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Create the best homemade Dark Chocolate Granola with this simple recipe – requiring just 8 ingredients and 10 minutes of preparation! Featuring huge crispy clusters of dark chocolate covered oats mixed with plenty of nuts, chocolate chips, chewy dried fruit and other tasty mix-ins! This homemade granola is blissfully crunchy, perfectly chocolatey-rich and just incredibly, irresistibly delicious! Plus, this snack recipe is extremely flexible so you can add whatever trail mix ingredients you love!

Featured comment: Love this chocolate granola! I’m always on the lookout for easy snacks to take on hikes and bike rides that are a treat, but nutritious too. This fit the bill perfectly!” – Caddy

Continue to read on for expert tips and tricks for preparing the best chocolate trail mix granola! Plus, there are plenty of tips for storing and freezing! And don’t miss the comprehensive step-by-step photos in the middle of the post!

Overhead photo of homemade chocolate granola trail mix in a parchment paper lined pan.

About this chocolate granola recipe

Say hello to your new favorite breakfast slash snack slash dessert! Honestly, chocolate granola, is there anything you can’t be or do??

This granola features big, satisfyingly crunchy clusters mixed with delicate, crispy oats, salty nuts, fruity dried fruit, savory coconut and yummy trail-mix goodies that everyone loves! This granola mix is deeply flavorful – it’s tossed with deliciously decadent rich dark cocoa powder and speckled with caramel-like brown sugar, inviting maple syrup, warming spices and plenty of chocolate chips!

It’s absolutely everything your dark chocolate granola should be – it’s crunchy and crispy; yet light! It’s savory, slightly salty, and sweet, but not cloyingly so! And, it’s rich and chocolatey, yet there’s oats so hey – it’s a little healthy! Basically, it’s *chef’s kiss* absolute perfection!

Plus, homemade granola is super easy make – you only need a few basic pantry ingredients and 10 minutes of hands-on preparation! So, who is ready to make some!?!

(Pssst, looking for more granola recipes? Try this cozy Apple Pie Granola!)

Why this granola trail mix works

  • Plenty of chocolate flavor! Featuring not one but two types of chocolate (cocoa powder + morsels)!
  • The best texture! It’s crispy and crunchy with an abundance of clusters! Plus, there’s plenty of chewy fruit and loads of creamy chocolate chips!
  • Savory, salty and sweet! This recipe has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors! This granola isn’t cloyingly sweet OR bland!
  • 8 simple ingredients! You probably have most (or all) of these chocolate granola ingredients laying around your pantry!
  • 10 minutes of prep! You only need 10 minutes of hands-on preparation!
  • Totally customizable recipe! Choose your own dark chocolate granola adventure by adding whatever mix-ins you love!
  • Perfect for on-the-go! Store your granola in individual resealable bags for easy grab-and-go breakfasts and snacks!
  • Versatile! You can eat granola plain as a snack, serve it with milk like cereal, spoon it over yogurt, or mix it with fresh fruit!
  • Healthier dessert option! Chocolate granola > chocolate cheesecake.
  • Stores beautifully! Homemade granola keeps well for up to a month, making it perfect for homemade gift giving!

Who invented granola?

Granola was created in 1963 by Dr. Caleb Jackson of Dansville, New York. Jackson was an outspoken vegetarian who was deeply opposed to the extravagant English-influenced breakfasts that were an American staple. Therefore, he developed granola as a simple, healthier breakfast option to serve at his health spa in upstate New York.

For more information, check out this post on the history of granola.

What is granola chocolate?

Chocolate granola, also known as granola chocolate or chocolate chip granola, is a crunchy, magical American breakfast or snack mix made of rolled oats, nuts, and sweeteners, such as brown sugar and honey, along with a variety of tasty mix-ins, such as puffed rice, chocolate chips and coconut flakes. Granola is typically baked in the oven (and occasionally stirred) until it’s golden in color and crispy in texture. After baking, granola resembles breakfast cereal in consistency, and you can serve it over yogurt or milk!

Granola vs Trail Mix

Both granola and trail mix are extremely similar – they’re both a type of snack mix and both use like ingredients. However, there are a few differences between the two!

