You will love the blend of flavours and textures in this Chocolate and Coconut Granola recipe! Bursting with wholesome ingredients like oats, almonds, and pumpkin seeds, this homemade granola offers a nutritious and satisfying start to your day. The rich cocoa powder adds a decadent chocolatey twist, while the coconut oil and maple syrup provide a hint of sweetness and a delightful crunch.

Whether enjoyed with yoghurt, milk or as a convenient on-the-go snack, this easy-to-make granola is sure to become a household favourite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Loaded with oats, flaked almonds, pumpkin seeds, and desiccated coconut, this granola is a nutritional powerhouse. Oats provide a good source of fibre and complex carbohydrates, while almonds and pumpkin seeds offer essential fats, protein, and minerals. Plus, coconut adds a tropical flair and provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known for their potential health benefits.

Decadent Chocolate Twist: With the addition of cacao powder, this granola takes on a rich chocolatey flavour that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Cacao powder is also rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and minerals like magnesium and iron, making this granola both delicious and nutritious.

Customizable and Easy to Make: This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness and texture to your liking. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple steps and basic pantry ingredients.

Nutritional Facts:

Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants like vitamin E and zinc, pumpkin seeds offer a wide range of health benefits, including supporting immune function and heart health.
Desiccated Coconut: High in fibre and healthy fats, desiccated coconut provides a delicious tropical flavour and adds a satisfying crunch to this granola. It also contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may boost energy levels and promote satiety.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is high in saturated fats, primarily consisting of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). It contains small amounts of vitamins E and K, as well as iron. While coconut oil is calorie-dense, its MCTs may have potential benefits for heart health and weight management when consumed in moderation.
Oats: Oats are a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy. They are high in dietary fibre, particularly beta-glucan, which has been linked to improved heart health and digestion. Oats contain various vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Almonds: Almonds are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. They are an excellent source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Almonds are also high in protein and fibre, making them a satisfying and nutritious snack option.

Tips to Make This Recipe:

Watch the Coconut: Keep a close eye on the granola during the final baking stage to prevent the coconut from burning. Stirring the granola halfway through baking helps ensure even toasting.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter granola, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or add a touch of honey.
Add Mix-Ins: Customize your granola by adding additional mix-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts after baking for extra flavour and texture.
Storage Tips: Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain its freshness and crunchiness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this granola suitable for those with gluten intolerance?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Can I make this granola nut-free?

Yes, if you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free option, you can omit the flaked almonds and pumpkin seeds from the recipe. You can replace them with additional oats or other seeds like sunflower seeds or hemp hearts for added texture and nutrition

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute honey for maple syrup if you prefer. Keep in mind that honey has a slightly different flavour profile than maple syrup, so your granola may have a subtly different taste. Adjust the amount of honey to achieve your desired level of sweetness.