Healthy Chocolate Granola (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
This healthy chocolate granola is made with oats, nuts, cocoa powder, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Perfect for smoothie bowls, yogurt, or snacking!
If there’s one thing I never get tired of making, it’s granola. Crunchy clusters of oats and nuts? Always a yes. I love it on yogurt, smoothie bowls, or just with some oat milk—so simple, so good.
Unfortunately most store-bought granolas are packed with added sugar, oils, and preservatives. That’s why I started making my own—and once you make your own granola, you’ll never go back! Plus, the smell while it bakes? Better than any candle.
This healthy chocolate granola is one of my favorites to make. It’s crunchy, chocolatey, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Sprinkle it on smoothie bowls (it’s especially good on this raspberry smoothie bowl), in yogurt, or just snack on it by the handful—no judgement!
It comes together with a few pantry staples, ready in 20 minutes, and so easy to make. Ready to bake up your new favorite snack? Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Granola
- Big, crunchy clusters
- Rich chocolate flavor in every bite
- Way better than store-bought (and healthier too!)
- Made with feel-good ingredients (hello fiber + healthy fats!)
- Vegan, gluten-free & naturally sweetened
- Doubles as a snack or breakfast—you’ll be hooked
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Oats: Rolled or quick oats will work. If you’re gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
- Nuts: I use a mix of chopped walnuts and sliced almonds—but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
- Chia Seeds: A fiber-rich seed loaded with omega-3s.
- Ground Flaxseed: Another healthy seed that adds fiber and healthy fats.
- Cinnamon & Salt: For flavor—don’t skip the salt—it brings out all the chocolatey sweetness!
- Coconut Sugar: I like using coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free sweetener.
- Maple Syrup: Helps naturally sweeten and bind everything together.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- Coconut Oil: Binds the ingredients together and helps create those crunchy clusters we all love! Use refined coconut oil to avoid coconut flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: For a depth of flavor.
How to Make Healthy Chocolate Granola
Making homemade granola is way easier than you’d think—just mix, spread, and bake. Here’s how it’s done:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix in the dry ingredients: Add in the oats, nuts, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking sheet. Press it down gently with a spatula to help form clusters. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Let it cool: Once out of the oven, let the granola cool completely. This is key for getting those crispy clusters!
- Optional add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips or chunks while the granola is still slightly warm (but not hot).
Variations & Add-Ins
Feeling creative? There are so many delicious possibilities! Try one of these tasty twists:
- Hazelnuts: For a chocolate-hazelnut vibe, kind of like a healthy Nutella granola—YUM.
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Stir them in after baking while the granola is still warm for melty pools of chocolate.
- Coconut Flakes: Add some coconut flakes before baking for a coconut twist.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in dried cherries, cranberries, or chopped dates after baking for a chewy bite.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap the nuts for pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or more oats for a nut-free version.
Tip for the Best Granola Clusters
Want those big, bakery-style clusters? Press the granola down into the baking sheet before baking and don’t stir it once it’s out of the oven. Let it cool completely, and you’ll have giant clusters!
Ways to Enjoy Chocolate Granola
- Sprinkle it over smoothie bowls or yogurt
- Pour it in a bowl with your favorite milk
- Layer it into a parfait with fruit
- Grab a handful as an on-the-go snack
Storing Homemade Granola
Store your granola in an airtight container at room temp for a few weeks (I always store my homemade granola in these glass jars).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this granola nut-free?
Yes! Swap the nuts for sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or more oats.
What’s the best cocoa powder to use?
Any unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder will work. I love using Trader Joe’s cocoa powder.
Can I reduce the sugar?
While this granola isn’t overly sweet, you can reduce the sugar, but it may affect how well the granola clumps. I would suggest reducing the coconut sugar instead of the maple syrup.
More Granola Recipes to Try
If you loved this chocolate granola, here are a few more homemade granolas to add to your rotation:
Crumble your homemade granola on top my Raspberry Smoothie Bowl or Acai Bowl for the ultimate breakfast moment!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! This helps others find my recipes. I appreciate your support, as always. xo, Megan
Healthy Chocolate Granola (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats, use certified gluten-free if needed
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup melted coconut oil, refined
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix in the oats, nuts, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking sheet. Press it down gently with a spatula to help form clusters. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Once out of the oven, let the granola cool completely. This is key for getting those crispy clusters! Optional add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips or chunks while the granola is still slightly warm (but not hot).
Equipment
Notes
- Swap the seeds/nuts for whatever you have on hand (hazelnuts, pecans, hemp seeds, etc.).
SO GOOD! This is part of my weekly meal prep. Easy to make and indulgent with quality ingredients.
Do you know what a serving is?
About 1/3 cup 🙂
This was so delicious!!!! It’s going to be my staple granola.
I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Amazing granola recipe. I make a ton of the stuff and I have a couple of go recipes and this one has just been added to the rotation. Thank you Jeff
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Jeff! Thank you so much for sharing.