  • The term granola is used when you serve the toasted oat mixture with milk. Also, while granola can include tasty mix-ins, such as chocolate chips and dried fruit, it’s not a requirement.
  • Trail mix is the term used when you eat the snack mixture straight from the bag (or hand) out on the trail! Also, trail mix is made up entirely of mix-ins, which traditionally includes granola.

Overhead photo of all the ingredients needed to make granola at home.

What’s in granola with chocolate?

This homemade dark chocolate granola recipe only requires 8 simple ingredients, most of which you probably have lying around your pantry!

  • Oats: You need 3 cups of old-fashioned, also known as rolled, oats to make granola at home.
  • Nuts: Be sure to use raw, unsalted nuts! You can use any variety or combination of nuts you love!
  • Coconut: I like to use unsweet coconut flakes in my granola for added texture and a hint of subtle flavor. However, you can omit the coconut if you are averse!
  • Chia Seeds: A handful of chia seeds adds a delicate crispness and helps the formation of clusters.
  • Cocoa: The secret-ingredient to the best chocolate granola is dark cocoa powder! Also known as Dutch-process, dark cocoa powder is very smooth with a soft chocolate flavor, while natural, unsweet cocoa powder is acidic with a slightly bitter flavor. For the best flavor, please use dark cocoa powder – I like Hershey’s special dark cocoa.
  • Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds the perfect amount of rich sweetness!
  • Espresso: Espresso powder is another secret ingredient to great granola – it brings out the rich chocolate flavor!
  • Seasonings: A combination of sea salt, cinnamon, chili powder, nutmeg and allspice all add tons of flavor!
  • Maple Syrup: Maple syrup infuses the granola with a beautiful natural sweetness and helps the formation of crunchy clusters!
  • Oil: Coconut oil is what makes the granola crispy and totally delicious! Please be sure your coconut oil is in a liquid state before using!
  • Vanilla: A splash of pure vanilla extract lends a hint of welcoming flavor!
  • Dried Fruit: Add a delicious element of chewy texture and slightly fruity flavor by using any fruit you love! (See below for ideas!)
  • Chocolate Chips: It just wouldn’t be chocolate granola without a few chocolate chips strewn in! (See below for more granola mix-in ideas!)

Ingredient substitutions

  • Gluten-Free: To make gluten-free granola, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats!
  • Nut-Free: Swap out the nuts for seeds, such as pepitas or sunflower seeds.
  • Honey: You can substitute an equal amount of honey for the maple syrup!
  • Oil: You can use any neutral oil you like to make granola! Avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil will add a slightly savory flavor to your granola, while vegetable and canola are flavorless.

Recipe variations

The wonderful thing about granola (aside from the taste – obviously), is that you can literally add any- and everything you love!! Please think of this recipe as simply a guide to creating the best chocolate chip granola! I encourage you to get creative in the kitchen – play around with the mix-ins and seasonings to create the perfect granola for you and your family!

Granola trail mix additions

  • Orange: Chocolate and orange are a wonderful combination! Try adding a teaspoon or two of orange zest! To add zest to your granola, use your fingers to rub the zest into the brown sugar until the mixture is very fragrant – this will ensure the orange flavor is infused throughout the granola.
  • Baking Chips (morsels): Swap out the chocolate chips for your favorite baking morsel – white chocolate, butterscotch, caramel, and peanut butter are all delicious!
  • Dried Fruits: I personally love using a combination of berries (strawberries, cherries, and blueberries) in this recipe! However, cranberries, apricots, currants, and papaya (to name a few) taste great too!
  • Nut Butter: If you prefer a hint of creamy texture, try adding ¼ cup of your favorite nut butter or peanut butter to the mix! Simply add the nut butter when you add the coconut oil.
  • Candy: Chop up your favorite candy bar or use bite-size candies, such as M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces, in your mix!
  • Chocolate Covered Raisins: I just started adding chocolate covered raisins to my mix and I’ll never look back!
  • Pretzels: Mini pretzels add a nice salty crunch, while yogurt covered pretzels add crunch with some pizzaz!
  • Seeds: Sunflower seeds, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds will add a healthy crunch!
  • Mini Marshmallows: Make a S’mores mix and toss some mini marshmallows and teddy grahams!
  • Crackers: If you are looking for more of a trail mix granola, add mini crackers or sandwich crackers to the mix! (I personally love mini-Ritz peanut butter bits, mini graham crackers, animal crackers and rice crackers!)
  • Cereal: Crispy cereal is a classic ingredient in trail mix – Rice Chex and Cheerios among the most popular.

