Healthy Chocolate Granola Recipe

This Healthy Chocolate Granola is crunchy, chocolatey, and made with simple pantry staples like oats, nuts, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. It’s sweet enough to feel a little fun, but still totally reasonable for breakfast or snack time.

The most delicious chocolate granola

If you’ve been here for a while, you know I really love a good homemade granola. I’ve made a few different versions over the years, but somehow I had never made a chocolate one, which honestly felt overdue. And once I finally did, I was very into it.

The nice thing is, it’s really simple to make. You mix the dry ingredients in one bowl, warm the chocolatey syrup on the stove, stir everything together, and bake until crisp. Then the melted chocolate goes on at the end, which is where things get especially good (and a little dangerous if you’re standing too close to the pan).

The first time I made this, I kept grabbing little clusters while it cooled because I could not help myself. It has that deep cocoa flavor, plenty of crunch, and just enough sweetness to make it feel special without turning into a full-on dessert. It’s fun, easy, and very good in a yogurt bowl (or straight by the handful, which is also valid)!

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: You’ll need 4 cups of rolled oats for the base of the granola. 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: You’ll need 1 cup finely chopped nuts for crunch and richness. I’ve used almonds and walnuts, but pecans work too.
• Coconut flakes: You’ll need 1/2 cup coconut flakes, which are optional but add extra texture. Leave them out if you do not want any coconut in the mix.
• Salt: You’ll need 1/2 tsp salt to balance the sweetness and bring out the chocolate flavor.
• Coconut sugar: You’ll need 1/2 cup of coconut sugar for sweetness and a lightly caramel-like flavor. Brown sugar works if that is what you have.
• Cocoa powder: You’ll need 1/2 cup of cocoa powder for the rich chocolate base. Unsweetened cocoa powder works best.
• Maple syrup: You’ll need 1/2 cup pure maple syrup to sweeten the granola and help it clump together a bit.
• Coconut oil: You’ll need 1/2 cup of coconut oil to help the granola crisp up in the oven. Refined coconut oil is a good option if you do not want a coconut flavor! You can also use olive, avocado, almond, or vegetable oil in place of coconut oil. Use a 1:1 ratio.
• Vanilla: You’ll need 1 tsp vanilla to round out the chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: you’ll need 1 cup of chocolate chips or 2 chopped chocolate bars for the melted chocolate finish.
• Flake sea salt: This is optional, but a little on top is really good if you like that salty chocolate combo.

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 this easy chocolate granola recipe

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

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, and salt. Make sure everything is mixed well so the coconut and nuts are evenly spread throughout.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut sugar, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Stir for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture looks smooth. Turn off the heat, then stir in the vanilla.

Pour the chocolate mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is fully coated. You want all the dry ingredients to look glossy and evenly mixed, especially around the bottom of the bowl.

Spread the granola onto the baking sheet and press it into an even layer. Pressing it down helps create bigger clusters, which is always a win. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

As soon as the granola comes out of the oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate over the top. Return the pan to the oven for 5 minutes, just until the chocolate melts. Then stir the granola so the melted chocolate coats little bits throughout.

Let the granola cool for 1 hour before breaking it apart into crispy clusters. This part matters! It crisps up as it cools, so do not rush it.

Below are some common chocolate granola questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post! I’ll be happy to help.

DOES THIS GRANOLA TASTE LIKE COCONUT?

Not necessarily. Coconut sugar does not really taste like coconut, and refined coconut oil is very neutral. If you want even less coconut flavor, skip the coconut flakes.

HOW DO I GET BIG CLUSTERS IN HOMEMADE GRANOLA?

Press the granola into a firm, even layer before baking, then let it cool completely before breaking it apart. That helps it set into larger pieces instead of loose crumbs.

WHY IS MY GRANOLA NOT CRISPY YET?

Granola gets crisp as it cools, not just while it bakes. If it still seems soft straight from the oven, let it sit for the full cooling time before deciding it needs more oven time.

CAN I USE DIFFERENT NUTS?

Yes. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and peanuts all work well here. Use what you like or what you already have.

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH CHOCOLATE GRANOLA?

It’s great with milk, over yogurt, on smoothie bowls, or just by the handful. You can also sprinkle it over banana slices or cottage cheese for a quick snack.

IS THIS GOOD FOR MEAL PREP?

Yes, very. It keeps well at room temperature, so it’s easy to make once and use throughout the week for breakfast or snacks.

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Make sure it is fully cooled before storing so it stays crisp. If you want to keep the texture as crunchy as possible, use a container with a tight-fitting lid and keep it in a cool, dry spot.

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