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Chocolate Granola

This homemade chocolate granola with chewy cranberries and nuts takes simple yogurt breakfasts to the next level. Say goodbye to store-bought versions because this one’s packed with sweet crunch!

Overhead image of homemade granola on a baking sheet with a wooden spoon stirring through it.

A wholesome, baked granola breakfast will help you start the day on the right foot, friends. That’s why it’s time to indulge in the rich flavors of this homemade chocolate granola, a fantastic alternative to store-bought cereal. With its blend of chewy berries and crunchy nuts, this recipe transforms ordinary yogurt breakfasts into extraordinary morning meals. Move over, store-bought granola—a new, irresistible homemade cereal is in town.

Why I Love This Chocolate Granola Recipe

  • Versatile. Add freeze-dried berries and shredded coconut, or make it a plain granola.
  • Convenient. Keep some on hand for last-minute or on-the-go yogurt breakfasts.
  • Easy. Once the syrup’s ready, all you have to do is toss everything together and bake it.
  • Better than store-bought. This chocolate granola’s packed with wholesome ingredients like honey and wheat germ.
Ingredients for chocolate granola.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this chocolatey breakfast at home. The syrup is packed with caramelized goodness and the results are sweet and crunchy.

  • Old-fashioned rolled oats – Quick oats don’t work for this because they’re almost powder-like.
  • Cocoa powder – Go for any kind as long as it’s unsweetened.
  • Almonds – They can be sliced, whole, or chopped.
  • Walnuts – Feel free to use pecans, macadamias, or cashews.
  • Wheat germ – It adds extra texture, but you can skip it.
  • Ground cinnamon – Nutmeg is a great swap.
  • Salt – Kosher salt is best.
  • Dried fruits – They can be raisins, cranberries, or golden raisins. Goji berries work too!

For the Syrup

  • Water – Don’t swap it for any other liquid.
  • Canola oil – Vegetable oil can be used instead. Avoid olive oil because it can change the flavor.
  • Honey – Add agave nectar or maple syrup if you prefer.
  • Light brown sugar – Dark brown sugar works too but the granola will turn out darker.
  • Vanilla extract – It helps round out the flavors and adds aroma.

How To Make Chocolate Granola

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This recipe is pretty much fail-proof as long as you stir the granola in the oven for even browning.

  1. Prep the oven. Preheat the oven to 325˚F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Whisk the dry ingredients. Mix the oats, cocoa powder, walnuts, almonds, wheat germ, cinnamon, salt, and dried fruit in a large bowl.
  3. Make the syrup. Combine the water, oil, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla in a small pot. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir constantly. Once the sugar melts and the mixture thickens, remove it from the heat.
  4. Mix it. Pour the syrup into the dry ingredients and toss until completely coated.
  5. Bake it. Spread the granola onto the baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning.
  6. Cool it. Remove it from the heat and place it on a wire rack to cool. Use a spatula to break up any large clumps. Serve and enjoy!
Pouring milk into a bowl of granola.

Tips for Success

  • Set it aside. Once it’s out of the oven, spread the granola out on a cool plate. If you leave it on the baking tray, it might burn due to the residual heat.
  • Watch the thermometer. Sometimes the oven’s internal temperature isn’t properly calibrated, so place an oven thermometer inside to make sure you’re baking at the correct temperature. Adjust as needed until it reads 325F.
  • Make clusters. Shape the granola mixture into 1/2″ thick disks. Bake as usual. You’ll get easy granola clusters for a mess-free, on-the-go breakfast.
  • Avoid the stove. Skip the water in the recipe and mix all of the granola ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Continue with the recipe as usual.
  • Reserve some add-ins. Some extra add-ins like mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut need to be added until after the granola is completely cooled. The chocolate chips melt in the oven, whereas the coconut burns.
Overhead photo of a bowl with chocolate granola and milk. Two hands are holding the bowl.

Add-Ins & Variations

  • Use freeze-dried berries – Raspberries and strawberries are great!
  • Nuts and seeds – Add pistachios, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. You can also try hemp, chia, and flax seeds.
  • Citrus Zest – Stir in some orange and/or lemon zest for a brighter, citrus flavor.
  • Make Mexican hot chocolate granola – Mix in 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/8 teaspoon ground star anise into the syrup.
  • Make it plain – Skip the cocoa powder and enjoy it as plain cereal.
  • Make it double-chocolate – Stir in 1/4-1/2 cup mini chocolate chips but until after it’s cooled.

