Cocoa Almond Granola gives your everyday breakfast routine an upgrade — it’s full of all the good stuff like oats and almonds, with a little bit of cocoa to make it fabulous.
Did your mom ever let you buy Cocoa Krispies or Coco Puffs when you were a kid? Remember how your plain old white milk magically turned into chocolate milk by the time you were finished with the cereal?
That was so cool.
Cocoa powder in granola—why didn’t I think of that? I’ve been making homemade granola since college, and I thought I was being creative with it, but now see I was stuck in a rut. Chocolate takes granola into a new level. What a fabulous after school snack or decadent breakfast.
I used the super deep dutched cocoa, which is why my granola looks so dark, but I think regular cocoa powder would have been better, at least visually. If you’re in the mood to embellish, how about some tart dried cherries and mini chocolate chips
Also try ~
- Gluten Free Vegan Blender Muffins
- 7 Grain Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Multigrain Raisin Walnut Bran Muffins
Cocoa Almond Granola
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup raw whole almonds
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place racks in the center and upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss together oats, almonds, coconut, cinnamon, cocoa powder and salt. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan combine sugar, honey, oil and butter. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour the warm sugar mixture over the oat mixture and toss with a wooden spoon. Toss until all of the oats and almond bits are at least moistened by the sugar mixture. Spoon mixture onto prepared baking sheets and place in the oven.
- Bake granola for 30 minutes, removing from the oven to toss and stir 2 to 3 times during baking. Granola is done when it is toasted around the edges and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely. Store in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 2 weeks.
Cook's notes
25 Comments
jean miller
February 5, 2015 at 9:59 pmHi Susan, this looks wonderful! Wondering if the granola can be frozen? Thanks for all the great recipes.
Sue
February 17, 2020 at 9:10 amI’ve never tried freezing granola, but I don’t see why you couldn’t.
Cathy
March 10, 2012 at 9:27 pmSue, I made this for my running group and everybody loved it. It’s richer, more flavorful than classic granola- but not cloying or over rich. I took out the butter for my vegan friends and added dried cherries. Yum!
Gerry @Foodness Gracious
March 5, 2012 at 9:52 pmI love snacking on granola and this looks like a winner for me and my kids if they can get to it before me. Great pics also 🙂
Take care.
Kim
March 5, 2012 at 5:37 pmI have a fetish for all granola recipes. I’m almost always drawn to them. Your granola looks amazing and I love your suggestion of adding dried cherries and chocolate chips. Lookin’ good!