Dark Chocolate, Almond & Coconut Granola
Dark Chocolate, Almond and Coconut Granola- inspired by Almond Joy candy bars, this granola is a much more nutritious way to get your candy fix! (plant-based + gluten-free)
Today was a sad day, friends. As I took the last bite of my granola this morning, I quietly wept to myself.
So many granolas have come and gone in my life, each finding their own way to make my morning yogurt a little more interesting but this particular one holds a very special place in my heart.
I woke up everyday with anticipation, knowing that it’s tempting chunks of chocolate awaited me. Then the clusters of roasted almonds and crunchy hemp seeds kept me company while I made dinner in the evening. Finally, the salted chocolate flavor paired with a cold glass of oat milk at night satisfied all my cravings before tucking me into bed. Sigh…it was love at first bite.
Dark Chocolate, Almond and Coconut Granola Ingredients
The idea for this granola was inspired by one of my favorite childhood candy bars, Almond Joys. I don’t even want to think of what eating one of those would do to my blood sugar so I’ll happily munch on this granola (which offers up lasting fiber and protein) instead.
- Rolled Oats- Be sure to use certified gluten-free for allergies!
- Almonds- Roughly chop the almonds before adding to the bowl.
- Unsweetened Coconut- Feel free to use shredded coconut or large chunks of coconut. Just stick with unsweetened to reduce the added sugar content.
- Hemp Seeds- I like to include these for protein and healthy fats but you could skip them if you want.
- Cacao Powder- Cocoa powder or cacao powder will work the same here. This paired with the coconut oil and honey coats everything with chocolatey goodness.
- Raw Honey- Either honey or maple syrup will work as a natural sweetener. I prefer the sticky texture of honey for bigger clusters though.
- Melted Coconut Oil- This coats everything to prevent burning as it cooks. It also helps form big clusters as it cools.
- Dark Chocolate Chips- I like to use dairy-free dark chocolate chips but any kind will work. If you want to avoid refined sugar, buy a sugarless chocolate bar and chop it up then use it as a substitute for the chocolate chips.
How to Make Dark Chocolate, Almond and Coconut Granola
The secret to getting large clusters is packing down the mixture in a large rectangle prior to baking. Don’t stir it halfway through cooking or as soon as you remove it from the oven! Allow it to cool completely in the large rectangle shape then it will hold together in nice big clusters.
- Combine the oats, chopped almonds, hemp seeds, coconut, cacao powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the honey and coconut oil in a small bowl or measuring cup.
- Pour it over top of the oat mixture then stir to combine.
- Spread it out on a lined baking sheet, pressing the mixture together. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until light golden brown.
- Allow to cool then stir in the dark chocolate chips.
- Try to resist devouring the entire bowl in one sitting.
Seriously guys, this granola is unbelievably good. I must have looked like a cheetah protecting her cubs as I held this granola in my hands because Brandon was actually afraid to eat it, and that says a lot considering he is the biggest chocolate fiend I know.
I’m planning to make more as soon as I get the chance because I miss it that much already.
Dark Chocolate, Almond and Coconut Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats, certifed gluten-free for allergies
- 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut, shredded or in large pieces
- 1/2 cup hemp seeds
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder, or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F then line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, coconut, hemp seeds, cacao powder and salt.
- In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil with honey. Pour over top of dry ingredients in large bowl and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread granola mixture out onto the cookie sheet, using the back of a spoon to pack together in the shape of a rectangle. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until light golden brown. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven so be sure to keep an eye on it! Set aside to cool without stirring.
- Once the granola has cooled completely, break it into big chunks and place into an airtight container. Add the chocolate chips to the granola in the container and mix well. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
I just found your blog and I have to say, your pictures are beautiful! Plus this recipe just looks delicious in general haha
Thank you Lauren! :)
YUM! That would definitely get me out of bed in the morning lol:) I found your blog through Angela’s and I am happy I did, this is my kind of recipe. I recently made a chocolate granola, however I made the mistake of putting the chocolate chunks in while baking…ending up in melting chocolate…I didn’t hate it;) But I like the idea of putting in the chocolate after it cools down!
I’m happy you found me too Sarah! I was worried it would be a big melted mess if I put the chocolate in first but I would definitely still enjoy it the same. :)
Every week I have this desire to make granola and I never do it!! I don’t know why, I mean, it’s not the most time or labor intensive food to make! This looks SO good and the combination of dark chocolate, almond, and coconut reminds me of being on a beach in Maui…don’t know why that image came to mind but I’ll take it!
for real Sarah??? I can’t keep granola in the house because it is the one food I have no self-control with. I’m ignoring this rule just for you. Pinned! Added to the list of your recipes I need to make this weekend!
