Cherry Chocolate Crunch

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible crunch and wholesome goodness of homemade granola, especially when it’s infused with rich chocolate and tart cherries. Forget the overly sweet, processed versions from the store; making your own granola is surprisingly simple, incredibly rewarding, and allows you complete control over the ingredients. This Chocolate Cherry Granola recipe is designed to be a delightful start to your day or a perfect pick-me-up snack, loaded with fiber-rich oats, crunchy nuts, decadent chocolate, and the vibrant flavor of dried cherries.

Contents

The Undeniable Charm of Homemade Granola

For many, granola is a staple, but store-bought options often fall short. They can be packed with excessive sugar, unhealthy oils, and artificial flavors. Crafting your granola at home transforms it into a versatile, protein-packed, and nutrient-dense food that you can tailor to your exact preferences. It’s an empowering experience to know exactly what goes into your food, and the aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes is an added bonus!

This Chocolate Cherry Granola stands out as a new favorite. It’s a carefully balanced blend, featuring a dynamic duo of chocolate thanks to unsweetened cocoa powder and delightful mini chocolate chips. We’ve also included a robust mix of slivered almonds and pecan halves, adding both crunch and healthy fats. Unsweetened shredded coconut brings a tropical hint, while tart dried cherries provide a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the deep chocolate notes. This combination isn’t just delicious; it’s a testament to how satisfying and easy healthy eating can be.

Why Chocolate and Cherry Are a Match Made in Heaven

The pairing of chocolate and cherry is a timeless classic, celebrated in desserts, candies, and now, your breakfast bowl. The bitterness and depth of chocolate, especially unsweetened cocoa, create a sophisticated base. When combined with the vibrant, slightly tart sweetness of dried cherries, the flavors truly sing. The cherries prevent the granola from becoming overly rich, adding a bright counterpoint that keeps each bite exciting. This combination isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile, making this granola suitable for a variety of occasions, from a quick breakfast to an energy-boosting afternoon snack.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chocolate Cherry Granola

Creating this delicious granola requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture:

Old-fashioned rolled oats: These are the backbone of any great granola, providing a hearty, chewy texture and a good dose of fiber. Quick oats won’t give you the same desired crunch or clumping.
Slivered almonds & pecan halves: A dynamic duo of nuts offering a delightful crunch and healthy fats. You can customize this to your preference with walnuts, cashews, or even hazelnuts.
Unsweetened shredded coconut: Adds a subtle tropical sweetness and fantastic texture without contributing extra sugar.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The secret to deep, rich chocolate flavor without relying solely on chocolate chips.
Kosher salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
Maple syrup: Our natural sweetener, providing a wonderful depth of flavor and helping create those sought-after granola clusters.
Coconut oil: When melted, it binds the ingredients together, ensures even toasting, and contributes to the granola’s satisfying crispness.
Light brown sugar: Adds another layer of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor, contributing to the golden-brown finish.
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that rounds out the sweetness and chocolate notes.
Dried cherries: The star fruit, offering a chewy texture and that delightful tart-sweet contrast to the chocolate.
Mini chocolate chips: These small morsels melt slightly during baking and then solidify, creating pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout the granola.

Mastering the Art of Chocolate Cherry Granola: Step-by-Step Guide

This granola recipe is incredibly straightforward, even for novice bakers. The key is in proper mixing and patient cooling to achieve those perfect, crunchy clumps.

First, begin by preparing your dry ingredients. In a generously sized bowl, combine your rolled oats, slivered almonds, pecan halves, unsweetened shredded coconut, cocoa powder, and kosher salt. Give these a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This step is crucial for consistent flavor in every bite.

Next, it’s time to prepare the wet mixture. In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. The brown sugar should dissolve nicely into the liquids.

Now, pour the liquid mixture over the dry oat mixture. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, mix everything together until the oats and nuts are completely moistened. Every flake should be coated with the sweet, chocolatey liquid. Take your time with this step to ensure there are no dry spots, as this is essential for a uniform bake and satisfying crunch.

Once thoroughly mixed, spread the granola mixture evenly onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, use two baking sheets to allow the granola to bake and crisp up properly. Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven, making sure to gently stir the mixture halfway through (after about 15 minutes) to ensure even browning. However, resist the urge to stir it too much, especially towards the end, if you’re aiming for those lovely, large clusters.

