Healthy Chocolate Granola (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
This healthy chocolate granola is made with oats, nuts, cocoa powder, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. The perfect crunchy topping for homemade acai bowls, yogurt, or snacking!
Try my Cinnamon Toast Crunch Granola, Healthy Granola (5 Ingredients), and Vegan Peanut Butter Granola next!
Quick Look: Healthy Granola
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories: ~266 calories per 1/2 cup
- Key Ingredients: Oats, nuts, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, maple syrup, chia seeds, and coconut oil
- Dietary Info: Vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, naturally sweetened
- Flavor/Texture: Crunchy, crispy, lightly sweet, nutty, rich, and chocolatey
If there’s one thing I never get tired of making, it’s homemade 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.
This healthy chocolate granola is crunchy, chocolatey, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. Sprinkle it on smoothie bowls (it’s especially good on this vegan raspberry smoothie bowl), in yogurt, or just snack on it by the handful. No judgement!
Featured Review
– JeffAmazing 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.
Most store-bought granolas are packed with added sugar, oils, and preservatives, so that’s why I started making my own. Once you make your own granola, you’ll never go back!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy chocolate granola clusters
- Rich chocolate flavor in every bite
- Better than store-bought (and healthier too!)
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened
- Doubles as a breakfast or snack
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Oats: Rolled or quick oats will work, I’ve made this recipe with both. If you’re gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
- Nuts: I use a mix of chopped walnuts and sliced almonds. 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 compliments the chocolatey sweetness!
- Coconut Sugar: I like using coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free sweetener.
- Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and binds the ingredients together, just like in my vegan granola recipe.
- Cocoa Powder: Provides 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.
Substitutions & Variations
- Maple Syrup: Swap with agave. Honey also works, but it will make the recipe non-vegan.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1/2 cup chocolate chips once it’s done baking.
- Spices: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm flavor.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in dried cherries, cranberries, or chopped dates after baking for a chewy bite.
- Hazelnuts: For a chocolate-hazelnut vibe. YUM.
- Coconut Flakes: Add coconut flakes before baking for a coconut twist.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap the nuts for pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or more oats for a nut-free version.
How to Make Healthy Chocolate Granola
This vegan and gluten-free chocolate granola is so easy: just mix, spread, and bake!
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 325°F. 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: Once it’s completely cooled, mix in chocolate chips or chunks for extra chocolate flavor.
How to Get Crunchy 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!
Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle it over vegan acai 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
Chocolate Granola FAQs
While this healthy chocolate granola isn’t super sweet, you can reduce the sugar, but it may affect the texture. I would suggest reducing the coconut sugar, not the maple syrup.
Once cooled, transfer your healthy chocolate granola to an airtight container and store at room temperature for 2-3 weeks.
The maple syrup and coconut oil form those delicious crunchy clusters!
More Homemade Granola Recipes
Try these granola variations next!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations!
Healthy Chocolate Granola (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Equipment
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 refined coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. 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).
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.