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Once you make granola at home once, you will realize not only how easy and delicious it is.. but a fun way to save money! Did I mention this granola is WAY better than any store bought brand I’ve tried?!
Let’s talk a little about raw cacao powder if you’re not familiar with it. First, let me tell you about the difference between raw cacao powder and “cocoa powder”: cacao powder is processed in a more minimal way than cocoa powder which makes it have more health/nutritional benefits.
Cocoa powder, on the other hand, is highly processed and typically supplemented with sugar or other additives to make it less bitter in taste.
Nutritional benefits of raw cacao powder include but are certainly not limited to:
- great source of iron, protein, magnesium, potassium, and fiber
- 0 grams of sugar
- reduces inflammation
- can help lower blood pressure
- and more generally can help aid in digestion
This recipe is also lower in sugar than most granolas you find in store, with just 8 grams of sugar per serving (which is approximately a third of a cup of granola)!
Chocolate Granola (Dairy Free & Gluten Free)
homemade dairy-free and gluten-free chocolate granola, great for anti-inflammatory diet using the superfood cacao powder and low in sugar
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup organic coconut oil melted
- 1/3 cup organic pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons cacao powder "cacao" not "cocoa"
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional but adds a great depth of flavor!)
- 1 cup organic walnuts chopped
- 4 cups organic gluten-free rolled oats
Add in after baking
- ½ cup dairy free dark chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I like to spray a little cooking oil on the baking sheet and then adding the parchment paper so it doesn't slide around!
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In a large mixing bowl mix together the coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cacao powder, cinnamon, sea salt and espresso powder. Add in the rolled oats and walnuts and mix until very well and evenly coated.
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Transfer the oat mixture to the parchment paper lined baking sheet and spread it evenly, patting it down with a spatula or wooden spoon. Bake for 35-45 minutes.
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Remove from the oven and transfer back into the large mixing bowl and immediately add the chocolate chips, mixing around so they melt and is evenly coated.
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Let the granola completely cool before transferring and storing in an airtight container. Enjoy!
What do you think?