Imagine a breakfast so decadent it feels like dessert, yet packed with nutritious superfoods that will make your body thank you. Our Double Chocolate Quinoa Granola is the ultimate game-changer for chocolate lovers who want to start their day with a crunchy, rich, and surprisingly healthy treat. This isn't just another boring granola – it's a chocolate explosion that transforms your morning routine into a gourmet experience!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup nuts (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, ensuring it is well-drained and slightly cooled to prevent excess moisture.
- Add cocoa powder to the quinoa and mix thoroughly, ensuring even coating of the quinoa grains.
- In a separate small saucepan, gently warm the coconut oil until it becomes liquid, then remove from heat.
- Whisk maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract together in the saucepan until well combined.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the quinoa and cocoa powder, stirring carefully to ensure all grains are evenly coated.
- Fold in the chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to create a uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet, allowing the granola to crisp up.
- Once cooled, sprinkle chocolate chips over the granola and gently mix in.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips
- Use well-drained, cooled quinoa to prevent soggy granola. Spread it on a paper towel after cooking to remove excess moisture.
- For extra crunch, ensure you stir the granola every 10 minutes during baking to prevent uneven toasting.
- Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet – this is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
- Experiment with different nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts to customize your granola.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness for up to a week.
- For a vegan version, ensure you use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 0mg
