How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Granola

Homemade granola is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or enjoy as a wholesome snack. With the addition of cocoa, this Chocolate Hazelnut Granola feels like a treat, but it’s packed with goodness: crunchy oats, nuts, seeds, whole wheat flour, and a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness.

Breakfast recipes that can be made in batches are always a win, and granola is one of the best for prepping ahead to last the whole week.

Over the years, we’ve tried a lot of granola recipes, but this one remains our favourite way. I created it myself because some of my kids love chocolate and hazelnuts.

Combining them in a nutritious way – with plenty of seeds, oats, and whole wheat flour – results in a deliciously chocolatey breakfast cereal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

You can prepare it in advance and store it in a jar for easy access throughout the week.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups oats
• 1 cup of seeds (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, ground flax seed)
• 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup cocoa powder (depending on how chocolatey you want it)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 3/4 cup melted organic coconut oil or butter
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) or Gas Mark 4.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, seeds, chopped hazelnuts, whole wheat flour, cacao powder, cinnamon, and sea salt.
3. Prepare wet ingredients: Melt the butter or coconut oil in a small pot. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract.
4. Combine: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
5. Bake: Spread the granola in an even layer on a greased baking tray (or lined with parchment paper). Bake at medium heat for about 30 minutes, checking and stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning.
6. Cool and store: Final step. Once lightly browned, remove from the oven and let it cool. The granola will crisp up as it cools down. Store the crunchy granola in an airtight jar for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy with milk or yogurt for breakfast.
• Sprinkle over smoothie bowls for extra crunch.
• Eat as a snack straight from the jar.

Why Make Your Own Granola?

Making your own granola at home has several benefits. Not only do you control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary preservatives and additives, but you can also adjust the sweetness and flavour to your preference.

Plus, homemade granola is often more cost-effective than store-bought versions, and the aroma of freshly baked granola is just divine.

Customization Ideas

There are many different ways to make this recipe your own. Try the following variations:

• Nut-Free Version: Substitute hazelnuts with extra seeds for a nut-free alternative.
• Extra Crunch: Add shredded coconut or puffed quinoa for additional texture.
• Sweeter Granola: Increase the maple syrup slightly or mix in some chopped dried fruit after baking.
• Chocolate Lovers: Stir in dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips once the granola has cooled for an extra decadent touch.

Storage Tips

To keep your chocolate granola fresh and crunchy:

• Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
• If you want to make a big batch, consider freezing portions in sealed bags and thawing as needed.

So I hope you’ll give it a try. Let me know in the comments how it went for you. Or do you have a different favourite granola recipe?

Here are some more healthy breakfast recipes:

• Easy Baby Banana Pancakes (that Your 5 Year Old Can Make)
• Rhubarb and Strawberry Breakfast Millet
• Plant-based Blackberry Breakfast Oat Bake

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