Imagine waking up to a breakfast that's not just nutritious, but feels like a decadent dessert. This Dark Chocolate Chunk Hazelnut Granola is your ticket to morning bliss, transforming ordinary oats into a crunchy, chocolatey masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy. With the rich, toasty crunch of hazelnuts and luxurious dark chocolate chunks, this recipe elevates your breakfast from mundane to magnificent in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped hazelnuts. Mix thoroughly to distribute the nuts evenly throughout the oats.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the oats and hazelnuts. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly, ensuring all dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Spread the granola mixture in an even, thin layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to create a uniform thickness for consistent baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven when the granola is golden brown and fragrant. The edges should be slightly crisp and the oats should have a toasted appearance.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. During cooling, it will continue to crisp up and become crunchy.
- Once cooled, gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks, being careful not to break them.
- Transfer the granola to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and crisp for up to 2 weeks when stored at room temperature.
Tips
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and prevent burning
- Stir the granola halfway through baking to ensure even golden-brown color
- Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crispiness
- Choose high-quality dark chocolate chunks for a more intense flavor
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness for up to 2 weeks
- For extra richness, toast the hazelnuts lightly before adding to the mix
- Experiment with different sweeteners like maple syrup or honey to find your perfect balance
- Allow the granola to cool completely before adding chocolate chunks to prevent melting
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