Overhead photo of the all ingredients in the chocolate granola recipe neatly arranged in a large mixing bowl before being mixed together. to make chocolate granola

How to make recipe for chocolate granola

This chocolate granola trail mix recipe is so easy and straightforward to prepare! You simply mix the dry and wet ingredients, stir them together and bake! Boom – homemade granola!

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Set aside.
  2. Liquid ingredients: In large 2-cup measure, whisk together the liquid ingredients.
  3. Combine: Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to stir together until well combined.
  4. Bake: Transfer the granola to a baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes at 325-degrees F.
  5. Add Coconut: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the coconut on top of the granola. Stir, moving the edges of the granola into the middle and the middle outwards. Pat the granola down and return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  6. Drizzle with Honey & Bake: Remove the pan from the oven and pat the granola down again. Drizzle the granola evenly with honey. Return to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes
  7. Add Dried Fruit: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the dried fruit over the granola. Allow the granola to cool completely on the pan, about 45 minutes.
  8. Add Chocolate + Mix-Ins: Once the granola is completely cool, break it apart into pieces and add in chocolate chips, plus whatever seeds and tasty mix-ins you love!
  9. Serve: Enjoy your granola with yogurt, milk, on smoothie bowls or simply on its own as a delicious trail mix snack!

Step-by-step photos: making dark chocolate granola

(Don’t forget to scroll down for the in-depth measurements and instructions in the complete printable recipe card at the bottom of the post!)

Overhead photo collage of how to make chocolate granola step by step with written instructions on each step.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What does chocolate granola recipes taste like?

Classic granola is traditionally crunchy with a subtly sweet, delicately savory, and imperceptibly salty tasty.

Chocolate granola tastes similar to the classic version – it’s crunchy, sweet and totally delicious! However, dark chocolate granola takes classic granola up a notch – it features that crispy granola mixture and blankets everything in a healthy dose of smooth, rich, dark cocoa powder and throws in a generous helping of chocolate chips for good measure!

How to make granola mix healthier?

Are you looking to create a healthier chocolate granola? Below are a few easy tweaks you can make to the recipe; however, please note that any adjustments can affect the final taste.

  • Natural sweetener: Swap out the brown sugar for honey or more pure maple syrup.
  • Omit coconut flakes: Omit the coconut flakes completely from the recipe.
  • Reduce chocolate chips + fruit: To keep down the fat and sugar content, use less chocolate chips and dried fruit (or omit them completely).

How to make granola extra-clumpy with big clusters?

I like big clumps in my granola and I cannot lie – don’t “@” me. I’m talking giant clusters of granola that stick together like white on rice! If you are like me, and believe the best granolas are the ones with HUGE clusters, see below for all the secret tips and tricks to making extra clumpy granola!

  • Chia Seeds: Now only do chia seeds pump up nutrition, they are often used as a binding-ingredient alternative to eggs in baking. When chia seeds get damp, they swell in size and get very sticky. Chia seeds in granola act as a binding agent, ensuring your granola sticks together!
  • Sugar: For clusters to form there must be sugar present. During baking the sugars caramelize, which cause the ingredients to stick together and form clusters!
  • Baking Sheet: The size of your baking sheet matters! You want the oats to be slightly crowded on the pan so they can stick together; however, not so crowded that they steam instead of toast. I recommend using a large half sheet pan (mine is 11×17-inches) for this recipe.
  • Stop Stirring: To encourage even toasting, you must stir your granola as it bakes. However, if you want clusters, you must stop stirring the granola about halfway through the bake time.
  • Pat Down: For maximum clusters, use the back of a spatula to gently press down the granola after stirring, before returning to the oven to finish baking.
  • Cool Undisturbed: Once your granola is done baking, let it cool on the baking sheet completely undisturbed! Stirring will break up the granola, so hands off!
  • Egg White: Egg whites are often used as a binder in baking and can be used in granola. However, I have found that using egg whites in my granola simply resulted in bland granola with very delicate clusters that immediately broke apart. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the effort at all worth the reward.

