Easy Chocolate Chip Oat Granola Recipe – Honey & Cocoa Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Chocolate Chip Oat Granola Recipe – Honey & Cocoa Delight

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s for a chocolate chip oat granola that’s seriously addictive. I first made this when I was craving something sweet and crunchy, but wanted a breakfast (or snack!) that didn’t feel too guilty. It’s become a staple in my house, and I know it’ll be in yours too. It’s super easy to make, and the aroma while it’s baking is just heavenly. Let’s get started!

Servings: 6
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This granola is the perfect balance of wholesome and indulgent. It’s got the goodness of oats and chia seeds, the rich flavour of cocoa, and the delightful sweetness of honey and chocolate. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or just straight out of the jar (no judgement here!). It’s a fantastic make-ahead breakfast or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this delicious granola:

• 500 gm old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Old Fashioned Oats: Types & Benefits

Old fashioned oats (also known as rolled oats) are the best for granola. They hold their shape well and give a lovely chewy texture. Quick-cooking oats will work in a pinch, but the granola will be a bit more crumbly. Oats are a fantastic source of fibre, keeping you feeling full and energized.

Cocoa Powder: Choosing the Right Kind

I prefer using natural cocoa powder for this recipe, as it has a slightly fruitier flavour. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will also work, but it’s a bit milder.

Honey: Regional Varieties & Flavor Profiles

Honey adds a beautiful natural sweetness and a lovely floral note. Different regions in India produce honey with unique flavours! Try a local honey if you can – it adds a special touch.

Chia Seeds: Nutritional Powerhouse

Chia seeds are tiny but mighty! They’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and protein. They also help bind the granola together.

Melted Butter: Salted vs. Unsalted & Alternatives

I usually use salted butter for a little extra flavour. If you’re using unsalted butter, you might want to add a pinch more sea salt. You can also substitute the butter with coconut oil for a vegan option.

Sea Salt: Flaky vs. Fine – What’s the Difference?

I prefer flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top of the granola after baking. It gives a lovely burst of flavour. Fine sea salt is perfectly fine to use in the mixture itself.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, honey, brown sugar, vanilla essence, melted butter, chia seeds, and sea salt. Give it a good mix until everything is nicely coated.
3. Spread the mixture evenly onto a large baking tray.
4. Bake for 15 minutes. Then, take it out and give it a thorough stir – this ensures everything bakes evenly.
5. Pop it back in the oven for another 10 minutes. Remove, stir again, and sprinkle those glorious chocolate chips all over.
6. Bake for a final 10 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Trust me, the cooling is important for that perfect crunch!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking tray! A single layer is key for crispy granola.
• Stirring is your friend. It prevents burning and ensures even baking.
• Let the granola cool completely before storing. Warm granola will become soggy.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Chocolate Chip Oat Granola

Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a vegan butter substitute.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oat Granola (Oat Certification)

Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free if you have a gluten intolerance. Oats can sometimes be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.

Adjusting Spice Levels (Adding Cinnamon or Cardamom)

My friend, Priya, loves adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom to the mix for a warmer flavour. Feel free to experiment!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali/Christmas Gift Granola)

Package the granola in pretty jars and tie with a ribbon for a lovely homemade gift. You could even add some dried fruits and nuts for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This granola is amazing with:

• Yogurt and fresh berries
• A splash of milk (I love almond milk with this!)
• As a topping for smoothie bowls
• Straight from the jar (guilty as charged!)

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What’s the best way to prevent granola from becoming soggy?

Cool it completely before storing, and make sure your container is airtight. Moisture is the enemy of crunch!

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey? What adjustments should I make?

Yes, you can! Maple syrup is a great substitute. Use the same amount (1/2 cup), but you might want to reduce the brown sugar slightly, as maple syrup is already quite sweet.

Can I add nuts and seeds to this granola? When should I add them?

Absolutely! Add nuts and seeds (like almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds) along with the chocolate chips in the last 10 minutes of baking.

How can I make larger batches of this granola for gifting?

Simply double or triple the recipe, and use larger baking trays. Just make sure to spread the mixture in a single layer.

What’s the shelf life of homemade granola?

Homemade granola will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container.