How to Make Homemade Chocolate Coconut Granola
This chocolate coconut granola recipe gives you the same indulgent crunch as store bought with a wholesome twist. Unlike store bought versions that often contain refined oils, excess sugar, and preservatives, homemade granola is made with simple, whole ingredients. It’s made with ingredients like rolled oats, pecans, coconut flakes, and naturally sweetened with honey or pure maple syrup. It’s also baked until perfectly crisp and finished with rich dark chocolate chips. Enjoy it with yogurt, sprinkle it over smoothie bowls, or snack on it straight from the jar.
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What Is Granola?
Granola is a wholesome mix of oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners that’s baked until golden and crunchy. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast cereal or snack, it can be sprinkled over yogurt, paired with fruit, or eaten by the handful. It’s naturally customizable. That’s why recipes like this chocolate coconut granola are becoming more popular with anyone looking for healthier pantry staples.
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What Does Naturally Sweetened Mean?
When a recipe is described as naturally sweetened, it means the sweetness comes from real, whole food sources like honey, maple syrup, or fruit rather than refined white sugar or artificial sweeteners. In this chocolate coconut granola, honey or maple syrup acts as both a sweetener and a binder, helping the oats and coconut form crunchy clusters while keeping the recipe free from overly processed ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Granola Recipe
- Quick & easy – Comes together in one bowl with just 10 minutes of prep.
- Perfect for snacking – Satisfies your sweet tooth.
- Naturally sweetened – Honey or maple syrup binds the granola into crunchy clusters.
- Versatile – Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a wholesome dessert topping.
- Customizable – Make it your own by adding a pinch of sea salt, stirring in chia seeds, swapping in sunflower seeds, or folding in a little trail mix for extra flavor and crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Old-fashioned oats – The hearty base that gives granola its crunch, fiber, and structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor without added sugar.
- Coconut flakes – Toast in the oven for chewy texture and natural sweetness.
- Chopped pecans – Provide nutty crunch and pair perfectly with chocolate.
- Maple syrup or honey – Naturally sweetens while helping form those crunchy clusters.
- Melted coconut oil – Helps bind everything together and adds a light coconut aroma.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
- Dark chocolate chips – Stirred in after baking for melty, indulgent bites.
- Optional add-ins – Chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or a pinch of sea salt can boost flavor and nutrition.
For the full list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
How to Shop for Ingredients
- Oats – Look for old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Avoid instant oats, which can turn mushy.
- Cocoa powder – Choose unsweetened cocoa for rich flavor without added sugar.
- Coconut flakes – Buy unsweetened flakes so the granola doesn’t become overly sweet.
- Pecans – Pick raw pecans without added salt or oil. Store extras in the freezer to keep them fresh.
- Maple syrup or honey – Use pure, real maple syrup or raw honey for the best flavor and natural sweetness. This is the honey I recommend.
- Coconut oil – Unrefined (virgin) coconut oil gives a light coconut aroma and is less processed.
- Vanilla extract – Choose pure vanilla extract over imitation for the best flavor.
- Dark chocolate chips – Look for high quality chocolate with at least 60% cacao for a healthier option.
Disclaimer: I share these ingredient tips based on my own experience and research. I am not a doctor or dietitian, and this information is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Rimmed baking sheet – Gives the granola room to spread and bake evenly.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Large mixing bowl – Holds all ingredients for mixing without spilling.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – Used for stirring the mixture and spreading it evenly on the baking sheet.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 2 – Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3 –In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans. If you’re using other add-ins, mix them in at this stage.
Step 4 – Add the maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until evenly coated.
Step 5 – Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if using.
Step 6 – Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Step 7 – Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the pan.
Step 8 – Stir in the dark chocolate chips once the granola has cooled.
Recipe Summary
How to Make Chocolate Coconut Granola: Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Mix oats, cocoa powder, coconut flakes, and pecans in a large bowl. Stir in maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until coated. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, stirring once. Let cool completely, then add dark chocolate chips.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t over stir – Stir once halfway, then let clusters form as they cool.
- Cool completely – This step locks in crunch and keeps chocolate from melting.
- Oil Options – Coconut oil adds flavor, but avocado or olive oil works too.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store – Store in an airtight glass jar or container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
- Freeze – Make sure granola is completely cooled, then store in a freezer safe container or vacuum sealed bag. Portion into smaller servings for easy grab-and-go, and it will stay fresh for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Ways to Enjoy Chocolate Coconut Granola
- Over yogurt & fruit – A balanced breakfast.
- On smoothie bowls – Adds crunch and chocolate flavor.
- With milk – A homemade alternative to boxed cereal.
- By the handful – A wholesome grab-and-go snack.
- As dessert topping – Sprinkle over ice cream for a healthy twist.
Yes, because you control the ingredients and avoid refined oils and excess sugar.
Use certified gluten-free oats.
Maple syrup and honey work best for clusters, but you can try coconut sugar for a less sticky version.
The key to crunchy clusters is using a sticky natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, which binds the oats and coconut as they bake. For even bigger clumps, press the mixture firmly onto the baking sheet, avoid stirring too much, and let the granola cool completely before breaking it apart.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Coconut Granola
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips, added after baking
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans.
- Add the maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the pan.
- Stir in the dark chocolate chips once the granola has cooled.
Notes
Nutrition
If you make this recipe, I’d love to know what you think! Share your photos or variations in the comments, or tag on Instagram or Facebook @awifeandherhome. Don’t forget to pin this recipe!
Thank you for this delicious chocolate coconut granola recipe! I love all the flavors in this delicious treat!