Healthy Chocolate Granola
A nutritious low-sugar granola made with oats, nuts, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert topping.
Ingredients
- 4 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts almonds and walnuts
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes optional
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips or 2 chocolate bars chopped
- Flaky sea salt optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, and salt. Stir to distribute evenly.
- In a medium saucepan, combine coconut sugar, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the oat mixture. Stir thoroughly until every oat is coated evenly.
- Spread mixture evenly on prepared baking sheet and press down gently.
- Bake for 15 minutes, remove and stir thoroughly, then return to oven for another 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over hot granola. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes until chips soften.
- Remove and stir, allowing melted chocolate to coat the granola clusters. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
- Let cool completely on baking sheet for at least 1 hour before breaking apart.
Notes
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months
For oil-free version, substitute 1/3 cup mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce for coconut oil
Use certified gluten-free oats if needed for gluten-free diet
Steel-cut oats can substitute rolled oats but require 5-10 additional minutes baking time
Brown sugar can replace coconut sugar at 1:1 ratio but reduce maple syrup by 2 tablespoons
For oil-free version, substitute 1/3 cup mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce for coconut oil
Use certified gluten-free oats if needed for gluten-free diet
Steel-cut oats can substitute rolled oats but require 5-10 additional minutes baking time
Brown sugar can replace coconut sugar at 1:1 ratio but reduce maple syrup by 2 tablespoons
