Dark Chocolate, Almond & Coconut Granola - Making Thyme for Health (2024)

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Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Soy-free, Vegan, Vegetarian 39

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Dark Chocolate, Almond and Coconut Granola- inspired by Almond Joy candy bars, this granola is a much more nutritious way to get your candy fix! (plant-based + gluten-free)

Today was a sad day, friends. As I took the last bite of my granola this morning, I quietly wept to myself.

So many granolas have come and gone in my life, each finding their own way to make my morning yogurt a little more interesting but this particular one holds a very special place in my heart.

I woke up everyday with anticipation, knowing that it’s tempting chunks of chocolate awaited me.Then the clusters of roasted almonds and crunchy hemp seeds kept me company while I made dinner in the evening.Finally, the salted chocolate flavor paired with a cold glass of oat milk at night satisfied all my cravings before tucking me into bed.Sigh…it was love at first bite.

Dark Chocolate, Almond and Coconut Granola Ingredients

The idea for this granola was inspired by one of my favorite childhood candy bars, Almond Joys. I don’t even want to think of what eating one of those would do to my blood sugar so I’ll happily munch on this granola (which offers up lasting fiber and protein) instead.

Rolled Oats-Be sure to use certified gluten-free for allergies!
Almonds-Roughly chop the almonds before adding to the bowl.
Unsweetened Coconut-Feel free to use shredded coconut or large chunks of coconut. Just stick with unsweetened to reduce the added sugar content.
Hemp Seeds- I like to include these for protein and healthy fats but you could skip them if you want.
Cacao Powder-Cocoa powder or cacao powder will work the same here. This paired with the coconut oil and honey coats everything with chocolatey goodness.
Raw Honey- Either honey or maple syrup will work as a natural sweetener. I prefer the sticky texture of honey for bigger clusters though.
Melted Coconut Oil- This coats everything to prevent burning as it cooks. It also helps form big clusters as it cools.
Dark Chocolate Chips- I like to use dairy-free dark chocolate chips but any kind will work. If you want to avoid refined sugar, buy a sugarless chocolate bar and chop it up then use it as a substitute for the chocolate chips.

How to Make Dark Chocolate, Almond and Coconut Granola

The secret to getting large clusters is packing down the mixture in a large rectangle prior to baking. Don’t stir it halfwaythrough cooking or as soon as you remove it from the oven! Allow it to cool completely in the large rectangle shape then it will hold together in nice big clusters.

Combine the oats, chopped almonds, hemp seeds, coconut, cacao powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Whisk together the honey and coconut oil in a small bowl or measuring cup.
Pour it over top of the oat mixture then stir to combine.
Spread it out on a lined baking sheet, pressing the mixture together. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until light golden brown.
Allow to cool then stir in the dark chocolate chips.
Try to resist devouring the entire bowl in one sitting.

Seriously guys, this granola is unbelievably good. I must have looked like a cheetah protecting her cubs as I held this granola in my hands because Brandon was actually afraid to eat it, and that says a lot considering he is the biggest chocolate fiend I know.

I’m planning to make more as soon as I get the chance because I miss it that much already.

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5 from 1 vote

Dark Chocolate, Almond and Coconut Granola

Inspired by Almond Joy candy bars, this granola is a much more nutritious way to get your candy fix! (plant-based + gluten-free)

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Servings: 10 (1/2 cup per serving)

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

2 cups rolled oats, certifed gluten-free for allergies
1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
1 cup unsweetened coconut, shredded or in large pieces
1/2 cup hemp seeds
2 tablespoons cacao powder, or unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F then line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, coconut, hemp seeds, cacao powder and salt.
In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil with honey. Pour over top of dry ingredients in large bowl and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spread granola mixture out onto the cookie sheet, using the back of a spoon to pack together in the shape of a rectangle.Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until light golden brown. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven so be sure to keep an eye on it! Set aside to cool without stirring.
Once the granola has cooled completely, break it into big chunks and place into an airtight container. Add the chocolate chips to the granola in the container and mix well. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 381kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 131mg, Potassium: 282mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 52IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 91mg, Iron: 3mg

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #makingthymeforhealth. I love hearing your feedback!

by Sarah on October 16, 2019 // Breakfast, Granola

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