This chocolate granola recipe is the perfect combination of crunchy, nutty, and chocolatey goodness. It’s addictive and satisfies a chocolate craving. The vegan chocolate granola is easy to make, oil-free, naturally sweetened with maple syrup and made with wholesome, nutritious ingredients.

Glass jar filled with dark chocolate granola on a gray countertop, with a green plant leaf and a baking tray of granola blurred in the background

The dark chocolate granola has a deep cocoa flavor balanced with the natural sweetness of maple syrup. The oats become crisp and crunchy in the oven, while the walnuts and seeds add a rich, nutty texture that makes every bite satisfying. It has a bold chocolate flavor without being overly sweet, making it perfect for breakfast or snacking.

I specifically made this healthy chocolate granola oil-free, yet it contains ample healthy fats from the walnuts, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds. Because I am always thinking about the nutritional content of the food, I added walnuts to get a plant-based source of the essential omega three fats that are fantastic for brain health.

On my Viome gut test, both pumpkin and sunflower seeds were listed as superfoods. Unsweetened cocoa powder is a great source of magnesium and makes the best tasting homemade chocolate granola when combined with maple syrup and vanilla extract to flavor the oats, nuts, and seeds.

My favorite way to enjoy this homemade chocolate granola is with frozen or fresh blueberries and yogurt for a healthy breakfast that is super easy to make. For some reason, this combo works, and I love getting antioxidants into my diet from blueberries and probiotics for gut health from yogurt.

This healthy chocolate granola is also tasty all by itself as a snack, with almond milk, mixed with banana and yogurt, or as a crunchy topping for this chocolate banana smoothie. The homemade granola has a rich chocolate flavor that is addicting yet satisfying.

Chocolate lovers will be happy to know that this recipe is packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Thus, you can enjoy this healthy chocolate granola bowl for breakfast. This recipe yields a large batch that will last you a while, so be prepared to enjoy the granola for many meals.

Pin with two images showing chocolate granola. The top image shows a flat lay of oats and ingredients arranged on a gray surface. The bottom image shows a glass jar filled with dark chocolate granola on a countertop with a baking tray blurred in the background.

Oil Free Chocolate Granola Recipe:

6 cups rolled oats
1 cup pure maple syrup
Dash of salt
3 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
3/4 cup cocoa powder

How to Make Healthy Chocolate Granola:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, salt, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and chopped walnuts. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Prepare the Chocolate Mixture: Whisk together the maple syrup and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Gradually add the cocoa powder to the maple syrup mixture, stirring continuously until smooth and well combined.
Coat the Granola: Pour the chocolate mixture over the oat and seed mixture. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands, ensuring all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
Bake the Granola: Spread the coated granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even baking.
Cool and Store: Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions:

With Milk: Enjoy your chocolate granola with your favorite milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a quick yet yummy breakfast or snack.
With Fresh Fruit and Yogurt: Serve in a bowl with plain yogurt and fresh fruit of your choice, such as bananas, apples, blueberries, and strawberries. My personal favoriite is with strawberries and plain yogurt drizzled with a touch of maple syrup. Try making this yogurt fruit bowl with this chocolate granola!
As a Topping: Sprinkle it over smoothie bowls or homemade banana ice cream for an added crunch and chocolate flavor.
On its Own: It’s perfect for munching straight out of the container as a tasty and healthy snack.

Pinterest pin showing a glass jar filled with chocolate granola on a gray surface, with the text chocolate granola and healthy, vegan, oil free and nutty on the image

Calories and Macros for 1/16 of the Total Recipe

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 8 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Net Carbs: 35 g

Top 5 Highest Vitamins and Minerals

• Manganese – Cofactor for the SOD enzyme to help reduce oxidative stress.
• Molybdenum
• Copper
• Vitamin B2 – Cofactor for the MTHFR gene and important for anyone with MTHFR gene mutations.
• Magnesium – Required for over 300 functions in the body and beneficial for metabolic health.

This recipes yields 3 large mason jars which is perfect for storing the chocolate granola in. It’s easy to see and open and keeps the granola tasting fresh.

This healthy and oil free chocolate granola is delicious and packed with nutrients from the oats, seeds, and nuts. The cocoa powder and maple syrup add a rich, chocolatey flavor without being overly sweet. Enjoy this crunchy chocolate granola for a healthy breakfast or a satisfying snack any time of the day!

The healthy chocolate granola is found in my Oil Free Granola Recipes E-book that you can subscribe to access in my library of E-Books designed to be printed on standard paper to create your own recipe book binder.