Healthy Chocolate Granola Recipe

This Healthy Chocolate Granola recipe is a low sugar treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, and snacking! It’s made with oats, nuts, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.

The most delicious chocolate granola

If you’ve been here for a while, you’ve probably seen at least one or two of my granola recipes floating around. I’ve made Trail Mix Granola Bars, Healthy Almond Butter Granola, and a few other recipes. However, I’ve never made chocolate granola!

I decided that now was the time, so I got to work on putting together a delicious (but healthy) chocolatey granola recipe. The results we’re just as I imagined! This mix is nice and sweet, but not overwhelming. It contains just the right amount of chocolate flavor and is perfect for topping smoothie bowls, adding to yogurt, or enjoying with milk!

I can’t wait for you to try it!

Ingredients needed to make this granola recipe

The ingredients used in this recipe are very simple. If you do a lot of baking, you probably already have most of these items in your pantry! Here’s an overview of everything you’ll need:

• Rolled oats
• Nuts
• Coconut flakes
• Salt
• Coconut sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Maple syrup
• Coconut oil
• Vanilla
• Chocolate chips or bars
• Optional: Sea salt

Does this granola taste like coconut?

In this recipe, we use a bunch of coconut ingredients that include coconut sugar, coconut oil, and coconut flakes! If you’re not a huge fan of coconut’s flavor, you may be a bit weary about trying this recipe.

But, don’t worry! Coconut sugar does not contain a coconut flavor, and neither does refined coconut oil. If you’d like to be sure that your granola tastes coconut-free, simply omit the coconut flakes, and opt for the refined version of the oil.

Kitchen materials needed to make homemade granola

This granola recipe is pretty simple and only requires about 6 or 7 kitchen items. To make this dish, you’ll need:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Two mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Mixing spoon or baking spatula

How to make healthy chocolate granola

Healthy chocolate granola is very easy to make. From start to finish, expect around 45 minutes of prep and cook time.

To make healthy granola, begin by preheating your oven to 325F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix the oats, nuts, coconut flakes, and salt.

In a saucepan, heat the coconut sugar, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and coconut oil over medium heat. Let cook for 3-4 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved.

Turn off the heat and add the vanilla.

Pour the saucepan mixture onto the oat mixture and stir until combined.

Next, pour the mixture onto the baking sheet and press flat. Bake for 30 minutes total, stirring after 15 minutes.

Once fully baked, top with chocolate chips. Then, stick the pan back in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the chips are melted. Finally, stir the granola, letting the melted chocolate cover all of it.

Let cool for one hour before breaking apart.

Store in the pantry at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Granola substitution options

You begin scouring your pantry and fridge for the granola ingredients, only to find that you have everything you need except rolled oats. Will steel cut do? Yes! Find that, along with other substitution options, below.

• Rolled oats: Steel cut oats may be used in place of rolled oats at a 1:1 ratio. Baking time may need to be slightly increased.
• Nuts: I use almonds in this granola, but you can use the nuts of your choice. Pecans, walnuts, and peanuts will all taste great!
• Coconut sugar: If you’d like, you can use brown sugar in place of coconut sugar. Note that with a 1:1 ratio, your granola may wind up slightly sweeter.
• Coconut oil: You can use olive, avocado, almond, or vegetable oil in place of coconut oil. Use a 1:1 ratio.

A healthier homemade granola recipe

To make this granola as healthy as possible, I removed a lot of common granola ingredients such as granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, and more. Instead, I used these alternatives!

• Coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a good alternative to granulated sugar in that it’s not nearly as processed.
• Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains more nutrients than its alternatives and is better for cholesterol and blood sugar. If you don’t want a strong coconut taste, go with refined coconut oil.
• Maple syrup: To add a dash of sweetness, I used maple syrup. This is a healthy alternative to extra sugar that’s great for energy and heart health.
• Cocoa powder: To give this granola its chocolate flavor, I used cocoa powder! This rich powder is great for blood pressure, brain function, mood, and more, and is a great way to achieve the desired flavor!

There are more granola recipes where this one came from!

Looking for more delicious homemade granola treats? I have you covered! Check out these recipes for some more great ideas that everyone will love!

• No Bake Nutty Granola Bars
• Healthy Granola Bars
• Trail Mix Granola Bars
• Healthy Almond Butter Granola

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa