Description
This Dark Chocolate Granola recipe combines rich cocoa, almond butter, and coconut oil to create a perfectly crunchy and chocolaty breakfast or snack option. With a balance of rolled oats, nuts, and optional dried cherries, it offers a delightful, wholesome treat that is easy to bake and versatile to enjoy on its own or with yogurt and milk.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup almond butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons water
Dry Ingredients
- ⅓ cup dutch processed cocoa powder
- 3 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup almonds, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup dried cherries, roughly chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Melt Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, microwave the almond butter and coconut oil for about 30 seconds. Stir until both are melted and combined into a smooth, thin mixture.
- Add Cocoa and Sweeteners: Stir in the dutch processed cocoa powder, maple syrup, and water into the melted mixture until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, chopped almonds, dried cherries (if using), and coarse sea salt into the wet mixture. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat all the dry ingredients.
- First Bake: Spread the granola mixture evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Add Coconut Flakes and Mix: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and discard the parchment paper. Add the unsweetened coconut flakes to the granola and mix everything well. Press the granola mixture down evenly to flatten it before returning it to the oven.
- Second Bake: Bake the granola for another 15 minutes until toasted and crunchy. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the pan.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Once cooled, stir in the dark chocolate chips or chunks if desired. This adds an extra layer of rich chocolate flavor to your granola.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the mixture.
- For chunkier granola, avoid stirring too much after the second bake.
- Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- You can swap dried cherries with raisins or other dried fruits as preferred.
- To keep it vegan, ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
