Imagine starting your morning with a crunchy, chocolatey treat that's not only incredibly delicious but also completely guilt-free! This vegan and gluten-free chocolate granola is about to revolutionize your breakfast routine, proving that healthy eating can be a decadent experience. Packed with wholesome ingredients and rich chocolate flavor, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth while nourishing your body – and the best part? No refined sugars in sight!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Gluten Free Oats
- Cocoa Powder
- Maple Syrup
- Almond Butter
- Chopped Nuts
- Dried Fruit
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of gluten-free oats and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder. Stir well to ensure the cocoa powder is evenly distributed throughout the oats.
- Add 1/2 cup of almond butter and 1/2 cup of maple syrup to the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until the oats are fully coated and the mixture is well combined.
- Fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans) and 1/2 cup of your favorite dried fruit (like cranberries, raisins, or apricots). Make sure the nuts and dried fruit are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) over the mixture and stir again to incorporate the salt, enhancing the overall flavor of the granola.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down slightly with the back of the spatula to create an even layer. This will help the granola clump together during baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking. The granola should be firm and slightly crispy when done.
- Once baked, remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This will help it to harden and form clusters.
- Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and store it in an airtight container. Enjoy your vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free chocolate granola as a snack, breakfast, or topping for yogurt and smoothies!
Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor
- Make sure to stir the granola halfway through baking to prevent burning
- Let the granola cool completely to achieve those satisfying crunchy clusters
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 2 weeks
- For extra protein, consider adding hemp seeds or chia seeds to the mix
- Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits to customize your granola
- If you prefer smaller clusters, chop your nuts more finely before mixing
- Use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and even baking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