Talk about yummy! This granola looks fantastic! Especially with all the nutritious ingredients added in!
I love all of the nutrient dense, real foods in this granola! Do you think I could sub chia seeds for the hemp seeds? Kyle will be traveling next week so I might make this for breakfasts… so I don’t have to share ;)
Yes, good idea! That way there isn’t any guilt for keeping it all to yourself, muahaha. I think chia seeds would work great in place of the hemp. The texture will be a little different but it should taste about the same.
You need to write a cookbook! Your pictures are gorgeous and your recipes are amazing!! Can’t wait to try this. Dark chocolate and coconut……to die for!!!
Aw, thanks Melissa! You’re too good to me. :)
Yet another delicious recipe, Sarah! I’ve never tried it, but the combination of chocolate and hemp sounds all sorts of amazing. You know you’ve got a good recipe on your hands when you’re threatening anyone who comes too close ;)
Oh. My. Goodness. Guard this granola with your life. It deserves to be protected.
I love granola, such a perfect topping for yogurt, smoothies, on its own! I love making my own granola. I usually add a lot if dried fruits but I love the idea of adding chocolate!
i’m making this this weekend. end of story. im so excited!!!
You’re blowing my mind here, lady! This is like all my favorite things smushed into granola goodness. Straight up HEAVEN. Pinning like now.
Ok, I thought I had a good granola recipe down pat, but this one looks AWESOME! Saving this recipe for sure!
Oh this looks so delicious! But put chocolate and coconut in anything and you’ve sold me!! :)
I just discovered your blog and I’m so glad that I did. I’ve been looking for a new granola recipe and this looks great!
All I can say is WOW! Chocolate and coconut…I’m sold. Sounds amazing!
Yeah, I’m sure that would work out fine. It might not be as chunky but I think you could also use rice starch to make it chunky. I’ve seen it as an ingredient in store bought granola but I’ve never tried it myself.
Haha sounds like you and I have the same feelings about granola! Willing to go out on a limb to keep others from eating it. This batch, especially with those chia-and-chocolate-y chunks, looks worth protecting!
This sounds amazing… is there any better way to wake up in the morning knowing you can’t wait to take that first bite of breakfast? I’ve been wanting to try my hand at making granola for awhile now and you have me convinced this recipe is going to be what does me in… ya know, in a good way.
Oh my gosh, yum! I love granola of any kind. I usually just top yogurt with it, cause I’m lame and uncreative, but it’s still super tasty that way.
YUM Can you bag that up and sale it??? I would buy you out! Where did you find coconut chunks?!
Sure, how many bags do you want? ;) I found them at Whole Foods in the bulk section. They might have them at HEB in the bulk section or on the baking aisle.
I am such a sucker for granola! It is one of those foods I could eat any time of the day. This recipe looks absolutely delicious. I love that it incorporates a little chocolate in as a sweet treat. Everyone needs a bit of chocolate to wake up to :D Beautiful photographs as well!
Thank you Chelsea! :)
Is that one of the new spoons you picked up? I love it and want it. I’m so impressed and proud of you Sarah. Your recipes are traveling through all the blogs I read and can’t help but think that maybe this will be your calling in life. :)
That was like, the sweetest comment ever Tara. Thank you. :)
And yes, that spoon is from my recent trip to Austin. I love it!
Oh yup… I definitely want this granola in my bowl right now!!!
Haha…yes, that’s what I should have done. Thanks Stephanie! :)
I will take some now and some to go! The chocolate, almond, coconut reminds me of one of my favorite candy bars, Almond Joy! I love that you used egg whites to make big chunks of granola.
P.S. Can you please teach a food photography class!? I wouldn’t miss a class! :-)
My three favorite flavors in one recipe. This stuff looks delicious! I love granola and usually end up eating it by itself. Weird? Maybe.
Sarah, you’re hilarious! A mommy cheetah?!?!? Yeah – I can definitely see why you’d feel that way! This looks amazing! As in … can’t pin it fast enough and grab up the ingredients amazing! Thanks for another awesome recipe! :D
My kind of breakfast! Simply stunning pics.
Lucky me I have all the ingredients on hand! Can’t wait to make this!
This is so good and easy. I burned mine a little so next time going to decrease the time in the oven. Can’t wait to eat breakfast tomorrow. I’m going to make it for my neighbor who just had a baby and bring it to her because she likes granola for breakfast.
Ah man, sorry it burned a little! I just added in the instructions to keep an eye on it and lowered the range to 15-20 minutes instead of just 20 minutes so that others won’t run into the same problem. Thank you so much for the review, as always! <3