Who says breakfast can’t be indulgent? This skinny dark chocolate chia granola has an intense chocolate flavor and is perfectly crunchy and sweet.
Most mornings, I just have plain ‘ol oatmeal for breakfast, with maybe a little cinnamon and maple syrup—nothin’ fancy.
But you know what I WANT most mornings? Something that’ll excite my taste buds. Something that is indulgent and heavenly, but not loaded with sugar.
If that’s what you’re looking for too, this skinny dark chocolate chia granola definitely fits the bill. An intense chocolate chocolate flavor AND naturally sweetened breakfast. Boom.
This granola is definitely a more favorable to eat oats. Talk about a breakfast to look forward to in the morning.
I have a really hard time with getting my lazy bahonkus outta bed in the morning. Like, no alarm or coffee is going to give me the inspiration necessary. But this granola? If I know I’ve got some in the pantry, I’m out of bed the FIRST time the alarm goes off (as opposed to the SEVENTH time).
Not only is this granola heavenly, it’s also healthy and REALLY easy to make. Like it should be a crime how easy it is to make such a delicious breakfast like this.
I like to use old-fashioned oats in this granola, but you could just as easily use quick oats. The old-fashioned oats tend to result in larger clusters of granola.
I really wanted to spotlight the chia seeds in this recipe, but they’re so dang small it’s hard to make them noticeable without adding 1/2 cup of ‘em. However, I’ve found that 2 tablespoons is just the right amount.
Did you know that 1 ounce of chia seeds contains 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, and 9 grams of fat (5 of which are omega-3s)? Seriously. (source)
I can’t even begin to tell you how much you’re going to love this skinny dark chocolate chia granola. Just take my word for it.
This granola is the best granola you’ll ever eat in your life.
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- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut shreds
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Preheat the oven to 300° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, coconut shreds, chia seeds, and cocoa powder. Stir to combine. (You may want to sift the cocoa powder in if your's is clumpy.)
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the coconut oil is melted.
- Remove the pan from heat and pour the mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
- Pour the granola onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Be sure not to compact it.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring after 20 minutes to keep the granola from clumping too much. Take out of the oven and let cool. The cold air will help the granola to crisp up and become crunchy. Once completely cooled, sprinkle on the chocolate chips and give it a stir. Then place the granola in an airtight jar and store for 2-3 weeks (but it probably won't last that long).
Try my Vanilla Almond Granola Cereal next!
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Robyn says
You had me at ‘skinny and chocolate’, Margaret, lol. Such a great breakfast treat and your photos are absolutely gorgeous! Sharing
Margaret Anne says
Haha, thanks Robyn. This is seriously the most freaking amazing granola I’ve ever had in my LIFE. Thanks for the sweet comment!
Mary @chattavore says
Yum! I’ve been eating homemade granola for breakfast, either with yogurt or milk, lately. Usually I just put dried fruit and nuts in mine, but I may have to make this chocolate version because it is making me SO hungry!
Margaret Anne says
Thanks Mary! I’ve never tried dried fruit in my granola before, but that actually sounds really delicious! You’re gonna love this chocolate chia granola, girl.
Julia says
What a beautiful granola recipe! I love the dark chocolate and chia in there. Beautiful! Pinned.
Margaret Anne says
Thanks so much Julia! You’re the best.
Claire @ The Simple, Sweet Life says
This looks so delicious! I can’t wait to make this and have it for breakfast!
Margaret Anne says
Thanks Claire!
Stephanie says
OMG this looks so freaking good! Beautiful photos too!
Cheers,
Stephanie
Stacey says
This looks delicious! I have a MAJOR sweet tooth and I am always looking for.a healthy option to satisfy it. I need to try this!
Tiffany says
Looks so good!
Alli says
Oh. My. Gosh. Skinny? Chocolate? Breakfast? This will definitely go on my list of recipes to try. Looks beautiful and tasty looking!
Margaret Anne says
Thanks Alli! You’re gonna love this granola.
Artney says
Now this sounds AND looks delicious! I love chocolate and oats so any way to skinny them up I’ll take it!
Erica @ The Crumby Cupcake says
Ooooooh!! I’ll admit, the photos caught me first because chocolate. But I felt even better when I read the actual recipe. This looks like it would be fantastic just nibbling with your fingers, much less on top of things. YUM!
Andrea says
mmm these photos look delectable! I loooove granola parfaits.
Stephanie says
This looks amazing. My teenager loves granola and dark chocolate and I bet she’d gobble this right up.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I am a massive granola fan. So this recipe is just ideal for me – love how it’s a skinny choc filled version!
Nicola Quinn says
I never even thought of making granola with chia seeds! Totally amazing
Heather @ Join Us, Pull up a Chair says
Oh wow this looks so good! Putting it on my list to make this weekend!