This simple Chocolate Granola is made with just 5 ingredients! This recipe makes a perfect breakfast, a delicious crunchy topping for a yogurt bowl or ice cream, and an excellent snack to be enjoyed at any time.
I love granola. It is quite versatile and can be eaten in so many ways, including sprinkled over yogurt, paired with fresh fruit, or simply as a crunchy snack.
But the store-bought granolas are not my thing. Most of the options out there are loaded with added sugars, unnecessary preservatives, and oils, which I try to avoid. Plus, I know that a lot of my readers are gluten-sensitive, so finding a suitable gluten-free option was much needed.
So a few months ago, I decided to experiment in my kitchen. Finally, after much trial and error, I came up with a recipe that ticks all the boxes:
- Homemade
- Easy to make
- Healthy
- Delicious
- Crunchy
- Minimal ingredients
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Naturally sweetened
- Chocolate flavor
- Free from all the additives
- Customizable
I’m very excited to share this chocolate granola recipe with you all today. It’s quickly become my family favorite. I hope that you’ll like this recipe just as much as we do, whether you’re searching for a healthier substitute for store-bought granola or you just want to try something different!
How To Make Chocolate Granola?
It’s incredibly easy—just how granola ought to be. Of course, the base of this granola recipe is rolled oats. I used gluten-free oats. I love to add some nuts for crunch. For this batch, I used chopped almonds.
To bind everything together (and for sweetness too), I used pitted and chopped dates. I also like to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt too. And sorry, forgot the cacao powder. I stir everything together and bake until dry and crispy. Lastly, mix in the coconut flakes and enjoy.
Storing Instructions
Once the granola cools completely, store it in an airtight container and enjoy it with yogurt or plant-based milk. Homemade granola will last well for up to a week at room temperature and for up to 2 months in the refrigerator.
Variations And Substitution
There are various flavor combinations, and you can certainly use different nuts without ruining the recipe. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds make a wonderful nut-free substitute. You can add different dried fruits like berries, figs, etc. You can substitute dates with maple syrup.
Moreover, you can even be a little more lax with your measuring because a little more of this or that won’t ruin this chocolate granola recipe the way it can a cake.
FAQ’s
Why Is Homemade Granola Better?
Many store-bought granolas are high in added sugars and preservatives, which can negatively affect your health. You can customize your granola to your liking by preparing it yourself.
Why Is My Homemade Granola Not Crunchy?
Nuts, seeds, and coconut can burn if the temperature is too high before drying out and crisping up. So, keep the temperature low, keep an eye on the mixture, and stir it occasionally to help it crisp evenly.
How To Get Large Granola Clusters?
I suggest leaving the chocolate granola on the baking sheet to cool completely without disturbing it.
Simple 5-Ingredient Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup almonds (chopped)
- ½ cup dates (pitted and chopped)
- 2 tablespoon raw cacao powder
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds, dates, cacao powder, and salt. Stir well.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Once golden, remove from the oven and mix in the coconut flakes. Let it cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container and enjoy with plant-based milk or yogurt.