Are you ready for a tasty and healthy snack? This Chocolate Cherry Granola recipe combines rich cocoa with sweet cherries for a delicious treat. Packed with rolled oats, nuts, and seeds, it offers essential nutrients and energy. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a midday pick-me-up, you’ll love how easy it is to make. Let’s get started on turning simple ingredients into a satisfying snack!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: This granola is packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds that provide essential nutrients and keep you feeling full.
- Deliciously Sweet and Chocolatey: The combination of cocoa powder, dried cherries, and dark chocolate chips makes this granola a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet cravings.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of this granola in under an hour, making it perfect for busy mornings or snacks.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe serves as a great base; feel free to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to make it your own!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Granola
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
When I make chocolate cherry granola, I focus on fresh and healthy ingredients. Rolled oats form the base. They are rich in fiber and help keep you full. Almonds add crunch and healthy fats. Sunflower seeds offer a nice contrast and extra nutrients.
Cocoa powder gives a deep chocolate flavor without added sugar. Maple syrup serves as a natural sweetener, and melted coconut oil adds moisture. Dried cherries bring a sweet and tart taste that pairs well with chocolate. Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors, while sea salt brightens the mix. Finally, dark chocolate chips melt in your mouth and create a delightful finish.
Nutritional Information
Oats are packed with beneficial nutrients. They contain fiber, protein, and vitamins. Nuts, like almonds, provide healthy fats and antioxidants. Dried cherries are not just tasty; they are full of vitamins and minerals too.
One serving of this granola has about 200 calories. It offers a good balance of carbs, fats, and protein. Enjoying portions of this granola can help you feel energized throughout the day. It’s a snack that tastes good and is good for you.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for good baking.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Stir well to mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and blended.
Baking Process
1. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until each oat and nut is coated well.
2. Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. This helps it bake evenly.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Stir the granola halfway through to ensure even baking. It should smell great and be slightly crispy when done.
Cooling and Storing
1. After baking, remove the granola from the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. Cooling helps it clump together nicely.
2. Once it has cooled, toss in the dried cherries and dark chocolate chips. This adds flavor and sweetness.
3. Allow the granola to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Proper storage keeps it fresh longer.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Granola
To ensure even baking, spread the granola in a thin layer. This helps it cook uniformly. Stir the mixture halfway through baking. This action prevents burning and keeps it crispy. For the right texture, let granola cool for ten minutes after baking. Cooling helps it clump together nicely.
Customization Options
You can add different nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Try walnuts, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds. Each adds a unique flavor. You can also substitute sweeteners or oils. Instead of maple syrup, use honey or agave. Swap coconut oil for olive oil for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your chocolate cherry granola in many ways. It’s great in yogurt or with milk. You can also eat it as a snack. For a beautiful display, serve it in a clear glass jar. Top it with fresh fruit for extra color and flavor.
Pro Tips
- Store Properly: To keep your granola fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will maintain its crunchiness and flavor.
- Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute the almonds with your favorite nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a different flavor and texture.
- Enhance Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to the dry ingredients for an extra depth of flavor in your granola.
- Make It Vegan: If you want a completely vegan version, ensure that the dark chocolate chips are dairy-free and use a plant-based syrup if desired.
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can make your chocolate cherry granola even better! Try adding coconut flakes for a fun twist. Just mix in 1 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes when you combine the dry ingredients. You can also use different dried fruits. Dried strawberries, apricots, or cranberries work well. These additions can give your granola a bright, fruity taste.
Dietary Variations
Want to make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free rolled oats instead of regular ones. This simple change makes the granola safe for those with gluten issues. For vegan options, replace the honey or maple syrup with agave nectar. Also, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. These swaps keep your snack tasty while meeting dietary needs.
Brand Comparisons
When shopping for chocolate cherry granola, look at store-bought options. Some brands offer great taste and quality. However, homemade granola has many benefits. You control the ingredients and flavors. Plus, it’s often fresher and cheaper than store brands. So, why not give making your own a try?
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your granola fresh, store it in a cool, dry place. Use an airtight container to avoid moisture. Glass jars work well for storage. They keep the granola fresh and look nice on your shelf.
Shelf Life
Homemade chocolate cherry granola lasts about two weeks. After that, it may lose its crunch. Look for signs of spoilage like a stale smell or soggy texture. If you see these signs, it’s time to toss it.
Freezing Options
You can freeze granola if you want to keep it longer. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours. You can also use it straight from the freezer in yogurt or smoothies.
FAQs
How do you make chocolate cherry granola vegan?
To make chocolate cherry granola vegan, you can swap a few key ingredients. Use agave syrup instead of maple syrup. For the butter-like taste, try using plant-based margarine instead of coconut oil. Make sure to choose dairy-free chocolate chips. This keeps your granola vegan and still delicious.
Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can! Granola is flexible with nuts. Walnuts, pecans, or cashews work great. You can even use mixed nuts if you want variety. Just chop them up to match the size of the almonds. Feel free to experiment with different nuts based on what you like.
What are the health benefits of eating granola?
Granola offers many health benefits. First, oats are high in fiber, which helps digestion. Nuts add protein and healthy fats, keeping you full longer. Dried cherries provide antioxidants and vitamins. Eating granola can boost energy, making it a great snack for busy days. Plus, making it at home means you control the ingredients, which is always a plus!
In this article, I shared a simple chocolate cherry granola recipe. I covered the key ingredients, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for baking, storing, and enjoying this healthy treat.
Remember, you can customize it for your taste and dietary needs. Whether you choose to add nuts, switch up sweeteners, or pick different fruits, your granola can be uniquely yours. Enjoy your delicious creatio
Chocolate Cherry Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almonds, chopped
- 0.5 cup sunflower seeds
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 cup maple syrup
- 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, cocoa powder, and sea salt, stirring to mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until all the oats and nuts are well coated.
- Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking, until the mixture is fragrant and slightly crispy.
- Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will help it clump together.
- Once cool, toss in the dried cherries and dark chocolate chips.
- Allow the granola to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.
