Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola Recipe

Imagine starting your day with a bowl of this Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola: a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey right in your breakfast bowl. It's a granola recipe that's not just packed with flavors, but also, incredibly easy to prepare.

Photos of Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in household kitchens, however, the dark chocolate covered raisins might require a trip to the supermarket. They add a touch of decadent sweetness to the granola and are well worth the effort.

Ingredients for Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola

Old fashioned whole rolled oats: These oats are perfect for giving your granola a hearty texture.

Coconut oil: Used for its health benefits and for adding a slight hint of coconut flavor to the granola.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives your granola that intense chocolate flavor.

Dark brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a rich, molasses-like flavor.

Honey: Acts as a natural sweetener and binder for the granola.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: They will melt and create larger clusters of granola.

Dark chocolate covered raisins: Adds an element of indulgence and chewy texture to the mix.

One reader, Field Underhill says:

This triple chocolate crunch granola recipe is a game-changer! The combination of cocoa, honey, and dark chocolate creates a heavenly indulgence. The clusters are perfectly crunchy, and the chocolate-covered raisins add a delightful surprise. It's a must-try for chocolate lovers!

Field Underhill

Essential Techniques for Making Granola

How to prepare the granola mixture: Mix melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, and dark brown sugar until combined. Add honey and salt and mix until a liquid-y paste forms. Pour over oats and mix until all oats are moistened. Add more honey if needed.

How to bake the granola: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pour the prepared granola mixture onto the lined sheet and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring and flipping every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.

How to add the chocolate chips: Once the granola is removed from the oven, sprinkle with chocolate chips while the granola is still warm. Stir gently to allow the chocolate chips to melt and create larger clusters of granola.

How to store the granola: Once cooled, add in chocolate-covered raisins and any additional add-ins preferred. Store the granola covered at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

How To Make Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola

This chocolate crunch granola is made with chocolate-covered raisins and chocolate chips tossed with cocoa powder and honey.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3cupsold fashioned whole rolled oats,not quick or instant
¼cupcoconut oil,melted, or canola oil
½cupunsweetened cocoa powder
¼cupdark brown sugar,packed
⅓cuphoney,or maple syrup/agave
½tspsalt
½cupsemisweet chocolate chips
½-¾cupdark chocolate covered raisins
nuts, seeds or dried fruit,additional add-ins, optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
Pour oats into a large bowl, set aside. In a smaller bowl, mix melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, and dark brown sugar until combined.
Add honey and salt and mix until a liquid-y paste forms. Pour over oats and mix until all oats are moistened. Add more honey if needed.
Bake for 30 minutes, stirring and flipping every 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips while the granola is still warm. Stir. The chocolate chips will melt, creating larger clusters of granola.
Once cooled, add in chocolate-covered raisins and any additional add-ins preferred. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 1290.68kcal
Fat: 52.35g
Saturated Fat: 35.65g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.27g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.91g
Carbohydrates: 216.24g
Fiber: 16.53g
Sugar: 156.81g
Protein: 18.71g
Cholesterol: 5.40mg
Sodium: 365.59mg
Calcium: 213.08mg
Potassium: 1409.56mg
Iron: 8.22mg
Vitamin A: 52.20µg
Vitamin C: 0.50mg

Key Technique for Achieving the Perfect Crunch in Granola

To ensure your granola has the perfect crunch, it's important to stir and flip it every 10 minutes while it's baking. This helps it to cook evenly and prevents it from burning. Also, adding the chocolate chips while the granola is still warm allows them to melt and create larger, delicious clusters. For an extra touch of flavor, try using a flavored honey, like orange blossom or wildflower.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola

Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the wet ingredients and create the granola mixture, saving time and effort.

Set a timer: Set a timer to remind you to stir the granola while it's baking, ensuring it cooks evenly without requiring constant monitoring.

