Healthy Vegan Chocolate Granola is so easy to make and delicious. Made with 8 simple ingredients and oil-free, this healthy dark chocolate granola is the perfect morning treat or plant-based snack.
Granola is often considered a “healthy snack.” And, it should be. However, if you read the labels of most store granola or even homemade granola recipes they’re usually anything but healthy. Because most of them are loaded with olive oil, coconut oil, sugar, and other asinine ingredients. Not this one.
This easy chocolate granola recipe is my newest obsession. It’s completely oil-free, uses “real” healthy ingredients, and doesn’t suck! It’s the perfect snack that won’t leave you feeling heavy after a few bites. And, the crunch factor is more than satisfying.
Could it get any better? Yes! How about a big bowl of your very own chocolate breakfast cereal? Just think about it – chocolate chunks in a big bowl covered with delicious fruit and almond milk.
Are you still trying to convince yourself this is healthy? Yes, it sounds too good to be true. But, it’s not. It’s all real. And, your kids are going to love it as well!
So, if this is your first time making granola, have no fear. This recipe couldn’t be more simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Healthy gluten-free ingredients come together to create the easiest and most delicious healthy chocolate granola recipe.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Bob’s Red Mill is my favorite and they’re also gluten-free.
- Nuts: I like a mixture of almonds and walnuts. But, use whatever you like. Just make sure the nuts are raw and not roasted in oil.
- Non-Dairy Dark Chocolate Chips: Enjoy Life is my personal preference, but Lily’s or just regular cacao nibs are excellent as well. You could also just chop up a vegan dark chocolate bar.
- Cocoa Powder: use unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder.
- Coconut: I prefer unsweetened shredded coconut or coconut flakes.
- Sweetener: maple syrup is my personal favorite. But, you could also use agave or honey if you wish.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: use in place of oil.
- Vanilla: for depth of flavor.
- Sea Salt: just a pinch is all you need. But, feel free to eliminate if you’re watching your sodium.
How To Make Healthy Vegan Chocolate Granola
This healthy granola recipe is a great way to incorporate healthy fats, fiber, and protein into your diet. Made with wholesome ingredients and infused with delicious chocolate flavor, making your own granola couldn’t be easier or healthier.
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine all of the dry ingredients into a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients and mix everything together until all of the ingredients are evenly combined and coated.
- Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to evenly and thinly spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes then remove and let the granola cool for 20-30 minutes.
- Break apart into small or large chunks and enjoy.
- Store in a mason jar or a sealed container for up to a week.
How To Enjoy Healthy Vegan Chocolate Granola
Why is this such a great recipe? Well, there are many reasons. It’s healthy, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, and it’s super versatile.
- It’s great for adding to smoothie bowls
- Mix with some fruit and unsweetened vegan yogurt for an excellent parfait
- A great muffin topping for these delicious Vegan Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
- By the handful for an afternoon snack
Optional Add-ins
Here are some great additions you should try when making this healthy vegan chocolate granola…
- Peanut butter or almond butter is great for adding flavor and extra protein. You can also use sunflower seed butter if you have an allergy.
- Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds are great ways to incorporate more healthy fats and make great substitutes if you have nut allergies.
How To Store
- Refrigerator: Store your healthy chocolate granola in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: You can also store your granola in an airtight, freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months. And, the best part? It doesn’t need to thaw. Just dump it in a bowl and cover it with some homemade almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk.
More Chocolate Recipes
Want more healthy vegan chocolate recipes to satisfy the sweet tooth? Check out these amazing dishes…
- Vegan No-Bake Cookies
- Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Hummus
I hope you love this healthy vegan chocolate granola recipe! If you make it, let me know down below in the comments section and be sure and rate it so that others can see!
Healthy Vegan Chocolate Granola (Oil-Free)
- Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield8 servings 1x
- DietVegan
Healthy Vegan Chocolate Granola is so easy to make and delicious. Made with 8 simple ingredients and oil-free, this healthy dark chocolate granola is the perfect morning treat or plant-based snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup chopped nuts of choice (I prefer a mixture of almonds and walnuts)
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ⅛ tsp. salt
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tsp. vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine all of the dry ingredients into a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the wet ingredients and mix everything together until all of the ingredients are evenly combined and coated.
- Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to evenly and thinly spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes then remove and let the granola cool for 20-30 minutes.
- Break apart into small or large chunks and enjoy.
- Store in a mason jar or a sealed container for up to a week.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store your healthy chocolate granola in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: You can also store your granola in an airtight, freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months. And, the best part? It doesn’t need to thaw. Just dump it in a bowl and cover it with some homemade almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 263
- Sugar: 20.1 g
- Sodium: 40.2 mg
- Fat: 9.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 39.4 g
- Fiber: 4.5 g
- Protein: 4.9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Prep Time: 10 mins.
- Cooling Time: 30 mins.
- Cook Time: 30 mins.
- Category: Gluten Free
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
This turned out GREAT. I was out of parchment, and the outside edges burned very slightly with non stick foil. I did replace the cocoa powder with PB powder. This is a GREAT recipe!
Been making and enjoying your Pumpkin Granola recipe. Today, tired this Chocolate Granola recipe which came out great as usual. I might try next time without chocolate chips and only the cocoa powder and see how that goes. Thanks, Shane, for another great recipe! Blessings
This is everything wonderful in chocolate chip oatmeal walnut cookies, without the unnecessary parts! What a delicious and nutritious way to satisfy my never ending chocolate craving. Thanks so much!
Made this today, and Wow!! So good! The only change I made was to use quick oats because that was what I had on hand.
But this is delicious and so easy. Thank you Shane!
Looks delicious! My only thing is the high sugar . Any suggestions to make it lower?
Just cut back the amount of maple syrup to your own prefernce.
Looks delish! How can you make it without the chocolate? I like just a regular granola to snack on.
Just leave out the cocoa or use this recipe: https://shaneandsimple.com/healthy-oil-free-granola/
Oh Shane, you’re my guy! This granola can NOT be stored because it tastes SO DARN GOOD! It couldn’t make it into the mason jar. I’ve eaten Whole Food/Plant Based Vegan for 6 years and have tried countless granola recipes with dates, etc. which were usually a hassle. Your granola is super easy. And here’s a shout out for your banana/applesauce/choc. chip muffins. They’re almost exactly the same as the recipe I adapted from a carnivore recipe. I also made your Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili. It’s fantastic!. I’m thrilled that I stumbled on to your site. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Sue!
Healthy Vegan Chocolate Granola is so easy to make and delicious. Made with 8 simple ingredients and oil-free, this healthy dark chocolate granola is the perfect morning treat or plant-based snack.
Made this to take camping and it was a hit with the entire family. Thanks for your wonderful recipes
This was amazing! My family and I went plant based about a year ago and my 4 year old loved this! So quick and easy and delicious and filling. Absolutely love your recipes!
Awww, Dana. Thank you so much!
Hi,
This granola recipe really looks good! I’m going to try it! Thanks for including the calories. So many vegan recipes don’t provide that, and as one who is constantly trying to lose weight, it’s important. I also like that you have a “Skip to Recipe” bar. As a member of the “older community”, I know my way around the kitchen and don’t want to have to wade through all the ‘Happy Hoopla’ to get to the recipe – but it’s great that instructions are included for those who might need them.
Thank you so much, JoAnn! I hope you enjoy it.
Delicious! Than’ you for this recipe. So much healthier and less costly than many store bought. I love chocolate but glad to read I can skip the cocoa powder for my husband, who would rather not have that. I also made a batch to toss with some unsweetened dried fruits for a trail mix. 👍