Does granola with dark chocolate go bad?

While granola doesn’t “go bad” or expire, it will turn stale over time. Typically, the nuts in granola are the first to go bad – as their high-fat content cause them to turn rancid, which doesn’t taste great, but it isn’t unsafe to eat.

Overhead photo of dark chocolate granola mixture (before baking) in a glass mixing bowl.

Serving chocolate and granola

If you are searching for delicious ways to enjoy your homemade dark chocolate granola, I’m happy to help. Granola is incredibly versatile and when it comes to eating it, there really is no wrong way! Below are some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy this granola.

  • Trail Mix: Store individual servings of granola in resealable bags for snacking on the go. Or try mixing it with white trash snack for a sweet trail mix.
  • Whipped Yogurt: Yogurt parfaits are popular for a reason – the crunchy texture of granola blends perfectly with silky, smooth yogurt.
  • Milk: Swap out the boring cereal for homemade granola with your bowl of milk.
  • Hot Chocolate: Use dark chocolate granola as a topping for your cup of slow cooker hot cocoa along with mini marshmallows.
  • Bananas: Dip your banana into peanut butter and then sprinkle on some granola before taking a bite.
  • Oatmeal and Smoothie Bowls: Homemade chocolate granola is the perfect topper on refreshing smoothie bowls or cozy chia seed oatmeal.
  • Stuffed Strawberries: Remove the core from fresh strawberries with a melon peeler. Next, stuff the strawberries with your favorite Greek yogurt and top with chocolate granola.
  • Baked Goods: It may sound odd, but you can add granola to your baked goods (think soft oatmeal raisin cookies, banana oatmeal cookies, and chocolate muffins) for a boost of crunchy goodness.
  • Ice Cream: One of the best ways to enjoy granola – on ice cream!! The contrast of creamy, sweet ice cream with crunchy, slightly salty granola is a match made in heaven.
  • Popsicles: Hear me out, glorious crunchy clusters of granola in your popsicle! Breakfast pops.
  • Shakes: Personally, my favorite way to eat granola is on top of my protein shakes! Simply scatter a handful of granola over your shake for the perfect crunchy topping!
  • Epic dessert: Use your chocolatey granola as a topping on chocolate mug cakes along with a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce made from chocolate chips.

Overhead, close-up photo of a spoon inserted into a bowl of chocolate chip granola trail mix.

Storing this trail mix with chocolate

Follow the simple expert tips below to ensure you are properly storing your homemade chocolate chip granola – keeping it as crunchy and fresh as the day it was made!

How to store chocolatey granola so it stays fresh?

Homemade granola is surprisingly long-lasting since it is made with pantry staples!

  • Cool: After baking, allow the granola to cool completely (undisturbed) on the baking pan at room temperature.
  • Portion: Once cool, break the granola up into large clusters. Portion the granola out into individual servings and divide the granola among the storage bags or containers. Tip: Remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing. Or if you are using a container, try to leave as little empty space as possible.
  • Store: Store the granola in a cool, dry, and dark place (such as the pantry or a kitchen cabinet) for up to 4 weeks.

Can I revive stale granola?

Did your beautifully crisp oats transform into something soft, soggy, and sad? No worries – you can restore that lifeless lump of chocolate chip granola back to blissfully crunchy deliciousness in a snap!

To revive soggy granola: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the granola out in an even, single layer. Re-crisp the granola in a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5-8 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the pan. Once cool, your granola should be crisp, crunchy, and delicious!

Can I freeze trail mix granola?

If you are looking to extend the shelf life of your chocolate granola, it freezes beautifully!

To freeze, allow the granola to cool completely (undisturbed) on the baking pan at room temperature. Once cool, break apart the granola and transfer it to a freezer-safe resealable bag or airtight container. Tip: Remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing. Or if you are using a container, try to leave as little empty space as possible.

Granola will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Expert Tip: Chewy dried fruits tend to change texture and become hard during the freezing and thawing process. If you want to add dried fruit to your granola, consider adding it just before serving!

Overhead photo of a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with chocolate trail mix granola.

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Angled, close-up photo of granola with chocolate chips, nuts and dried fruit.

