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!
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
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.
How to make the Best Chocolate Granola
Making granola is surprisingly simple. Mix, bake and enjoy! It really is that easy.
- 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.
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.
Recipe Tips and FAQs
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.
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.
Stirring the granola too much can cause it to break apart and less clusters. Gently stir one time halfway through avoiding over mixing.
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.
More Homemade Granola Recipes
- Best Vanilla Granola Recipe
- Homemade Banana Granola
- Pumpkin Pie Granola Recipe
- Cinnamon Crunch Granola Recipe
- Almond Joy Granola
More Oat Recipes
- Homemade Peaches and Cream Oatmeal
- Raspberry Overnight Oats
- How to Make Overnight Oats
- Carrot Cake Oatmeal
Still hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!
Easy Chocolate Granola
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
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @1sweetappetite and follow pinterest for more!
Find even more recipes!
Be sure to share it in the comments below and follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram for even more delicious recipes.