Chocolate for breakfast is always a good idea, and this homemade chocolate granola is packed with rich cocoa, chocolate chips, and irresistible clusters in every crunchy bite!
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Homemade Chocolate Granola
I love making homemade granola because not only is it more cost effective than store-bought varieties it tastes so much better and can be customized in endless ways including making nut-free granola!
This easy chocolate granola recipe is my latest obsession! With crisp clusters, rich chocolate chips, and deep chocolate flavor, it’s a treat I have been enjoying sprinkled over creamy yogurt, in a bowl with milk for breakfast, or just grabbing a handful for snacking!
Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The base of the granola. Rolled oats give you those big, crunchy clusters. Avoid quick oats, which can make the texture too soft.
- Coconut oil: Helps the oats crisp up in the oven. You can also use melted butter or another neutral oil such as avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind the granola together. Honey could be used instead of maple syrup.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness and extra crunch.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate chips: The perfect duo for deep chocolate flavor. The cocoa coats the oats before baking, while the chocolate chips are added after baking for little bursts of chocolatey goodness in each bite.
- Vanilla extract and salt: Both enhance the chocolate flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Granola
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla until smooth.
Stir in the oats and mix well so every piece is coated in the chocolate mixture. Spread the granola evenly onto the prepared parchment paper lined baking sheet and press it down lightly with a spatula.
Bake for 10 minutes, give it a stir, then bake for another 5–10 minutes until lightly crisp.
Let the chocolate granola cool for about 10 minutes on the pan, then sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.
Cool completely so the cocoa granola clusters harden before breaking apart and serving.
More snack recipes to try include homemade granola bars, no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars and baked oatmeal.
More Recipes with Oats
Chocolate Granola
Video
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup coconut oil , melted
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup light brown sugar , packed
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded coconut, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients: In a medium sized bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 3 cups oats and stir well.
- Spread granola: Evenly spread the granola on the prepared baking sheet, and press down with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, stir, and bake another 5 – 10 minutes. If you like chunkier granola, don't stir, and add a couple minutes to the cooking time.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips and any additional toppings you like on top and allow to cool for 45 minutes before serving.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips and Mix-Ins
- For chunkier granola: If you love big clusters, skip stirring halfway through baking and press the mixture down firmly before it goes into the oven.
- Dark chocolate granola: Swap the semisweet chocolate chips for chopped dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add warm spices: Stir in up to ½ teaspoon cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon cardamom with the dry ingredients for a cozy flavor boost.
- Mix-in ideas: Try shredded coconut or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Just don’t add too much, as it can throw off the texture.
FAQs
Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips (or dark chocolate bar).
It’s delicious sprinkled over yogurt for a quick healthy breakfast or snack. Try it with my yogurt bowl for a colorful, fresh option. You can also enjoy it in a bowl with milk or grab a handful for on-the-go snacking.
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to keep the clusters crisp.
Yes! Place the cooled granola in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
