rich chocolate mixture. This is crucial for even flavor and uniform crunch.
Step Four: First Bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread the thoroughly mixed granola evenly across the prepared sheet pan, ensuring it’s in a single layer to promote even baking. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step Five: Add Coconut and Second Bake. After the first 15 minutes, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Remove and discard the parchment paper (this helps absorb initial excess oil and allows the granola to crisp directly on the pan). Add the unsweetened coconut flakes to the granola. Mix the granola gently, then press it firmly and evenly into the pan with the back of a spatula. This pressing step encourages larger, delightful clusters. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Step Six: Cool and Finish. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. The granola will still feel soft, but it will crisp up as it cools. Allow the chocolate granola to cool completely on the pan, undisturbed, for at least 20-30 minutes. Once fully cooled, if using, stir in the dark chocolate chips or chunks. Break into desired clusters and enjoy as is, with milk, or sprinkled over your favorite yogurt.
Expert Tips for Perfect Granola Every Time
Achieving perfectly crunchy, clumpy, and flavorful granola is easy when you know a few tricks. Here are some expert tips to ensure your homemade dark chocolate granola turns out beautifully:
- Thorough Mixing is Key: Before baking, spend an extra minute or two ensuring that every single oat and nut piece is thoroughly coated in the chocolate mixture. This even coating is essential for uniform flavor distribution, consistent browning, and that signature crunchy texture. Uncoated pieces can burn or remain soft.
- The Parchment Paper Trick: Using parchment paper for the first half of the baking process helps to absorb some of the initial excess moisture and oil from the wet ingredients, preventing the granola from becoming greasy. Removing it halfway through allows the granola to come into direct contact with the hot baking sheet, promoting superior crisping and browning for a truly crunchy result.
- Patience with Cooling: Resist the urge to add chocolate chips or break up your granola while it’s still warm! Chocolate chips will melt into a messy puddle, and warm granola will crumble instead of forming clusters. Granola becomes truly crisp and forms beautiful clusters only once it has cooled completely on the pan, typically for at least 20-30 minutes. Let it sit undisturbed until it’s completely at room temperature.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For the best results, ensure your granola mixture is spread in a relatively thin, even layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than baking, resulting in a soft, chewy granola instead of a crispy one. If you have a double batch, use two sheet pans.
- Press for Clusters: If you love big, satisfying granola clusters, firmly press the granola down onto the baking sheet after the initial stir. This helps the ingredients adhere to each other, forming those desirable clumps as it bakes and cools.
- Monitor Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your granola, especially during the second half of baking, to prevent burning. If your oven tends to run hot, you might reduce the baking time slightly or lower the temperature by 25°F (15°C). The granola should be deeply golden brown, not black.
Granola FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Got questions about making or enjoying homemade granola? We’ve got you covered with answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is homemade granola a healthy option?
Yes, homemade granola can be a very wholesome and nutritious option, especially when compared to many store-bought varieties. It’s rich in fiber from the oats, and packed with protein and healthy fats from the nuts and seeds. The biggest advantage of making it at home is the complete control you have over ingredients. You can minimize or avoid refined sugars, unhealthy oils, and artificial additives, making it a much cleaner and healthier choice for your diet.
Why is my homemade granola not crunchy?
There are a few common reasons why your granola might not be achieving that perfect crunch:
- Too Much Liquid: An excessive amount of liquid ingredients can prevent the oats from drying out sufficiently during baking.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at too high a temperature can burn the outside before the inside has a chance to crisp up, leaving it soft. Conversely, too low a temperature might not cook it long enough to dry out and crisp.
- Overcrowding the Pan: If the granola is too thick on the baking sheet, it will steam rather than bake, resulting in a chewier texture.
- Not Cooling Completely: Granola only gets truly crispy once it has cooled down. Breaking it apart or moving it while still warm will result in a softer texture.
Ensure even spreading, correct temperature, and complete cooling for the best crunch.
How can I get my granola to form clumps or clusters?
If you love those satisfying granola clusters, here are the secrets to achieving them:
- Use Honey (or more Maple Syrup): Honey is naturally stickier than maple syrup and helps bind ingredients together more effectively. If using honey, you can even increase the amount to â…” cup for extra clumping power.
- Press it Down Firmly: After stirring the granola halfway through baking (or before the second bake), use a spatula to firmly press the mixture down onto the baking sheet. This encourages the ingredients to adhere to each other.
- Cool Completely, Undisturbed: This is the most critical step. Do not touch or break up the granola until it has cooled completely and is at room temperature. As it cools, the sugars and oils solidify, cementing the clusters together. Once cool, you can break it into your desired chunk sizes.
Can I make this granola vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as written, using almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup as binders and sweeteners. No animal products are included, making it a perfect plant-based breakfast or snack option.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, leading to cross-contamination. Always look for a “certified gluten-free” label if you need to avoid gluten.
Proper Storage for Lasting Freshness
Proper storage is essential to maintain the delicious crunch and flavor of your homemade dark chocolate granola. Here’s how to keep it fresh for as long as possible:
Room Temperature Storage
Store your completely cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, a resealable plastic container, or a heavy-duty freezer bag all work well. Stored this way, the granola will stay fresh and crunchy for up to three weeks. Avoid leaving it exposed to air, as this will cause it to soften and lose its crispness quickly.
Freezing for Extended Freshness
For even longer storage, you can freeze the granola. Place the cooled granola in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It will maintain its quality for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply remove your desired portion and let it thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. Note that any moisture that can get into the container, freeze, and potentially thaw will make the granola very chewy. Ensure your container is truly airtight to prevent freezer burn and moisture ingress.
More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this dark chocolate granola, be sure to explore our other fantastic breakfast and brunch recipes. There’s always something new and delicious to discover in our kitchen!
- Earl Grey Scones with Lemon Glaze
- Strawberry Almond Bostock Pastry with Croissant
- Bakery Style Pistachio Muffins
- Baked Glazed Blueberry Donuts
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Share your creations with us by tagging @thecozyplum on Instagram & Facebook and leave a star rating below!
📖 Dark Chocolate Granola Recipe
Dark Chocolate Granola
By Callan Wenner
This homemade dark chocolate granola is the easiest, most delicious sweet, and most wholesome breakfast. The chocolate granola cereal is mixed with almond butter, dried cherries, coconut flakes, and chocolate chips for a perfectly crunchy sweet treat.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Cool Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Calories: 302 kcal
Equipment
- Large cookie sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- â…“ cup dutch processed cocoa powder
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup almonds, roughly chopped
- â…“ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, microwave the almond butter and coconut oil for about 30 seconds and stir until melted and thin.
- Add the dutch processed cocoa, maple syrup, and water and stir to combine.
- Add in the rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried cherries, and coarse sea salt and mix well until completely coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the parchment paper and discard. Add the unsweetened coconut flakes, mix the granola thoroughly, then press it firmly down into the pan.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the pan.
- Once fully cooled, add the chocolate chips (if using) and stir to combine. Break into clusters and enjoy.
Notes
Store the granola in a sealed container at room temperature for two to three weeks. Serve on top of yogurt or with milk. It’s also great on ice cream!
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)
Calories: 302 kcal
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0.001 g
Cholesterol: 0.1 mg
Sodium: 207 mg
Potassium: 293 mg
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 14 g
Vitamin A: 122 IU
Vitamin C: 0.1 mg
Calcium: 91 mg
Iron: 2 mg
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.