Proper Storage

Don’t refrigerate granola; it will absorb moisture and soften. Keep it on the counter in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Set it away from direct heat and sunlight.

More Breakfast Recipes To Try

Overhead image of homemade granola on a baking sheet with a wooden spoon stirring through it.

Chocolate Granola

Katerina | Diethood
This crunchy chocolate granola recipe with tart cranberries and nuts is the homemade version of your favorite store-bought granola.
5 from 1 vote
Servings : 18
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • ½ cup sliced almonds
  • ½ cup walnuts, chopped
  • ½ tablespoon wheat germ
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried fruits, like cranberries
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven at 325˚F.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, walnuts, almonds, wheat germ, ground cinnamon, salt, and dried fruit.
  • In a small saucepan, add the water, oil, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla; bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  • Pour the honey mixture over the dry ingredients and toss together until all ingredients are coated.
  • Spread onto the baking sheet and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally so the mixture browns evenly.
  • For a crunchier granola, bake it for a few minutes longer; the browner the granola, the crunchier it will be.
  • Place on a wire rack to cool.
  • While the granola is still a bit warm, break up some of the larger clumps.
  • Once the granola has cooled, store in an airtight container.
  • Serve with milk, yogurt or even ice cream and some fruit.
  • Keeps in an airtight container for weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.3 cup | Calories: 173 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Sodium: 34 mg | Potassium: 100 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 13 g | Vitamin C: 0.1 mg | Calcium: 21 mg | Iron: 0.9 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate granola, chocolate granola recipe
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60 comments on “Chocolate Granola”

  1. how much is one serving? im concerned about the calories. you said that one serving was 90 calories but how much is one serving?

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      Hi! One serving of store-bought granola is about 1/4 cup, but I’ve updated this recipe, and after consulting with other recipe calculators on the net, I am going to go ahead and up it to 1/3 cup serving and bring that up to almost double the calories. Important thing about granola is that, it’s high in fiber and iron, while nuts and seeds add heart-healthy unsaturated fats and a bit of protein. I hope that helps.

  2. Avatar photo
    Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles

    Oh, I just love granola (as if it wasn’t obvious from my blog name!). This looks wonderful.

  3. Ah, what we do for the men in our lives? I love homemade granola. I have never tried a chocolate version. I cannot believe it is just 2 Tbsp of cocoa.

  4. Avatar photo
    The Farmers Wife

    Oh girl… Love granola, and I never even thought to add chocolate to it!! Man, and I just made a giant batch with weekend without!!! 🙁

  5. Avatar photo
    Britne @ Shabbott's Habits

    I absolutely love granola! I especially love it over fruit. And adding chocolate? Genius! I bet that this would go wonderfully with strawberries 🙂

  6. Avatar photo
    Natascha Kessler - Heaven On Hearth

    This really looks yummy! Will be trying this for my husband who loves granola.

  7. Yum! I love granola of any sort, but yours sounds especially good! Chocolate plus all of the delicious add ins :)!

  8. Avatar photo
    MarmandeintheKitchen

    What a good idea to combine chocolate and granola – looks delicious! Love the labels on the jar too, very cute!

  9. Avatar photo
    Priscilla - She's Cookin'

    Your husband’s a smart guy 🙂 I’m making this granola asap! Congrats on the Top 9!

  10. Like you I eat granola every day, usually on top on my yogurt, an you are right about it being expensive. This sound perfect. I’ll give it a try, but without the chocolate! Not that I don’t love chocolate, but just not in my granola. Thanks for sharing.

  11. Congrats on making the top 9 with this one. That granola looks awesome (and it has chocolate?! – who could resist?

  12. Avatar photo
    Natalia - a side of simple

    I have an obsession with chocolate and granola, so I think we should just be best friends 🙂

  13. Avatar photo
    Kim - Liv Life

    I’m with you… I could basically live on cereal and granola! I have to say I’ve never had chocolate granola, but wow, I can sure imagine a scoop of this crunchy treat over ice cream, or may yogurt! MMm!! Congrats on a well deserved Top 9!!