Double the batch: Consider making a larger batch of granola to have extra on hand for future use, reducing the frequency of preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola Recipe

old fashioned whole rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes have a similar texture and can be used as a gluten-free alternative to oats.
coconut oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used as a rich and flavorful substitute for coconut oil, adding a creamy texture to the granola.
unsweetened cocoa powder - Substitute with carob powder: Carob powder has a naturally sweet flavor and can be used as a caffeine-free alternative to cocoa powder.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor, and can be used as a liquid sweetener in place of brown sugar.
honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a vegan-friendly alternative to honey and can be used as a sweetener in the granola recipe.
semisweet chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs provide a rich, chocolatey flavor and crunchy texture, and are a healthier alternative to chocolate chips.
dark chocolate covered raisins - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries add a sweet and tart flavor, and can be used as a delicious alternative to chocolate covered raisins.
nuts, seeds or dried fruit - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture, and can be used as a nutritious alternative to nuts and dried fruit.

How to Beautifully Present Homemade Granola

Elevate the plating: When presenting the triple chocolate crunch granola, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a clean, white plate to allow the rich, dark colors of the granola to stand out. Arrange the granola in a neat, compact mound using a ring mold for a polished look.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by drizzling a thin stream of melted dark chocolate in a graceful, artistic pattern around the edge of the plate. This adds a touch of sophistication and elevates the overall presentation.
Garnish with edible flowers: Introduce a pop of color and a delicate, floral aroma by garnishing the granola with edible flowers such as pansies or violets. The vibrant hues of the flowers will create a stunning contrast against the dark chocolate granola, adding a touch of elegance to the dish.
Utilize fine dining plating techniques: Apply fine dining plating techniques such as using tweezers to delicately place individual chocolate-covered raisins on top of the granola. This meticulous attention to detail showcases precision and elevates the dish to a professional culinary standard.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the granola and chocolate clusters in a symmetrical and balanced manner on the plate. This meticulous arrangement demonstrates a high level of culinary finesse and attention to detail, appealing to the discerning eye of Michelin-starred culinary professionals.

Essential Tools for Making Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola

Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the granola mixture.
Cookie sheet: A cookie sheet is used to bake the granola in the oven.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: These are used to line the cookie sheet to prevent the granola from sticking.
Small bowl: A small bowl is used to mix the melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, and dark brown sugar.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are used to measure the ingredients accurately.
Spatula: A spatula is used to stir and flip the granola while baking.
Oven: The oven is used for baking the granola.
Storage container: A storage container is needed to store the granola once it has cooled.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Granola

Allow the granola to cool completely before storing. This will help maintain its crunchiness and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Store the cooled granola in an airtight container or resealable bag. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors or moisture from the air.
If you prefer, you can divide the granola into individual serving sizes and store them in smaller airtight containers or resealable bags for convenience.
The granola can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 weeks, as long as it is kept in an airtight container and away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
To extend the shelf life of your granola, you can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. This is especially helpful if you live in a humid environment or if you've added any ingredients that are prone to spoilage, such as nuts or dried fruit.
For longer storage, you can freeze the granola for up to 3 months. To do this, place the cooled granola in a freezer-safe airtight container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen granola, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. You can also warm it up slightly in the oven or microwave if desired.
If you find that the granola has lost some of its crunchiness after freezing and thawing, you can restore it by placing the granola on a baking sheet and heating it in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's crisp again.

How To Reheat Leftover Granola

To reheat leftover triple chocolate crunch granola, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the granola evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the granola is warm and slightly crispy. This method helps to restore the crunch and freshness of the granola.
Another option is to reheat the granola in a skillet on the stovetop. Place the desired amount of granola in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until the granola is warm and slightly toasted. This method is quick and allows you to control the level of crispiness.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place a portion of the granola in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high power for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the granola is warm and slightly crispy. Be careful not to overheat the granola, as it can become soggy or burn quickly in the microwave.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can reheat the granola with a bit of moisture. Place the desired amount of granola in a bowl and sprinkle a small amount of water or milk over it. Microwave the granola for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired consistency and warmth.
To add extra flavor and freshness to your reheated granola, consider stirring in some additional chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit after warming it up. This will give the granola a burst of flavor and texture, making it taste like it was freshly made.