The magic happens during the cooling phase. After removing the baking tray from the oven, resist the temptation to stir the granola. Let it cool undisturbed on the baking sheet for at least an hour, or even longer – overnight is ideal if you have the patience! This allows the sugars to harden and create those delightful, chunky clusters that are the hallmark of fantastic homemade granola. Once the granola is completely cool and crisp, gently break it apart and stir in your dried cherries and mini chocolate chips. The heat of the granola right out of the oven would melt the chocolate chips too much, so adding them after cooling preserves their shape and texture.

Tips for Granola Perfection

Don’t Skimp on the Oats: Always use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick-cooking oats or steel-cut oats won’t yield the same desired results.
Low and Slow is the Way: Baking at a lower temperature for a longer duration ensures even toasting without burning, leading to perfectly crunchy granola.
The Secret to Clusters: The most crucial tip for achieving big, satisfying granola clusters is to avoid stirring it once it’s out of the oven and cooling. Let it cool completely, undisturbed, on the baking sheet. The sugars will harden, creating those fantastic clumps.
Even Spreading: Make sure to spread the granola mixture thinly and evenly on the baking sheet. An overcrowded pan will steam the oats instead of toasting them, resulting in softer granola.
Cooling Overnight: If time allows, letting your granola cool overnight on the baking sheet can result in an exceptionally crisp texture.
Customize Your Nuts: Not a fan of almonds or pecans? Feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts like walnuts, cashews, or even a mix. Just ensure they are raw and unsalted.
Add-ins After Cooling: Always stir in delicate ingredients like dried fruit and chocolate chips after the granola has completely cooled. This prevents the fruit from becoming too hard and the chocolate from melting into a puddle.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Granola

This Chocolate Cherry Granola is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways:

Classic Yogurt Topping: Sprinkle generously over your morning Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative for a satisfying crunch.
Milk and Cereal Style: Serve with your favorite milk, just like a bowl of cereal, for a quick and easy breakfast.
Smoothie Bowl Enhancement: Add texture and flavor to your smoothie bowls, turning them into a more substantial meal.
Fruit Parfaits: Layer with fresh fruit and yogurt for an elegant and healthy parfait.
On its Own: It’s so good, you’ll find yourself grabbing handfuls of it directly from the jar as a convenient, healthy snack.
Topping for Baked Goods: Use it as a crunchy topping for muffins, quick breads, or even apple crisp.

Storing Your Homemade Granola

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and crunch of your homemade granola. Once completely cooled, transfer the granola to an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a sealed plastic container works perfectly. Store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Your Chocolate Cherry Granola will stay fresh and delightfully crunchy for up to 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, you can even freeze granola in an airtight container for up to 3 months; just let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

The chocolate cherry flavor combination has always been one of my favorites, and I genuinely believe this granola truly captures that perfect balance. I hope you and your family will enjoy it as much as I do! It’s such a satisfying feeling to create something so delicious and wholesome right in your own kitchen.

If you give this recipe a try, please let me know your thoughts. And if any questions about the process or ingredients arise, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!

Discover More Delicious Granola Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed this granola, you might love exploring other homemade granola variations to add to your breakfast repertoire:

Maple Cinnamon Granola

Blueberry Lemon Granola

Carrot Cake Granola

Chocolate Cherry Granola

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 8 servings

There’s nothing better on top of your morning yogurt than some homemade granola! This Chocolate Cherry Granola is easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast or healthy snacking during your day. It’s loaded with double the chocolate flavor, dried cherries, nuts and coconut.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup pecan halves
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (I use ShopRite Wholesome Pantry Organic Coconut Oil)
3 Tbsp. light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the first six ingredients (oats, almonds, pecans, coconut, cocoa powder, and salt) together in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, combine maple syrup, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
Pour the liquid mixture over the oat mixture and mix thoroughly until all dry ingredients are well moistened.
Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 30 minutes, stirring gently after 15 minutes to ensure even browning.
Remove from oven and let cool completely to room temperature on the baking sheet without stirring. This is crucial for achieving large, crunchy granola clumps. For best results, allow it to cool overnight to crisp up really well.
Once cooled, gently break the granola apart and stir in the dried cherries and mini chocolate chips.
Store the finished granola in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

If you prefer different nuts, feel free to substitute slivered almonds or pecans with your favorite variety.
For the best texture and clumping, always use old-fashioned rolled oats in this recipe.

Nutrition

Keyword: chocolate chips, cocoa, dried cherries, old-fashioned oats

Cuisine: American

Course: Breakfast, Snack

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