Easy Chocolate Granola Recipe

This easy Chocolate Granola recipe is made with only 9 ingredients and is sure to quickly become a favorite treat! Simple to make and easy to eat- this is a must-try that is perfect for breakfast or snacking.

On the hunt for more delicious granola or oats? Check out my list of 10+ Oat Recipes– Including the fan favorite Vanilla Granola Recipe!

top down image of a mason jar full of granola on a wood cutting board


 

Recipe Features

  • Easy to Customize: You can add different nuts, coconut, or seeds to give this granola even more goodness.
  • Long Shelf Life: Homemade granola will last up to one month when stored at room temperature.
  • Family Favorite Recipe: We keep this on hand for a quick grab snack. It’s delicious and satisfies our sweet tooth.

It’s no secret that breakfast is my favorite. I’ve got a huge list of amazing breakfast recipes on the site already, but am constantly looking for ways to add to the list. This dark chocolate granola is so easy. It requires minimal ingredients and roughly 10 minutes of prep. It is the perfect way to start your day on a sweet note anis next level in terms of flavor.

chocolate granola ingredients laid out onto a table top

Chocolate Granola Ingredients

The ingredient list for this recipe is full of pantry staple items, like oats and honey, which means you can whip up a batch whenever the mood strikes! Here is what you will need to get baking:

  • Brown Sugar– I always purchase light brown sugar, but dark brown will work as well. It adds a depth of sweetness, thanks to the molasses in the sugar, that really helps elevate the cocoa.
  • Honey– The star of the show, sort of. Honey works with oil to help keep the granola together in beautiful clumps as well as give it that wonderful crunch.
  • Oil– I tested coconut oil, which is always my go-to, as well as vegetable oil and both work well. Use what you have on hand, but stay away from the deeper flavor varieties like olive oil.
  • Vanilla and Salt– These two flavor enhancers add just a touch of goodness that really sets this recipe apart from others. Be sure to always use pure vanilla extract and not imitation.
  • Cocoa Powder– Regular cocoa powder, which most always have on hand in their baking supplies, works great in this granola. You can also try it with a Dutch cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor.
  • Rolled Oats– We will talk a little more below about why you should use rolled oats, also known as old fashioned. Make sure you don’t grab quick oats by mistake.
  • Chopped Pecans– Optional, but add a delightful crunch to the mix.
chocolate granola baked and spread on a sheet pan that has been lined with parchment paper

How to make the Best Chocolate Granola

Making granola is surprisingly simple. Mix, bake and enjoy! It really is that easy.

  1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. Set aside.
  3. Combine the brown sugar, honey, oil, vanilla, salt, and cocoa powder to a large bowl. Whisk to fully combine, making sure no clumps remain.
  4. Add the oats and nuts, if using. Toss to fully combine.
  5. Spread the mixture onto the prepared tray, spreading into an even layer.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes.
  7. Gently mix, trying not to break up any clusters, and bake an additional 30 minutes.
  8. Turn off the oven and allow the granola to cool completely inside.
  9. Keep stored in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.

What can you add to granola?

This recipe is so delicious on its own, but here are a few variations we love.

  • Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cocoa powder.
  • Stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of coconut flakes before baking.
  • Adding a handful of seeds, like sunflower seeds, add additional crunch.
  • Dried fruit turn this heavenly. My favorite? Chopped dried cherries.
small mason jar overflowing with granola with a lid tilted on the side

Recipe Tips and FAQs

How do you get granola to clump together?

Stirring the granola as little as possible will help hold things together and give you those big tasty clusters. I suggest stirring only one time throughout the cooking process.

How do you make granola not crunchy?

I prefer to have granola be a little more on the crunchy side, but if you like yours a little softer follow these steps:
1. Remove the granola from the oven at 45 minutes.
2. Cool completely and store.

Why isn’t my granola sticking together?

Stirring the granola too much can cause it to break apart and less clusters. Gently stir one time halfway through avoiding over mixing.

How long does homemade granola last?

Keep the granola stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. After 30 days the granola will start to go stale, but you can keep enjoying it for another month or two if desired.

granola inside  a small mason jar on a wooden cutting board

More Homemade Granola Recipes

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5 from 2 votes

Easy Chocolate Granola

Author Jesseca
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves: 12 servings
This easy Chocolate Granola recipe is made with only 9 ingredients and is sure to quickly become a favorite treat! Simple to make and easy to eat- this is a must-try that is perfect for breakfast or snacking.

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
  • Line a baking tray with parchment or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. Set aside.
  • Combine the brown sugar, honey, oil, vanilla, salt, and cocoa powder to a large bowl. Whisk to fully combine, making sure no clumps remain.
  • Add the oats and nuts, if using. Toss to fully combine.
  • Spread the mixture onto the prepared tray, spreading into an even layer.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
  • Gently mix, trying not to break up any clusters, and bake an additional 30 minutes.
  • Turn off the oven and allow the granola to cool completely inside.
  • Keep stored in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cocoa powder for a fun twist on the flavor.
  • Stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of coconut flakes before baking.
  • Adding a handful of seeds, like sunflower seeds, add additional crunch.
  • Dried fruit turn this heavenly. My favorite? Chopped dried cherries.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 176kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 90mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10g

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
pinterest graphic image of chocolate granola with the words "homemade chocolate granola" in text

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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