Chunky Chocolate Hazelnut Granola

This rich, chunky chocolate hazelnut granola with dark chocolate chunks, toasty hazelnuts and big, crunchy clusters is a deliciously indulgent and healthy breakfast treat or snack made with nutritious ingredients and no refined sugar. (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan)

Is there anything more utterly delicious yet wholesome than good granola? Not just any old granola, but the kind with big, chunky clusters, not too sweet, and crunchy, but not a workout for your jaw. You know, the really good granola. Where just a sprinkling on top of your yogurt leads to snacking by the handful because it's just so addicting. I think not.

But then, think about making that granola chocolate flavored, with crunchy, toasty hazelnuts and big chunks of dark chocolate. Now you're talking about a completely addicting breakfast treat or 'just because' snack that can easily disappear in one sitting if you're not careful. That's this granola.

I used to be stumped by how to make those glorious clusters come to life in my own kitchen. Every time I made granola, it seemed to come out burned, or too crunchy, or kind of soft, and definitely not full of those big, beautiful clusters. But I have found the secret, and I'm sharing it with you! Because I love you all and want you to achieve total granola bliss, too. You totally can, and it's super easy with this delicious, chunky chocolate hazelnut granola.

First, let's talk ingredients.

What You Need To Make Chocolate Hazelnut Granola

• Rolled Oats (also called old fashioned oats).
• Hazelnut Flour or Hazelnut Meal - Yes, this granola has hazelnuts, but I take the hazelnut flavor up a notch by adding in hazelnut meal, which also helps to create those yummy clusters. It's a must in this recipe.
• Crispy brown rice cereal - To add a lightness to the texture so you're not chewing for days. I use the brown rice kind for a little more nutrition, but if you can't find any, regular crispy rice cereal will work just fine.
• Hazelnuts - So nutty. So crunchy. So good.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder - We're using lots to give this granola a super rich, chocolately flavor. Use the best quality cocoa you can find for the best taste. I like a dark cocoa powder.
• Maple syrup - To act as an unrefined sweetener, and a liquid binder.
• Avocado oil - For healthy fats and to get that nice crispy texture in the oven. You can also use olive oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer.
• Espresso powder - Optional, but highly recommended to up the chocolate intensity.
• Dark Chocolate Chunks - Just to add more chocolate goodness. In case anyone doubted that there was enough. Use stevia sweetened dark chocolate for completely refined sugar- and dairy-free granola.

Now, what you really need to know about making the best granola:

How To Make Chunky Granola Clusters

I'm going to let you in on a little secret for how to get those gorgeous, giant clusters in your granola. It's not even hard. What you're going to do is pack the oat mixture tightly onto your baking sheet in a single layer so that you can't see the sheet underneath it. Then you're going to stick it in the oven and bake it WITHOUT stirring. I repeat DO NOT STIR. Once the granola is finished baking, take it out and let it cool. It will harden into one giant cluster that you can then break into the granola clusters of your dreams. You're welcome.

Also note that it does help to have enough liquid to bind your granola together. So some oil and a liquid version of sweetener is best for the absolutely best tasting and textured granola.

Here's How To Make THIS Glorious Chocolate Hazelnut Granola

1. Mix the oats, hazelnut flour, rice cereal and chopped hazelnuts. Use a roomy bowl so you can stir everything together well without making a giant mess.
2. In a separate bowl (or a glass measuring cup, like I prefer), whisk the cocoa powder, maple syrup, oil, salt and espresso to make a smooth chocolate sauce. Pour the sauce onto the oats. No judgement if you lick the sauce cup. Mix it all together well until fully coated.
3. Press the mixture into a single, tightly packed layer on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes WITHOUT stirring.
5. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet, then break into chunks and stir in the dark chocolate chunks.

What To Eat With Your New Favorite Granola

I love just snacking on a handful of this heavenly granola or sprinkling some on top of yogurt. It's also delicious topped with berries and milk for breakfast!

If you made this recipe, please leave a star rating in the comments!

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