Chocolate Lovers Granola With Strawberries

Granola that is packed with nutrition, strawberries and chocolatey goodness. It is so easy to make too! Chocolate for breakfast? Don’t mind if we do!

Peyton is almost 15 and as much as I thought the baby stage was dreamy and snugly, I’m actually really loving this whole teenager thing. She might not be as snugly and I’ll be honest, sometimes I kind of miss that little girl, and no, I don’t know how to articulate how that’s possible as she’s the same person, but it’s true. 

Wednesdays are remote learning for our schools and at first I thought, “oh but that’s my day to work while the kids are at school!!! And what will I do as I don’t like to work when they are around because I feel like my attention should be on them?!”

But it has been the best thing ever. Yes, I do want kids back in school and thriving again, but I’m taking advantage of this. I’m milking it for all its worth. I’m kind of like that anyway. Life gives me a trial and somewhere along the way I decided they were going to be opportunities to grow not moments to endure. 

So here we are, mother and daughter, shoulder to shoulder whipping up chocolate granola and for once there’s no nagging, no tasks to be accomplished or eyes to be rolled. We just get to relax and be. 

And she probably doesn’t care. 

But she might. 

And she probably won’t even remember today. 

But she might. 

Ingredients for Chocolate Granola

This homemade granola is so chuck full of nutritious little nuggets, I don’t even feel bad the we are having chocolate for breakfast! This is your grocery list:

• Coconut Oil
• Maple Syrup (real)
• Brown Sugar
• Honey
• Cocoa
• Vanilla
• Rolled Oats (not quick oats)
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Almonds (sliced)
• Pepitas
• Egg White
• Strawberries (freeze dried)
• Chocolate Chunks (semi sweet)

The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Homemade Granola

Something so good shouldn’t be so easy to make! Am I right?! So this is your official warning…addicting AND easy to make. Enter at your own risk! Here are the basic steps:

• Preheat oven.
• Line a 9×13″ pan with parchment paper.
• Combine the coconut oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, cocoa and honey in a saucepan over medium heat stirring occasionally until it is all combined.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
• Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and pour the hot syrup over the top and stir to combine.
• Add the egg white and fold it in.
• Spread the granola in the prepared pan and bake.
• Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely.
• Break up the granola and add the chocolate chunks and strawberries.
  • PRO TIP: Be sure the granola is completely cooled! If not, your chocolate chunks will melt and make the granola all gooey.

More detailed instructions can be found in recipe card below.

Possible Variations

One of the beautiful things about granola is that you can really customize it to your own liking. Here are some ideas for possible additions/substitutions:

• Coconut
• Chia Seeds
• Flax Seeds
• Freeze Dried Blueberries or Raspberries
• Craisins
• Sunflower Seeds
• Peanut Butter
• Protein Powder
• PB2 Powder

Make it exactly the way you want it!

Ways to Eat Granola

Then how you eat the granola is totally up to you too! We love it with some milk or coconut milk for breakfast. You could also put it on top of some yogurt for a healthy snack. Or just eat it plain by the handful! I may or may not do that on the reg!

This is also always a hit at baby or bridal showers for make-it-yourself parfaits! Valentine’s Day breakfast is also the perfect time to surprise the kids with a chocolatey breakfast!

Are Freeze Dried Strawberries Good For You?

Dried fruit and berries have both good and bad aspects. Dried fruit can boost your fiber and nutrient intake and supply your body with large amounts of antioxidants.

But, dried fruits and berries can also be high in sugar and calories. Dried Strawberries can be good for you if not eaten in excess. As always, balance in all things!

Where Do You Buy Freeze Dried Strawberries?

Sometimes freeze dried strawberries can be tricky to find, but I have been seeing them more and more lately. I’ve seen them both at Target and at Smith’s. They are in the organic snacks section.

 

Can I Use Fresh Strawberries?

I really don’t recommend it for this recipe. Fresh fruit carries so much moisture that it ends up making the granola soggy and it never crisps up.

How Long Will Granola Keep?

Granola has a long shelf life. When stored properly, it will keep for 6 to 8 months.

Granola should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. We like to use mason jars to store ours.

Granola can also be frozen for a longer storage period.

If you’re in the business of eating something for breakfast that tastes like dessert, then this chocolate lovers granola with strawberries is for you! It uses mostly natural sweeteners and has protein, good nutrients, fiber and CHOCOLATE!!

More Granola Recipes You’ll Love:

• Pecan Quinoa Granola
• Strawberry Almond Granola
• Pistachio Pomegranate Granola
• Apple Granola Pancakes
• Honey Bunches of Oats Granola Bars
• Chocolate Dipped S’mores Granola Bars
• Frozen Yogurt and Granola Banana Pops

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