Dark Chocolate Granola with Cacao Nibs

A polyphenol-rich Chocolate Granola recipe made with cacao nibs, cacao powder, Ceylon cinnamon and olive oil – superfoods that heal and nourish the body. Delicious for breakfast or dessert! Vegan.

And the world cannot be discovered by a journey of miles, no matter how long, but only by a spiritual journey, a journey of one inch, very arduous and humbling and joyful, by which we arrive at the ground at our own feet, and learn to be at home.

Wendell Berry

This healthy Dark Chocolate Granola is packed full of powerful polyphenols that are truly nature’s medicine for the body. We skip the chocolate chips in this recipe and use cacao nibs and cacao powder, full of healing flavonoids.

More often than not, I’ll have this granola as dessert. A bowl of fresh berries with a dollop of sheep milk yogurt sprinkled with chocolate granola- it’s heavenly! So even though this is granola, typically eaten at breakfast, I often have it as dessert. I love the bitter-sweet flavor.

Why You’ll Love This

1. Nutrient-rich! Superfood granola is packed with healing polyphenols, flavonoids, protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Vegan.
2. Quick & easy! A 30-minute recipe with simple, pantry staples.
3. Breakfast or Dessert! It’s delicious any time of day.
4. Gift it! A fun gift to make and give away.

Ingredients & Health Benefits

• Cacao powder and cacao nibs: Their health benefits are plentiful! They are rich in powerful flavonoids, which reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, improve insulin resistance, support heart health, and offer a mood and brain boost due to their high content of theobromine and magnesium!
• Rolled oats: Organic, gluten-free if preferred, or sub quinoa flakes. These whole grains are a great source of soluble fiber, supporting digestion and heart health.
• Nuts and seeds: Sliced almonds, pecans, or walnuts, or sub pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds to avoid tree nuts if needed. Both nuts and seeds are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber.
• Coconut flakes: High in dietary fiber and healthy fats! Or replace with additional oats and/or nuts.
• Chia seeds: Or sub flax seeds. Both are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health. They are also rich in antioxidants and fiber. Alternatively, you could also use sunflower seeds or hemp seeds.
• Ceylon cinnamon: Also known as “true cinnamon,” offers anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Pure maple syrup: rich in minerals like magnesium and zinc. We keep it minimal here, feel free to add more to taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive oil– high in polyphenols, which protect against the development of certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Vanilla extract– increases serotonin (the happy hormone),  calming, soothing and relaxing, it improves mood, and reduces anxiety.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Granola

Preheat oven to 325F.

Step 1: Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts (or seeds), coconut flakes, chia seeds, cacao powder, cacao nibs, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 2: Add maple syrup, oil, and vanilla. Pour syrup, oil, and vanilla over dry ingredients and stir.

Step 3: Taste. Feel free to add a tablespoon or two or maple syrup if you wish it to be sweeter.

Step 5: Bake. Spread parchment paper onto a large baking sheet, then transfer granola to pan. Place pan on the middle rack and bake for 12 minutes, then toss the mixture. Bake 12 more minutes. Remove and cool before breaking into clumps.

Tip: To create granola clusters, press granola down hard onto the pan using a metal spatula.

Step 6: Serve with fresh berries and yogurt or milk.

Recipe Variations

• Dried fruit or freeze-dried fruit: You can add dried fruit like cherries, currants, barberries, cranberries, raisins, or freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries after the granola is done baking and once it has cooled. Gently toss to mix in.
• Dark Chocolate: If you’d like to add chocolate chunks or chocolate chips, mix them in after the granola is out of the oven and has cooled completely. We recommend using 70% cacao or higher. Mini chocolate chips work best for granola, or you can finely chop a dark chocolate bar.

Storage

Make sure the granola has completely cooled before storing. Store in an airtight container or mason jar at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. You can also freeze for up to 6 months!

Serving Suggestions

Serve chocolate granola as dessert or breakfast with yogurt or milk (plant-based if you prefer) and fresh berries! A delicious treat any time of day.

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