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- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats - 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds and walnuts) - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/3 cup melted coconut oil - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher) - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries or cherries) When I create this dark chocolate sea salt granola, I love the mix of flavors and textures. The oats give a great base. They add a chewy quality that I find so satisfying. I choose old-fashioned rolled oats because they hold up well during baking. Nuts bring a nice crunch and protein. I use a mix of almonds and walnuts, but you can pick your favorites. Chopped nuts enhance the flavor and add healthy fats. Cocoa powder is key for that rich chocolate taste. I always use unsweetened cocoa to control the sweetness. It balances perfectly with the maple syrup, which is my go-to sweetener for this recipe. Melted coconut oil gives a hint of tropical flavor. It also helps to bind the granola together. I recommend dark chocolate chips with at least 70% cocoa. They melt into the granola, creating delicious pockets of chocolate goodness. A pinch of sea salt enhances all the flavors. It contrasts nicely with the sweetness. Lastly, I often add vanilla extract for a warm, inviting aroma. If you want to mix it up, add dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a sweet burst. This blend of ingredients makes the best crunchy snack. You will love every bite! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup of chopped nuts, and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder. Mix them well to ensure they blend evenly. This step is key for flavor. - In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Make sure it’s smooth. This mixture adds sweetness and binds everything. - Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until all oats and nuts are well coated. This helps the granola clump together when baking. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet, pressing it down slightly. - Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. Watch it carefully to ensure it turns a deep brown but does not burn. This is where the magic happens, creating that crunchy texture. - After baking, remove the granola from the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crisp. While still warm, sprinkle 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips on top, gently mixing so they melt slightly. Once cooled, add optional dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries, and break the granola into clusters. Enjoy your crunchy snack delight! Clumping is key for great granola. It helps form crunchy clusters, which everyone loves. To get this, press the granola mixture down on the baking sheet. This makes it clump together while baking. Monitor your baking time closely. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even browning. Watch for a deep brown color, but be careful not to burn it. You can add spices to boost flavor. Try cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Nut butters also add richness. A spoonful of almond or peanut butter can bring a new twist. Experiment with sweeteners, too. While maple syrup is great, honey or agave can work well. Each adds a unique taste to your granola. Serve granola in jars for a lovely display. It makes breakfast inviting! You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top. This adds a nice touch and enhances the chocolate flavor. Granola is versatile. Enjoy it as a snack, or top your yogurt with it. You can even pair it with milk for a simple breakfast. {{image_2}} If you want a nut-free version of this granola, you can use seeds. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds add great crunch. They also offer healthy fats and protein. You can swap out the nuts in the recipe with an equal amount of seeds. This keeps the texture similar while making it safe for nut allergies. Maple syrup gives this granola a lovely sweetness, but you can change it up. Honey is a great option if you like a floral note. Agave syrup is another choice that stays liquid. Both can replace maple syrup in equal parts. This way, you can customize the taste to your liking. Want to make your granola even more exciting? Add a pinch of spices. Cinnamon or nutmeg can bring warmth and depth. You can also use extracts like almond or mint for a fun twist. Just a teaspoon can change the whole flavor profile. Mix it in with the dry ingredients for a tasty treat. Store your dark chocolate sea salt granola in airtight containers. Glass jars work well. They keep granola fresh and let you see the yummy snacks inside. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture. At room temperature, your granola will stay fresh for about two weeks. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge. In the fridge, it can last up to a month. Just make sure to seal it tightly to keep air out. If your granola gets a little stale, don’t worry. You can easily refresh it. Spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This will make it crunchy again. You can also microwave it for about 20 seconds, but the oven method gives it a better texture. Enjoy your crunchy snack delight! Yes, you can use other types of chocolate in this granola. If you like milk chocolate, it works well too. Just remember, it will taste sweeter. White chocolate is another option. It adds a creamy touch but lacks the rich flavor of dark chocolate. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite! Yes, this granola can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free oats. Many oats are naturally gluten-free, but some may get cross-contaminated during processing. Look for oats labeled gluten-free. You can also use quinoa flakes or puffed rice as good alternatives if you want to switch things up. To make this granola vegan, simply swap honey with agave syrup or date syrup. Both options add sweetness without any animal products. You can also ensure that your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Many brands offer vegan chocolate chips, so check the label before buying! In this post, I shared how to make dark chocolate sea salt granola. You learned about the key ingredients, from oats to dark chocolate chips. I also covered step-by-step instructions for easy preparation. Plus, I shared tips for great texture, flavor, and storage. Making this granola is simple and fun. You can tailor it to fit your taste. Enjoy your tasty and healthy snack! Try it out and share your results.

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Granola

Indulge in the deliciousness of dark chocolate sea salt granola with this easy recipe! Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack, this granola combines rich cocoa, crunchy nuts, and sweet maple syrup, all topped with dark chocolate. Dive into the step-by-step guide to create your own batch in just 35 minutes. Click through to discover how to make this irresistible treat that will leave you craving more!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup nuts (such as almonds and walnuts), chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries or cherries)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and cocoa powder, mixing well to ensure even distribution.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt until well combined.

        Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until all the oats and nuts are well coated.

          Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down slightly with a spatula for clumping.

            Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it, as you want it to be deep brown but not burnt.

              Once finished baking, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The granola will crisp up as it cools.

                While the granola is still warm, sprinkle the dark chocolate chips on top. Gently mix them into the granola so they melt slightly with the warmth.

                  Once cooled, add the optional dried fruit if desired and break the granola into clusters.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

                      Presentation Tips: Serve the granola in jars for a beautiful breakfast display or container, and garnish with a sprinkling of sea salt on top for added flair. Enjoy as a snack, a breakfast topping with yogurt, or simply with milk!