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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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Stacey says
This is a STAPLE in my pantry!!! Soooo easy and so delicious!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Stacey, so glad you love it so much!!
Lindsay says
I am an Erin lives whole junkie and I have never left a review and I am ashamed of it really because legit every time I make something of yours which is honestly once or twice a week, itโs always absolutely perfect. Our family is big into hospitality and we are constantly making your baked goods and people are constantly raving about these recipes. This granola thoughโฆ lights out amazing. The perfect consistency, crunch, and flavor to die for. You nailed it. Again.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lindsay, so happy you love it so much!! Thank you for sharing! ๐
Joy says
Hello, what kind of coconut do you use? Sweetened or unsweetened?
Erin says
Hi Joy, I use unsweetened! Let me know how your granola comes out!
Jeanne Dubs says
This is out of this world! I had to try a small corner right out of the oven and it was so hard to stop eating it! I love all of your recipes and cannot believe it is the first time that Iโm making this! So yummy! It will be on repeat for sure! Thanks Erin for sharing this goodness!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jeanne, so glad you loved it so much! ๐
Lindsay says
I make this over and over again! So great!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lindsay, so happy you loved it so much!!
Bradley says
The teens like it! So I can’t help but give this 5 stars. We love it.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Bradley, so happy you loved it!! ๐
Janie says
Thank you very much for sharing this delicious chocolate granola recipe! It’s satisfying my chocolate cravings. The only problem is I can’t stop picking at it!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Janie, so glad you loved it! ๐
Maria says
Wonderful granola! As I don’t like granola too sweet I just added ยผ of the sugar and maple syrup and for me was enough! It’s absolutely delicious! Thank you for sharing the recipe! Regards from Portugal!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maria, so glad you loved it and made it your own!
Aly says
Can you sub honey for the maple syrup? Thanks! Excited to try this!
Erin says
Hi Aly, yep should be fine! Let me know how it comes out!
Nicole says
Erin, I make so many of your dishes and always forget to leave a review, but I am officially starting today!
First up – this granola is amazing! I made a double batch during Christmas to stick in mason jars as a little gift for some coworkers! Making it again today for maybe the 6-7th time now, canโt get enough! ๐คฉ
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nicole, so happy you loved it and thank you for your kind words!!
Annelise R. says
Absolutely amazing!! Seriously obsessed with this stuff and perfect amount of salty and sweet.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Annelise, so happy you loved it!! ๐
Elle says
Hi Erin – I don’t normally post comments on websites but it’s a MUST with this recipe! YUM! I just made it for the first time today and it’s SO delicious. For some reason though, it didn’t stick into clusters. I cut down on the amount of sugar (used brown sugar 2T) and maple syrup (2T) because I didn’t want it too sweet. I also didn’t add the cup of chocolate chips, I simply sprinkled about 1/8 cup on top. Do you think my changes are the reason why I’m not getting clumps? I guess next time I’ll follow instructions as is and see it clumps up next time. ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Elle, so glad you loved it!! Yes, exactly that – you really need that extra stickiness from all of those!
Sarah says
Made this granola for a girlโs brunch and it was a hit! Everyone loved it, even my husband, who kept stealing handfuls haha ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah, so glad it was a hit!!
Kellyn says
This granola was so easy and yummy! I love the healthy alternatives to honey, sugar, oil, etc. Canโt wait to make more variations of your granola!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kellyn, so happy you loved it and yes, I have SO many granola recipes. Hope you can try some other ones!!
Jenna says
Love this recipe! Iโve made it about 5 times now! Itโs so good! Thank you!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jenna, so glad you love it so much! ๐
Adilyaa says
How long will it last? N how many people does it serve??
Erin says
Hi Adilyaa, you can store it in the pantry at room temperature for up to two weeks in an airtight container and the recipe makes 6 cups!
Cherylee says
I wasn’t sure about this granola recipe as it looked very dry as I mixed the wet & dry together. Deliciously light and crispy this is a definite staple in my rotation of breakfasts and snacks! I may eat it all before it cools!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Cherylee, so happy you loved it! ๐
Annie, Desserts For The Better says
Erin, thank you so much for this recipe! My entire family enjoyed it so much. I used honey instead of pure maple syrup and only 1/2 cup chocolate chips. It was so delicious! =)
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Annie, so glad everyone loved it and you made it your own!!
Hannah says
Doesnโt end up quite as crunchy as some of your other granola recipes, but SO DELICIOUS! Added a little bit of PB powder into the recipe too.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Hannah, so happy you liked it and made it your own!!
Maggie says
Perfect chocolatey granola, one of my favorite got to granola recipes. I added some wheat germ for an extra crunch and hit of nutrition.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maggie, so happy you enjoyed it and great addition! ๐