Homemade Chocolate Granola

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Craving something crunchy, chocolatey, and nutritious all at once? This Homemade Chocolate Granola might just be your new pantry favorite. Packed with rich cocoa flavor, chunks of dark chocolate, roasted peanuts, and a hint of sweetness, this granola is a treat that doubles as breakfast and dessert. Whether you sprinkle it on yogurt, pour it in a bowl with milk, or just snack by the handful, it’s deeply satisfying without feeling overly indulgent.

Unlike store-bought versions, this granola gives you full control over the ingredients. No hidden additives or overly processed sugars here. Instead, you’re getting toasted oats and nuts coated in a velvety mix of cocoa and maple syrup, baked to golden perfection. The final touch? Stirring in dark chocolate chunks once it cools—so you get melty pockets of chocolate without losing the crunch.

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What Kind of Oats Should I Use for Chocolate Granola?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal for this recipe. They toast beautifully in the oven and provide the chewy-crispy texture that makes granola so addictive. Quick oats can become too powdery, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough during baking.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Chocolate Granola

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The hearty base of our granola, these oats get beautifully crisp when baked and hold their texture well.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds that deep, rich chocolate flavor throughout the mix.

Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that helps the granola cluster while infusing it with warm, caramel-like notes.

Coconut Oil: Helps bind everything together and provides healthy fats that give a light crisp.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the chocolate flavor and adds aromatic depth.

Roasted Peanuts: For crunch and a savory balance to the sweet and chocolatey tones.

Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.

Dark Chocolate Chunks: Stirred in after baking, they melt slightly into the warm granola and add dreamy bursts of chocolate in every bite.

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How To Make the Homemade Chocolate Granola

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, peanuts, and salt. Stir well so the cocoa coats all the oats evenly.

Step 3: Stir the Wet Ingredients

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil. Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. This becomes your sweet, chocolatey binder.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Every oat should have a glossy cocoa sheen.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Spread the mixture in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, then give it a gentle stir. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until fragrant and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Cool and Add Chocolate Chunks

Let the granola cool completely on the tray. Once it’s cool, stir in the dark chocolate chunks. They’ll soften slightly without melting completely, giving you chocolatey bites throughout.

Step 7: Store It Right

Transfer the granola to an airtight container or jar. It will keep fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long!

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How to Serve and Store Homemade Chocolate Granola

Homemade Chocolate Granola is as versatile as it is addictive. You can enjoy it layered in yogurt parfaits, sprinkled over smoothie bowls, or simply served in a bowl with your favorite milk. For a dessert twist, try it over vanilla ice cream—a little crunch and a hit of chocolate makes it heavenly.

To keep your granola fresh and crisp, store it in an airtight jar or container at room temperature. It will stay crunchy and flavorful for up to 2 weeks. If you’re making a big batch, you can freeze some in a zip-top bag for later. Just thaw at room temp and enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chocolate is best for this granola?

Use dark chocolate (around 70%) for a rich contrast to the natural sweetness. Chocolate chips or chopped bars both work well.

Can I make it nut-free?

Absolutely. Swap the peanuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep it crunchy and allergy-friendly.

Is this granola gluten-free?

It can be! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I add dried fruit?

Yes, but wait until after baking. Stir in chopped dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins for a chewy texture and a hint of tartness.

How do I make it chunkier?

To get those coveted clusters, press the granola down firmly on the pan before baking and don’t stir too much midway. Let it cool completely before breaking into chunks.

What if I don’t have coconut oil?

You can substitute with melted butter or a neutral oil like avocado oil. The flavor will vary slightly but still be delicious.

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Want More Snack & Breakfast Ideas?

If you’re loving this Homemade Chocolate Granola, you might want to try more tasty recipes that double as treats and everyday fuel:

• Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake is perfect for a protein-packed morning.
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups bring cozy cinnamon flavors to your breakfast table.
• Zesty Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies are quick, tangy, and easy to make.
• Amish Applesauce Cake delivers classic flavor with simple pantry ingredients.
• Cinnamon-Sweet Alabama Pecanbread is soft, buttery, and studded with nuts for a southern twist.

These options bring comfort, creativity, and convenience to your kitchen—whether you’re snacking, brunching, or gifting homemade goodies.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so it’s ready for your next granola craving.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add coconut flakes or toss in espresso powder for a mocha vibe?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions and ideas are always welcome. Let’s keep the creativity flowing in the kitchen!

Looking for more recipes? Follow along on Pinterest at Life with Jam for daily inspiration.

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