Imagine starting your day with a crunchy, chocolatey explosion of flavor that's not just delicious, but also nutritious. This Chocolate Granola with Dried Cherries, Almonds, and Coconut is about to revolutionize your breakfast routine, transforming ordinary mornings into extraordinary culinary adventures. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and chocolate enthusiasts alike, this recipe promises a delightful blend of rich cocoa, sweet cherries, and toasty nuts that will have you jumping out of bed with excitement.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, and shredded coconut. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Sift the cocoa powder over the dry ingredients, stirring carefully to coat the oats, nuts, and coconut evenly with the rich chocolate powder.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey and vegetable oil until well combined and smooth. This will help create a cohesive binding for the granola.
- Pour the honey-oil mixture over the dry ingredients, using a spatula to mix and ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the sweet and glossy mixture.
- Spread the granola mixture in an even, thin layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of a spatula to create a uniform thickness for consistent baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven when the granola is fragrant and looks slightly darker. The edges should be golden brown and crisp.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.
- Once cooled, gently fold in the dried cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the granola.
- Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy as a breakfast topping, snack, or with yogurt and milk.
Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor
- Stir the granola halfway through baking to ensure even browning and prevent burning
- Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crispiness
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the honey-oil mixture
- Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts for varied texture
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup
- Toast the coconut and almonds slightly before mixing for enhanced nutty flavor
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
