If you’re searching for a wholesome, indulgent breakfast that doubles as a satisfyingly decadent snack, this Dark Chocolate Granola is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Packed with crunchy oats, toasted nuts, and generous pockets of real dark chocolate, every bite feels both energizing and a little bit luxurious. The balance of natural sweetness, lightly salty undertones, and intense cocoa flavor ensures this granola is anything but ordinary. Whether sprinkled over yogurt or enjoyed by the handful, it turns any moment into a treat, and trust me—you’ll want to keep a jar close at hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Dark Chocolate Granola is refreshingly simple, and each addition brings something vital—crunch, richness, or that irresistible chocolatey flavor. Don’t skip or swap too much; these components all play starring roles in the taste and texture you’ll crave.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty, chewy backbone that gives your granola substance and just the right texture.
- Raw nuts (almonds or pecans): Roughly chopped for pockets of crunch and nutty depth—experiment with your favorites for a custom twist.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: Adds slight sweetness and toasty notes, plus a touch of tropical flair.
- Cocoa powder: The secret to a rich, chocolate base in every bite—opt for high-quality cocoa for maximum flavor.
- Sea salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies chocolate, bringing all the flavors together.
- Maple syrup or honey: A natural sweetener that helps everything clump and adds a luscious caramel undertone.
- Coconut oil, melted: Ensures the granola turns crisp in the oven and imparts subtle coconut richness.
- Vanilla extract: Blends seamlessly with chocolate and infuses a warm, comforting aroma.
- Dark chocolate chunks or chips: The crowning touch—melty, bold pieces of chocolate that make every mouthful special.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Granola
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your granola cooks evenly and removes easily, preventing any burnt bits and making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a big bowl, stir together the oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, and sea salt. At this stage, you’re building the foundation of flavor and crunch, so make sure everything is well mixed for an even bake later.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the maple syrup or honey, the melted coconut oil, and the vanilla extract. Use a spatula or big spoon to mix thoroughly, coating every oat and nut so your granola clumps beautifully and each piece soaks up that chocolatey richness.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Spread the coated mixture evenly across your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through so all sides toast evenly. Keep an eye on your granola in the last few minutes—every oven’s a little different, and you want golden edges and deep cocoa aromas, not burnt bits.
Step 5: Cool and Add Chocolate
Once it’s done, let your granola cool completely on the baking sheet. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but patience pays off—the granola crisps as it cools. Once it’s cool, stir in those dreamy dark chocolate chunks or chips; they’ll stay delightfully solid but may pick up just enough warmth to get a little melty. Irresistible!
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Granola
Garnishes
Top your Dark Chocolate Granola with fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even a sprinkling of coconut flakes for extra color and flavor contrast. A dusting of cinnamon or a few extra chocolate shavings can make every bowl look and taste like a café-worthy treat.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this for breakfast or brunch, pair your granola with a fruit salad, a creamy smoothie, or even a soft-boiled egg for a protein boost. The sweet, chocolatey crunch balances perfectly with tangy or savory sides and helps you start the day energized.
Creative Ways to Present
Try packaging your Dark Chocolate Granola in glass jars and tying them with ribbon—it makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Layer it in parfait glasses with yogurt and fruit for a show-stopping brunch presentation or sprinkle it on ice cream for a dessert that wows with both taste and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Dark Chocolate Granola in an airtight container at room temperature, and it’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to two weeks. Keep it out of direct sunlight and in a cool spot for maximum freshness—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
Granola actually freezes beautifully! Simply transfer your cooled Dark Chocolate Granola to a freezer-safe bag or container and store it for up to three months. When you’re ready, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, and it will taste almost as fresh as the day you baked it.
Reheating
If your granola loses a bit of its crunch, spread it on a baking sheet and pop it back into a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Let it cool completely to crisp back up before storing again—just remember not to reheat with the chocolate chunks, or they might melt a little more than intended.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
It’s best to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe, as they offer the hearty texture and crunch classic to Dark Chocolate Granola. Quick oats can turn mushy and won’t provide the same satisfyingly chunky clusters.
How can I make this granola gluten free?
Simply use certified gluten-free oats to ensure your Dark Chocolate Granola is completely gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your chocolate chips for hidden gluten, just to be safe.
What other mix-ins can I try?
Feel free to personalize with dried cherries, cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even a handful of pumpkin seeds. Just be sure to add dried fruits after baking to preserve their chewy texture and prevent burning.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey, and always check that your dark chocolate chips are dairy free. Coconut oil and all the other ingredients are naturally vegan friendly.
Why add the chocolate chunks after baking?
Adding the dark chocolate chunks or chips after baking keeps them wonderfully solid and prevents burning or melting into the granola. You’ll get lovely nuggets of chocolate in each serving rather than an overly chocolaty mess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a batch of homemade Dark Chocolate Granola—especially when you know how easy and rewarding it is to make. Every crunchy, chocolate-laced bite reminds you that a wholesome treat doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. Give it a try soon and see just how quickly it disappears!
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Dark Chocolate Granola Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Dark Chocolate Granola. This homemade treat combines the goodness of oats, nuts, and dark chocolate for a satisfying breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients
Oat Mixture:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw nuts (such as almonds or pecans), roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additions:
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, and sea salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the mixture on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Cool and add chocolate: Let the granola cool on the sheet, then stir in dark chocolate chunks or chips.
- Store: Once cool, store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- For added flavor, include dried cherries or cranberries post-baking.
- Opt for gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
