Chocolate Nut Granola with Honey and Coconut

Prep: 20 minCook: 4 hr4 servingsmediumAmerican
Chocolate Nut Granola with Honey and Coconut

This homemade granola combines crunchy walnuts and almonds with rich cocoa powder and a touch of honey sweetness. The low-temperature baking creates perfectly crispy clusters, while shredded coconut adds tropical notes and dark chocolate pieces provide bursts of indulgent flavor. Perfect for breakfast bowls, yogurt parfaits, or snacking straight from the jar. The slow 4-hour baking process ensures every bite has the ideal crunch without burning the delicate nuts.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings
  • 1 cup walnuts
    pecans1:1none

    Similar texture and richness

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup almonds
  • 1 pinch salt
  • ¼ cup raw honey
    maple syrup1:1vegan

    Will create slightly different texture

    Full guide →
  • 3 tbsp butter or clarified butter
    coconut oil1:1vegandairy-free

    Use solid coconut oil for best results

    Full guide →
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup shredded coconut
  • 2 oz dark chocolate

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 200°F

  2. 2

    Coarsely chop walnuts and almonds in food processor and set aside

  3. 3

    Melt butter with honey in small saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally

  4. 4

    Add cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt to butter mixture and whisk together

  5. 5

    Pour chocolate mixture into nuts in food processor and pulse briefly until mixed

  6. 6

    Add coconut and pulse once more

  7. 7

    Spread mixture on baking sheet

  8. 8

    Bake for 4 hours

  9. 9

    Cool completely then break into small chunks

  10. 10

    Break dark chocolate into pieces and mix into cooled granola

Tips

Tip 1

Don't chop nuts too finely in the first step since they'll be processed again with the chocolate mixture.

Tip 2

Cool granola completely before breaking apart to ensure proper cluster formation and prevent melting when adding chocolate pieces.

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in airtight container

Serve With

Serve over yogurt, milk, or eat as snack

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip cooling step or chocolate pieces will melt when mixed in

Watch

Keep oven temperature low to prevent burning nuts during long bake time

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
coconut oil1:1vegandairy-free

Use solid coconut oil for best results

Full guide →

Vegan Options

honey
maple syrup1:1vegan

Will create slightly different texture

Full guide →

General Alternatives

walnuts
pecans1:1none

Similar texture and richness

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Yes, any combination of nuts works well. Try pecans, hazelnuts, or cashews for different flavors and textures.

How long does this granola keep?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The texture stays crispy when properly stored.

Can I make this without the 4-hour baking time?

The long, low baking creates the perfect crunch. Higher temperatures will burn the nuts before achieving proper texture.