Disclosure: I was asked to participate in the #CrunchOn campaign as a member of the Healthy Aperture Blogger Network. I was compensated for my time and also received free samples for recipe testing from California Almonds.
Homemade granola is a weekly fixture around here, ever since my husband discovered he much preferred a bowl of it to any boxed cereal I brought home. Though I’m not a huge breakfast eater (read my confession here), I most certainly AM a world-class snacker. So his morning granola is my afternoon pick-me-up.
When he raved about the chocolate granola he had on a trip, I happily accepted the challenge.
Granola made with oats and nuts makes a perfect snack because it’s loaded with feel-full fiber and protein. This version has just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy, with a deep chocolate flavor thanks to cocoa powder and mini chips that are baked in (but if it’s not sweet enough for your tastes, add another tablespoon or two of maple syrup or brown sugar).
A granola that’s just right for snacking has to bake up in big clusters–not small, messy crumbles. Tossing the granola with two egg whites before baking produced the biggest clusters. (Have angst over wasting those perfectly good yolks? Here are 10 ways to use them.)
Double Chocolate Almond Granola
Granola made with oats and nuts makes a perfect snack because it’s loaded with feel-full fiber and protein. This version has just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy, with a deep chocolate flavor thanks to cocoa powder and mini chips that are baked in.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal
- 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 egg whites
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix oats, almonds, coconut, sunflower seeds, flaxseed meal, and chocolate chips in a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add cocoa, maple syrup, brown sugar, extracts, and salt. Stir until well blended.
- Pour chocolate over oat mixture and stir well. It may seem too dry at first, but continue to stir until the mixture is completely coated.
- Whisk egg whites (I use the saucepan to get all the remaining chocolate goodness!) and pour over oat mixture. Stir until completely coated and blended.
- Spread granola onto parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove granola and allow it to sit until cool, then break into pieces and store in airtight container.
If you don’t have sliced almonds, chop whole almonds in a food processor or by hand. We usually have almonds in some form in our house, whether whole, slivered, or almond milk. I’m a fan of all nuts because they’re satisfying and loaded with good nutrition. Almonds happen to be the tree nut highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin, and niacin. Check out other recipes on this blog featuring almonds:
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Helena says
Sounds good. Do you think I could use honey instead of maple syrup?
Sally says
Helena–yes, I’m sure you could!
Tamara H. says
Just curious what “grade” maple syrup you used in this recipe and in general. I bought some @ Costco for the first time and it seems super running…not syrupy at all. Suggestions/thoughts on grades/brands of pure maple syrup appreciated. 🙂
Sally says
Hi Tamara–I typically buy my pure maple syrup at ALDI, because they have a great price on it. Sometimes I pick some up at the farmer’s market and the local stuff definitely has a different taste and texture. I don’t know too much about grades. But we go through enough of it that I do focus mostly on price (and making sure it’s pure/real).
Tamara H. says
that should be “runny” not “running”.
Heather Mason @Nutty Nutrition says
it’s funny, I just posted chocolate almond granola today too! But I think yours is a bit more chocolatey than mine! Looks delicious!
Sally says
Hi Heather–how funny! Your recipe looks great: http://www.nuttynutritionandfitness.com/chocolate-almond-granola/
Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite says
This looks so tasty!! I’ve never made granola and have a love/hate relationship with granola we buy at the store. Will definitely be trying this!
Elaine says
I happened to have all of the ingredients and made this today! My kids and I thinks it’s great! I am glad you mentioned that it is not too sweet because I usually cut sugar from recipies. The almond extract makes this recipe smell amazing!
Regan @ The Healthy Aperture Blog says
I’m a huge breakfast eater, but never really a big bowl of granola. That said, I love it over Greek yogurt and like you, as an out of hand afternoon snack. This version looks amazing, Sally!!
Erin says
I’m curious if the brown sugar could be replaced with additional syrup or left out. We typically not use honey and pure maple for sweetening. Recipe looks amazing
Sally says
Erin–you should give it a try! If you do, let me know how it worked out. 🙂
Erin says
I used maple syrup only and it turned out great!
Sally says
Great to know–thanks Erin!