Easy Chocolate Almond Granola

Name: Easy Chocolate Almond Granola
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup raw almonds, (roughly chopped); 1/4 cup hemp hearts; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup almond butter; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt; 1/4 cup chocolate chips ((see notes))

A quick and easy chocolate almond granola, made in one bowl in under 15 minutes of preparation. This breakfast recipe is vegan and gluten-free!

Truth: I used to be that person that happily ate the same breakfast every single day. As a matter of fact, every night, I looked forward to eating that same breakfast the next morning. Years later and I can’t stand having the same thing for breakfast more than a few days in a row. Things change!

So if like me, you’re looking for a change, I have this delicious chocolate granola for you to try. The best part? It comes together in 15 minutes using one bowl. Just make a batch on Sundays and you’ll have something to look forward to every morning that week (that’s if it lasts that long).

How to Make Chocolate Granola:

First, toss all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Bake for 30 minutes (tossing halfway through).
Let it cool down on the baking sheet (this helps it get crispier).
Toss in the chocolate chips.
Serve!

It doesn’t get easier than this.

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Try substituting the almonds for other nuts, such as cashews, pecans or walnuts. You could also try using peanut butter instead of almond butter and chia seeds instead of hemp hearts.

This granola is delicious served with my homemade vegan yogurt! Other delicious options are to serve it in a bowl with soy milk (for added protein), on top of smoothie bowls, oatmeal or just eaten by the handful.

Looking for more granola recipes? Check out this basic maple peanut butter granola, date-sweetened chai granola and (no-bake) 5-minute granola power bowl.

Easy Chocolate Almond Granola

A quick and easy chocolate almond granola, made in one bowl in under 15 minutes of preparation. This breakfast recipe is vegan and gluten-free!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine vegan

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings 8

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
1/4 cup hemp hearts
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1/4 cup chocolate chips (see notes)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add all the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl and stir until combined.
Transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mixture in a single layer.
Bake for 30 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Let the granola cool on the baking sheet. It will continue to get crispier as it cools. Once completely cooled, toss in the chocolate chips.
Serve with yogurt or milk of choice, on top of smoothie bowls, oatmeal or eat it by the handful.

Notes

To make this recipe vegan, use vegan chocolate chips. You can also omit the chocolate chips or even add more if preferred! Use your favorite chocolate chips, dark, milk or semi-sweet.

You can also add some shredded coconut to the granola if desired. I added a sprinkle after baking, but you could add it to the mixture before baking. I haven’t tested this.

I made this recipe using cocoa powder. I haven’t tried using raw cacao powder. If you give it a try, let me know in the comments!

Use certified gluten-free oats as needed.

If you make this chocolate granola, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from you guys. And of course, if you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!

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View Comments

Olivia says:

2020-08-17 at 10:06 pm

Hi!

This sounds amazing! The almond butter and the combination of cocoa. I was questioning if you could leave out or swap the maple syrup? Maybe swapping it for apple sauce? I’m a bit afraid for the sugar. But that’s just me, because I think this recipe is amazing.

Thanks,
Olivia
- Nourished by Caroline says:
  
  2020-08-20 at 9:02 am
  
  Hi Olivia, sorry for the late reply! I wouldn't recommend skipping the maple syrup as it's what helps the granola hold together. Otherwise you'll get a dry oat mix. Also, cacao without any sweetness can be bitter. I wouldn't suggest applesauce as an alternative. My suggestions would be to either reduce the maple syrup (you'll likely get a crumbly granola with less chunks) or try my date-sweetened granola. Search for date-sweetened granola using the search bar. I hope this helps! :)