Interesting Fact About Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola

Granola is a versatile food that can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be eaten as a breakfast cereal with milk or yogurt, used as a topping for desserts, or even enjoyed as a snack on its own.

Is Making Granola at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this triple chocolate crunch granola recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. While oats, cocoa powder, and honey are generally affordable, the inclusion of dark chocolate covered raisins and semisweet chocolate chips may increase the overall cost. However, considering the yield and the fact that granola can serve as a versatile breakfast or snack option, it can be a reasonable investment for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola Healthy or Unhealthy?

This triple chocolate crunch granola recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the indulgent side rather than being a purely healthy snack. The inclusion of whole rolled oats provides a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, which is a positive aspect. However, the generous amounts of coconut oil, dark brown sugar, honey, and chocolate chips contribute to higher levels of saturated fat and added sugars, which should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of coconut oil and replace a portion of it with a healthier alternative like unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas
Cut back on the dark brown sugar and honey, or opt for natural sweeteners like date paste or monk fruit sweetener
Increase the proportion of oats to create a more substantial base and reduce the overall sweetness
Include a variety of nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds, to boost the protein and healthy fat content
Experiment with using cacao nibs instead of chocolate chips for a less processed option with more antioxidants
Add dried fruits like goji berries or mulberries for an extra nutrient boost and natural sweetness

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Granola Recipe

The triple chocolate crunch granola recipe is a delightful combination of wholesome oats, rich cocoa, and sweet honey. The addition of chocolate chips and dark chocolate-covered raisins adds a decadent touch, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of coconut oil provides a subtle tropical undertone, enhancing the overall taste. This granola is versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, with yogurt, or as a topping for desserts. It's a delightful treat that will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.

Enhance Your Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mango Salsa: A refreshing and tangy mango salsa with a hint of spice is the perfect accompaniment to the rich and chocolatey granola.

Grilled Pineapple Skewers: Juicy grilled pineapple skewers add a tropical twist to the triple chocolate crunch granola, balancing out the sweetness with a touch of smokiness.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts provide a savory and slightly tangy contrast to the decadent chocolate flavors of the granola.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: This creamy butternut squash soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. It's velvety smooth and packed with warm, savory flavors.

Savory Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken: This savory garlic herb roasted chicken is a classic dish that's perfect for a family dinner. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the herbs add a burst of flavor.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: This fresh fruit salad with honey-lime dressing is a light and refreshing dessert or side dish. The sweet honey-lime dressing brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit, making it a perfect summer treat.

Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Granola

Appetizers:

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Creamy and indulgent, this dip is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own. The combination of spinach, artichokes, and cheese creates a rich and flavorful appetizer that will leave you wanting more.

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are a delightful appetizer that is sure to impress. The combination of flavorful fillings and tender mushrooms creates a delicious bite-sized treat that will leave your guests coming back for more.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy, rich pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety Alfredo sauce. The flavors meld together perfectly for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of a beef stir fry, packed with colorful vegetables and savory marinated beef. The combination of textures and aromas will tantalize your taste buds.

Why trust this Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its triple chocolate crunch and rich, indulgent flavors. The use of unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate covered raisins ensures a deep, intense chocolate taste. The addition of coconut oil and honey provides a natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch. With careful attention to detail and a perfect balance of ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful treat for all chocolate lovers.

Want to share your experience making this Triple Chocolate Crunch Granola Recipe or discuss variations and tips? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum section!

FAQ:

Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use different types of chocolate in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate chunks to customize the flavor to your liking.

Can I substitute the coconut oil with a different type of oil?

Absolutely! You can substitute the coconut oil with any neutral-flavored oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Just ensure that the oil you choose has a high smoke point to prevent burning during the baking process.

Can I omit the dark chocolate covered raisins from the recipe?

Of course! If you're not a fan of dark chocolate covered raisins, you can omit them from the recipe or replace them with other mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. The granola will still turn out delicious.

How long does this granola stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this granola will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. Just make sure it's properly sealed to maintain its crunch and flavor.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your preferences. If you prefer a less sweet granola, feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture and sweetness of the final product.