Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Granola is the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and chocolaty goodness. With its rich cocoa flavor, a slight caramelization from brown sugar and honey, and a satisfying crunch from oats and almonds, this granola makes for a delicious breakfast, snack, or even a topping for yogurt or ice cream. Whether you enjoy it on its own, with milk, or sprinkled over a smoothie bowl, this chocolate granola is a versatile treat that’s both indulgent and nutritious. Plus, with the addition of chocolate chunks, each bite offers a delightful chocolatey surprise!

Ingredients

• ½ cup neutral oil (like olive, coconut, or peanut)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 4½ cups oats
• 1½ cups chopped almonds
• 2 cups chocolate chunks

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the neutral oil, butter, brown sugar, and honey over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is fully combined and the sugar has dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine the oats and chopped almonds. Pour the wet mixture over the oats and almonds, and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the granola mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even toasting. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
7. Once the granola is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet.
8. Once cooled, sprinkle in the chocolate chunks and stir to combine. The chocolate will melt slightly into the granola as it cools, creating pockets of delicious chocolatey goodness.
9. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Chocolate Granola: Omit the chopped almonds and replace them with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• Add Dried Fruit: Stir in dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or dried cherries after the granola cools for added sweetness and texture.
• Spiced Chocolate Granola: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chili powder for a spiced kick to your granola.
• Vegan Chocolate Granola: Use coconut oil and swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative to make this granola fully vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it to extend its freshness.
• Reheating: If you’d like to re-crisp the granola, you can spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats are best for granola, as they provide a nice texture and crispness when baked. Quick oats may become too soft and mushy.

2. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar, but keep in mind it may slightly change the texture or flavor of the granola.

3. Can I add coconut to the granola?

Absolutely! Adding shredded coconut is a great idea. Simply stir it in with the oats before adding the wet ingredients for a coconut-flavored twist.

4. How can I make this granola less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, cut back on the brown sugar or honey. You can also try using unsweetened cocoa powder to balance out the sweetness.

5. Can I use a different nut instead of almonds?

Yes! Feel free to use any nuts you prefer, such as pecans, walnuts, or cashews, for a different flavor and texture.

6. Can I make this granola gluten-free?

Yes, this granola can be made gluten-free by ensuring you use certified gluten-free oats and checking the labels of your other ingredients to confirm they’re gluten-free.

7. Can I add protein powder to this granola?

You can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the wet ingredients. Just be aware that it might affect the texture and consistency of the granola, so you may need to adjust the amount of wet ingredients slightly.

8. How do I prevent the granola from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line your baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

9. Can I make this granola in a dehydrator?

Yes, you can use a dehydrator to make granola. Dehydrate at 115°F (46°C) for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the granola is dry and crispy.

10. Can I make this granola without chocolate chunks?

If you prefer a less sweet granola, you can omit the chocolate chunks or use cacao nibs for a more bitter, chocolatey flavor.

Conclusion

Chocolate Granola is a sweet and satisfying treat that works as a breakfast, snack, or even a dessert topping. With the perfect balance of rich cocoa, crunchy oats, and delicious chocolate chunks, it’s a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you enjoy it by the handful or sprinkled over yogurt, this homemade granola is a must-try for any chocolate lover. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins, making it a versatile snack that will always be a crowd-pleaser!

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