Name: Homemade Chocolate Granola
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 cup raw nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts); 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/3 cup coconut oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips

There’s something deeply comforting about a jar of homemade chocolate granola sitting on your kitchen counter. It turns an ordinary morning into something a little more special. With its rich cocoa aroma and the perfect balance of crunch, this granola has a way of making breakfast or snack time feel indulgent yet wholesome.

The beauty of making chocolate granola at home is that you control the sweetness, the crunch factor, and the exact ingredients that go into it. Want more nuts? Add them. Prefer it with a touch of cinnamon or sea salt? Easy. This recipe is flexible, delicious, and completely addictive. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Granola

This granola isn’t just for breakfast. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream that’s crunchy, chocolatey, slightly chewy from the coconut, and studded with dark chocolate chunks. It makes a lovely topping for yogurt, a delightful cereal with milk, or even a standalone snack by the handful. The toasted oats and nuts bring depth while the cocoa and maple syrup wrap everything in a decadent hug.

Plus, it’s naturally sweetened, gluten-free if you use certified oats, and vegan-friendly. It’s a win for pretty much any lifestyle.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

For the best flavor, use unsweetened cocoa powder for the granola coating and finish with chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips after baking. The cocoa powder infuses the whole mixture with that deep chocolate flavor, while the chocolate chunks add melty bites of richness. If you’re a milk chocolate fan, feel free to swap it in, but dark chocolate holds up best with the granola’s nutty, toasted profile.

Ingredients for the Homemade Chocolate Granola

The ingredients for this chocolate granola are pantry staples, but when combined, they create a flavor and texture you’ll keep coming back to. What makes this recipe so good is the contrast between crispy oats, chewy coconut, and smooth dark chocolate.

Old-fashioned oats: The heart of the granola, they provide a perfect crunchy base.
Raw nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts): Adds crunch and earthy flavor, toasting beautifully in the oven.
Unsweetened shredded coconut: Offers chewy texture and subtle sweetness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The rich chocolate flavor that coats the granola evenly.
Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that helps bind and caramelize the granola.
Coconut oil: Makes the granola crisp up and carries the chocolate flavor throughout.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm depth.
Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens chocolate flavor.
Dark chocolate chunks or chips: Stirred in after baking for melty chocolate in every bite.

How To Make the Homemade Chocolate Granola

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with even baking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, and salt. Toss together so everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil and stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Pour this over the dry mixture and mix well until every oat is coated.

Step 4: Bake the Granola

Spread the mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even crisping. It will crisp more as it cools.

Step 5: Cool and Add Chocolate

Once baked, let the granola cool completely on the tray. Then stir in your chocolate chunks or chips. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Chocolate Granola

This recipe yields around 5 cups of granola, enough to serve 6 to 8 people depending on portion size. It stores beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you prefer longer shelf life, freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 2 months and let it thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

It’s perfect over Greek yogurt, layered in a fruit parfait, poured with milk for cereal, or simply eaten as a satisfying snack. Some even sprinkle it on ice cream for a crunchy, chocolatey topping.

What to Serve With Chocolate Granola?

Greek Yogurt

The tang of plain Greek yogurt is the perfect creamy balance to the sweet and rich granola.

Almond Milk or Oat Milk

Great for cereal-style eating, these non-dairy options complement the chocolate and nutty notes.

Smoothie Bowls

Sprinkle over smoothie bowls to add crunch, fiber, and a dessert-like layer of flavor.

Ice Cream

It may not be traditional, but vanilla or chocolate ice cream gets an upgrade with this granola on top.

Peanut Butter Toast

Add a spoonful on top of a peanut butter toast for crunch and flavor depth.

Fresh Berries

Pairing with raspberries or strawberries brightens the chocolate richness.

Cottage Cheese

If you’re into sweet-savory combos, this is surprisingly good together.

Want More Breakfast Ideas with a Chocolate Twist?

If you love this homemade chocolate granola, you might want to try these sweet breakfast treats too:

One-Bowl Banana Chocolate Muffins for a moist, cake-like start to the day.
Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies if you’re seeking extra protein with your chocolate.
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies to turn breakfast into dessert in disguise.
Frozen Banana Yogurt Pops for a refreshing and cool chocolate-dipped bite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or snack board so you can make it again anytime.

Let me know in the comments how you personalize it. Do you like it chunkier? Add chia seeds? Or maybe swap the maple syrup for honey?

I love hearing your spin on things. Questions are always welcome, too!

Explore more cozy and energizing breakfast recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite bite!

Conclusion

Homemade chocolate granola is a feel-good recipe that works for busy mornings, lazy brunches, or those late-night snack cravings. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that makes you feel a little more put-together, even on the craziest days. With its rich flavor, customizable ingredients, and satisfying crunch, it might just become your new kitchen staple.