Chocolate Almond Granola Recipe

This Chocolate Almond Granola is a crunchy, delicious, and nutritious treat perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Made with rolled oats, almonds, cocoa powder, and sweetened with honey or maple syrup, this granola is a wholesome way to satisfy your chocolate cravings. It’s perfect for topping yogurt, smoothies, or just enjoying by the handful!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Almond Granola Recipe

• Crunchy & Flavorful: This granola has a great crunchy texture, with the rich flavor of chocolate and toasted almonds.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together in just minutes, and the granola bakes to perfection in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, almonds, and coconut oil, it’s packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
• Versatile: You can enjoy this granola with milk, over yogurt, or as a snack on its own.

Key Ingredients for Chocolate Almond Granola

1. Rolled Oats

• Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the perfect base for this granola, giving it a chewy yet crispy texture.

2. Almonds

• Sliced or chopped almonds add a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the chocolate flavor.

3. Cocoa Powder

• Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the granola a deep, rich chocolate flavor.

4. Honey or Maple Syrup

• A natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the granola cluster together.

5. Coconut Oil

• Coconut oil helps the granola get crispy and adds a subtle richness to the flavor.

6. Vanilla Extract

• A splash of vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth to the granola.

How to Make Chocolate Almond Granola

This homemade granola recipe is simple to make and will quickly become your go-to for a healthy and delicious snack. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, combine 3 cups rolled oats, 1 cup sliced almonds, and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a small saucepan, melt 1/3 cup coconut oil over low heat. Stir in 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Heat just until combined, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine the Wet & Dry Ingredients

• Pour the melted coconut oil mixture over the oat and almond mixture. Stir until the oats and almonds are fully coated.

Step 5: Bake the Granola

• Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Cool & Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)

• Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. For extra chocolatey goodness, stir in 1/2 cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips while the granola is still warm, but not hot, so they melt slightly.

Step 7: Store & Serve

• Once completely cool, store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Serve with yogurt, milk, or enjoy it as a snack!

Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Almond Granola

1. Use Old-Fashioned Oats

• Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for granola because they hold up during baking and give a great texture. Avoid quick oats, which may become mushy.

2. Don’t Overbake

• The granola will continue to crisp up as it cools, so don’t overbake it. Remove it from the oven when it’s golden brown.

3. Add Chocolate Chips After Baking

• For perfectly melty chocolate, add the chocolate chips after baking when the granola is slightly cooled but still warm.

4. Customize with Mix-Ins

• Feel free to add other mix-ins like dried fruits, coconut flakes, or different nuts and seeds to make the granola your own.

5. Press for Clusters

• If you like chunky granola, press the mixture down firmly with a spatula before baking and avoid stirring too much while it’s in the oven.

Recipe Variations

1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola

• Add 1/4 cup peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination.

2. Coconut Chocolate Granola

• Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

3. Dark Chocolate Almond Granola

• Use dark chocolate cocoa powder and add 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor.

4. Fruit & Nut Granola

• Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots after the granola has baked for a fruity touch.

5. Maple Chocolate Almond Granola

• Swap the honey for maple syrup for a rich, maple-flavored granola.

FAQs: Chocolate Almond Granola

1. How Long Does Homemade Granola Last?

• Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

2. Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Almonds?

• Yes! You can substitute almonds with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews for a different flavor and texture.

3. How Do I Make Granola Clump Together?

• To get chunky granola clusters, press the granola mixture down firmly on the baking sheet before baking, and avoid stirring it too much during baking.

4. Can I Make Granola Without Oil?

• Yes, but the granola won’t be as crispy without the oil. You can substitute applesauce for the oil for a lower-fat version.

5. Is Granola Gluten-Free?

• Oats are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you’re making this recipe for someone with gluten sensitivity