Crunchy Chocolate Granola Cereal – The Ultimate Breakfast!

If you love chocolate, why not have it for breakfast? This ultimate crunchy chocolate granola cereal will satisfy your craving.

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Many store-bought granolas are full of sugar and high in calories. Making your own granola cereal allows you to control the ingredients that go into it, rendering a healthy and nutritious cereal you can feel good about eating.

Why chocolate granola is good for you

For some reason, the older I get, the more I crave a good dark chocolate. I love the slightly bitter, dry taste a good chocolate leaves on my tongue. It’s like sipping a fine dry red wine. I usually satisfy my chocolate craving with a handful of bittersweet morsels straight out of the freezer, but I wanted to take my love for chocolate a little further. Cocoa powder had many health benefits! Studies have shown cocoa powder contain flavinoids which may help relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.

Rolled oats may also help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk of heart attack. Oats contain beneficial fibers to help in digestion and keep us feeling fuller longer.

Healthy chocolate granola

Homemade granola is also an easy way to have a healthy crunchy snack available at your fingertips. Chocked full of nutritious oats and nuts, it’s easy to make so why not add chocolate to it? Chocolate granola makes a great topping for homemade yogurt or ice cream. This recipe adds just the right amount of chocolate without being too indulgent. However, it is also so versatile you can definitely add chocolate chips to the mix if you choose.

Ingredients for ultimate crunchy chocolate granola cereal

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or almonds)
• Optional unsweetened coconut flakes, dried cranberries/cherries, chocolate chips

Make it!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a sheetpan with coconut oil. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats and nuts of your choice (or both!).

In a saucepan, combine coconut oil, cocoa powder, maple syrup, brown sugar, and salt. Stir over medium heat until melted and combined well.

Pour mixture over oats and mix well to coat. Spread mixture onto the sheetpan and bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring at the 15 minute mark.

Allow to cool and add your favorite extras. I love the combination of walnuts, dried cranberries, and coconut flakes.

What’s your favorite combinations? How do you use your chocolate granola cereal? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for stopping by!