  14. Avatar photo
    Mina @ Angellove's Cooking

    Great Granola recipe, Kate!!! I’ll love the taste – I am sure!! And I love your photos – so stunning and beautiful!! Oh, and congrats on Top 9 – absolutely deserved… I’ve been busy recently and couldn’t spend as much time as I’d like with you guys :)) but I will catch up now…

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Kate @ Diethood.com

      Hi Mina!! I know what you mean… I have been really busy with trying to improve my site that I haven’t had much time to go through my favorite food blogs… I hope to catch up this coming weekend because it looks like I’m almost at the finish line with uploading this site to a new host.
      You and I are both on Top 9 today!!! YAAAAAY!!! Congrats sweetheart!

  15. I’m like you, I love my granola and I have it a couple times a day. Glad to see your site is back up.

  16. Avatar photo
    5 Star Foodie

    My daughter has just made her first homemade granola for a 5 star junior post coming up and we are both totally addicted to it (junior actually put choc chips into her portion)! Absolutely love the idea of adding cocoa powder.

  17. I love granola, and chocolate in it sounds wonderful. I’m with you, I love granola so much and always make it at home, cereal too 🙂

  18. Avatar photo
    spcookiequeen

    Love it, and I love how delicately you put, it keeps you regular. He He
    Just came to grab your new add. Hope you have a great week.
    -Gina-

  19. Avatar photo
    Vicki @ Wilde in the Kitchen

    Did you say chocolate? I love it. I’m going to have to give this a try this weekend!

  20. Avatar photo
    the constant hunger

    Granola and yogurt in the morning is a power breakfast. Never thought to make my own granola though…until now!

  21. Avatar photo
    Sommer@ASpicyPerspective

    I made chocolate granola once and it was a disaster. I’ll have to try your recipe! This looks amazing. 🙂

  22. I’ve never heard of chocolate granola, but it sounds and looks good! And those hubbies do always need a push in the fiber department. haha

  23. I’ve never been a fan of granola before making my own! I did love one granola… that was very expensive and still not as good as homemade ;). Yours looks yummy :).

  24. I have a weakness when it comes to granola…I can eat it dry with a spoon, with milk, on ice cream…any way is OK with me! Your version looks wonderful…and gorgeous photos as always!

  25. Oh I love this! I’ve made granola with dark chocolate chunks but never with cocoa powder. I am so looking forward to trying this recipe!

  26. Your homemade granola sounds and looks amazing! Maybe it’s time for me to make some and if I decide to do so, I will be back to your post- bookmarked! It is always a pleasure to stop by your place and eye-eat something delicious 🙂

  27. I just made a batch of homemade granola, and now I’m wishing I had added some chocolate…plus, your photos are just lovely.

  28. Avatar photo
    Sandra@ Sandra's Easy Cooking

    Yum yum and some more yum! Look and sound soo delicious Kate! Nice photos too!

  29. Oh, I am freaking out over this recipe! It sounds so good! I have a chocolate granola that I found a few months back and I have not been able to find it since. This will be perfect!

  30. Avatar photo
    Claire @ Claire K Creations

    I make my own as well but I’ve never thought to add cocoa. What a decadent way to start the day!

  31. Avatar photo
    Malli's Mint and Mimosas

    This is an absolutely “Must Try” for me… I will make this next weekend. Love both chocolate and granola!!

  32. Avatar photo
    Jill@madaboutmacarons

    Kate, made a mistake reading this before going to bed since I want this for breakfast already. Will need to get my act together quickly to make this for something different this week. It looks SO good! What lovely photos, as usual 😉

  33. Avatar photo
    Amy Bakes Everything

    Gorgeous! It just amazes me how expensive cereal is from the store – and how much you can save by making it at home…and it tastes better! Great job!

  34. Avatar photo
    Fresh and Foodie

    Yummy! I love granola and of course chocolate granola is even better! Cute presentation, too.

  35. Avatar photo
    Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen

    Must-make! Oh my husband will marry me all over again if I serve this for breakfast!! lol ♥- K

  36. Avatar photo
    JL goes Vegan

    Mmmm, this looks delicious! I love granola, too, and much prefer homemade! With a few tweaks (dark chocolate chips and agave instead of honey) your delicious granola is vegan! Awesome! Thanks for the great recipe!

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