 

The best recipe for granola with chocolate👇

Overhead, landscape photo of dark chocolate granola in a parchment paper lined pan.

Easy Homemade Chocolate Granola

5 from 4 votes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 20 servings
This homemade Chocolate Granola is so simple - requiring just 8 ingredients and 10 minutes of hands-on preparation! Featuring huge crispy clusters of dark chocolate covered oats mixed with plenty of nuts, chocolate chips, chewy dried fruit and other tasty mix-ins! This homemade granola is blissfully crunchy, perfectly chocolatey-rich and just incredibly, irresistibly delicious! Plus, this recipe is extremely flexible so you can add whatever trail mix ingredients you love!
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • Liquid Measuring Cup
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Large Sheet Pan

Ingredients 

  • 3 heaping Cups Rolled Oats (250 grams)
  • 1 Cup Chopped Raw Nuts (OR more Rolled Oats) (I love pecans, walnuts, cashews & almonds!)
  • 2-3 TBS Chia Seeds (or flaxseeds)
  • 1/3 Cup Dark Cocoa Powder (Dutch-Processed) (27 grams) (SEE NOTES)
  • 1/3 Cup Dark Brown Sugar – packed (80 grams)
  • 1 tsp Instant Espresso powder
  • 1 tsp fine Sea Salt
  • ¾ tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp EACH: Chili Powder, Nutmeg & Allspice
  • ½ Cup Pure Maple Syrup (NOT pancake syrup)
  • ½ Cup Coconut Oil – melted
  • 1 ½ tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • ½ Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (25 grams)
  • 1-4 TBS Honey (OPTIONAL)
  • ¾ Cup Chocolate Chips or Chunks (Milk, Semi-Sweet, Dark or White – or any combination!)
  • ½ heaping Cup Dried Fruit (Raisins, Sultans, Papayas, Currants, Apricots, Cherries, Strawberries & Blueberries are all great!)

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat the oven to 325-degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper; set aside. (Note: My baking sheet is 11x17’’)
  • Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts, chia seeds, cocoa powder, sugar, espresso powder, salt, cinnamon, chili powder, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix until well combined.
  • Liquid Ingredients: In large 2-cup measure, combine the maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla. Whisk to combine.
  • Combine: Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to stir together until well combined.
  • Bake: Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes in the middle shelf of the oven.
  • Add Coconut, Stir & Bake: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the coconut on top of the granola. Stir, moving the edges of the granola into the middle and the middle outwards. Pat the granola down using a spatula to gently press the granola into the pan. Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  • Drizzle with Honey & Bake: Remove the pan from the oven and pat the granola down again. Drizzle the granola evenly with honey. Return to the oven and bake for 5-10.
  • Add Dried Fruit: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Sprinkle the dried fruit evenly over the granola mixture. Use a spatula to gently press down on the granola. Allow the granola to cool completely on the pan, about 45 minutes. DO NOT STIR while it’s cooling!
  • Add Chocolate + Mix-Ins: Once the granola is completely cool, break it apart into pieces and add in chocolate chips plus whatever seeds and tasty mix-ins you love!
  • Serve: Enjoy your granola with yogurt, milk, on smoothie bowls or simply on its own as a delicious trail mix snack!

Notes

  • Texture: If you prefer a finer texture to your granola, place the oats nuts and coconut flakes into a food processor; pulse a few times and use in recipe.
  • Cocoa Powder: For the best taste, please use Dark (dutch-process) cocoa powder. Dark cocoa powder has a softer, richer flavor while regular unsweetened cocoa powder is slightly bitter.
  • Storage: Granola will keep well in a sealed airtight container or glass jar at room temperature for up to one month. For best freshness, keep the granola in a dark place away from harsh sunlight – someplace like the pantry!
  • Freezing: I recommend placing the granola into a freezer-safe resealable bag and double bagging, so granola stays fresh! Granola should keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 20 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcal    Carbohydrates: 17g    Protein: 3g    Fat: 13g    Saturated Fat: 8g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g    Monounsaturated Fat: 3g    Trans Fat: 1g    Cholesterol: 1mg    Sodium: 127mg    Potassium: 158mg    Fiber: 2g    Sugar: 12g    Vitamin A: 2IU    Vitamin C: 1mg    Calcium: 62mg    Iron: 1mg

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