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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!
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa
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.
Ingredients
- 4 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (I’ve used 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
- 1 cup chocolate chips or 2 chocolate bars chopped
- optional: flake sea salt on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F and line baking sheet with parchment paper
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, nuts, coconut flakes, and salt.
- In a saucepan, heat coconut sugar, cocoa powder, maple syrup and coconut oil over medium heat. Let cook for 3-4 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.
- Turn off heat and add in vanilla.
- Pour saucepan mixture onto oat mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour onto baking sheet and press into flat sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes total.
- Once fully baked, top with chocolate chips immediately. Stick back in oven for 5 minutes until chips are melted. Stir granola, letting melted chocolate cover all of the granola.
- Let cool for one hour before breaking apart.
- Store in pantry for up to two weeks.
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Merry says
This feels indulgent without being soooo indulgent and it is so good!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Merry, so happy you enjoyed it!!
Andrea says
Absolute FAV ELW recipe honestly. I can’t even count how many times I’ve made this. Perfect clusters and taste every time. I eat it on yogurt, with fruit, or just by the handful!
Erin says
Hi Andrea, so glad you loved it so much! Thanks for sharing!
Izzy says
Hi Erin! I love the look of this recipe but I was just wondering if it would be possible to make this without adding choc chips/a chocolate bar to it? If yes then what alterations would you make to baking time? Would you just take it out of the oven after 25-30 mins? Thanks! 🙂
Erin says
Hi Izzy, yes of course. I would be the same for the 25-30 minutes and then you can let it cool for an hour. Let me know how it comes out!
MJ says
Yum!!!! I used brown sugar instead of coconut sugar and added 1/4 cup of chia seeds and only 1/4 cup of chocolate chips. Sooooo good and filling as well as satisfying as a sweet snack.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi MJ, so glad you loved it and made it your own!
Laura M. says
OMG, this easy to make granola is sooo addicting!! Beware you won’t be able to stop eating it. I always add chia seeds as well!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Laura, so glad you enjoyed it and great addition!
Casey Colodny says
This is seriously addicting! Every time I make it I intend to freeze a batch but … it never lasts that long 🙂
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Casey, thanks for sharing and so happy it is a family fav!
Laura says
I had high expectations and this blew them out of the water! I used Dutch process cocoa and it turned out great. Actually forgot to use the coconut flakes and it’s still amazing. Thanks Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Laura, so glad you loved it so much!
Janie says
So easy and yummy!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Janie, so glad you loved it!
Sam L says
This granola is SO GOOD. We have to make a half batch at a time and hide it so we don’t eat it all in one day!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sam, so glad you loved it!
Reyhana UMERJI says
Wow! What amazing granola, want to eat the lot! Thankyou for the recipe
Erin says
Hi Reyhana, I am so happy you enjoyed it!
Kate says
I finally made this last week and now am making my second batch! Such a good recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kate, so glad you’re enjoying it!!
Grace says
Super chocolatey and just perfect. Love all your granola recipes, thanks Erin!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Grace, I am so glad you like them!
Selah says
I didn’t add chocolate chips, and it is still delicious!
Erin says
Hi Selah, so glad you liked it!
Leah Rose says
This is the REAL DEAL!!!! Addictive is the best word to describe it. Go make this ASAP!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Leah, so happy you loved it!!
Karen says
Made this several times and it is easily my favorite granola. Love it with your overnight PB oats!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Karen, I am so happy you love it and great combo!!
Ana says
Honestly, by far the best granola recipe I have ever baked.
Loved it and I am so happy that none of your recipes ever disappointed me! They are all delicious, easy and healthy. Just amazing! 😀
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ana, so happy you liked it and thanks for your support!
Leah says
Delicious! This is my favorite granola recipe! I make a batch every couple weeks. Sometimes I substitute half of the sugar with 1:1 stevia, and sometimes I don’t add any nuts or coconut. It always turns out great. Thank you for the recipe!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Leah, thanks for sharing and love you made it your own! 🙂
Alana says
I NEVER KNEW I COULD MAKE HOMEMADE GRANOLA !! I came across this recipe and HAD to try it. So easy, so enjoyable. SO YUMMY with the melted chocolate on top. I love this recipe – my dad and I scarfed it up in two days! Will be making it again!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alana, yay! So happy you both loved it! Might need to make a double batch next time! One for each of you!
Meghan Bonta says
By far one of my favorite granola recipes! I love to add whatever I have on hand for nuts and seeds, and the chocolate flavor ties everything together perfectly.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Meghan, I am so happy you enjoyed the granola!!
Abby says
This is one of my all time fav ELW recipes. Makes such a great snack with healthier ingredients. I have added almond butter to the cocoa mixture and loved the extra flavor it gave as well!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Abby, so happy you love it and make it your own!