Double Chocolate Almond Joy Granola
Crunchy, chocolatey and made with real food ingredients, Double Chocolate Almond Joy Granola is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a special treat!
Breakfast time is always a little crazy around here, and I’m constantly looking for quick, make ahead options that we can throw together before heading out the door. Granola is a perfect option because it can be prepared in big batches over the weekend so that it’s ready to go on weekday mornings.
Lately my 3 year-old has been reluctant to eat breakfast, so I’ve been experimenting with different recipes to get her interested in our morning meal. Granola seemed like a natural answer, as it’s sweet, crunchy, and easy to eat plain or with some milk poured over top. And my girl will basically eat anything if chocolate is involved, so after a few attempts this Double Chocolate Almond Joy Granola has become a new morning favorite.
This granola is naturally sweetened with apple sauce and maple syrup, and gets a double hit of chocolate from cacao powder, and cacao nibs, which can be found in many well stocked grocery stores and online. The granola is reminiscent of the classic candy bar, with almonds, coconut, and chocolate, but without any refined sugar or processed ingredients. It’s lovely plain, with milk, or on top of yogurt.
Since testing the recipe I’ve been treating myself to a handful with a cup of tea in the afternoon, as it’s the perfect sweet treat to get through to dinner. Plus, it can be whipped up in a matter of minutes with just one bowl, making it completely doable if you have a pocket of time during the weekend or afternoon at home.
RECIPE & KID-FRIENDLY ADAPTATIONS
1 | If you don’t have or don’t want to buy cacao powder you can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder.
2 | If you don’t have or don’t want to buy cacao nibs simply omit them.
3 | Skip the almonds for a nut-free version of this granola.
THIS RECIPE IS . . .
Naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan and Refined Sugar-Free

Double Chocolate Almond Joy Granola
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup plain, unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cacao powder, or sub unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups old fashioned whole, rolled oats*
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened, large flake coconut
- ½ cup raw, unsalted almonds, chopped
- ¼ cup cacao nibs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, stir together the coconut oil, maple syrup, applesauce, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. Add the oats, coconut, and almonds, stirring again until the oats and coconut flakes are well coated.
- Spread into a single, even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat. Bake for 20-25 minutes, giving it a stir and a flip about halfway through.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle in the cacao nibs, and allow to cool completely. Store in a tightly sealed container for 1-2 weeks.
super yummy!
So happy you enjoyed Shannon! 🙂
I’m doing my first barre3 challenge and was told about your blog – i have been in heaven ever since! Not only am I loving your recipes, but my family is too! I’ve been spreading the word about your blog to my coworkers as well. can’t wait to try this one out! 🙂
Sue, yay, I’m so glad we connected! I’m thrilled you and your family are enjoying the recipes and thanks for helping to spread the word! 🙂
Is there anything I can sub for all the oil? My son has health problems and can’t handle too much fat in his diet. Thanks! Love your recipes 😊
Lindsay, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes! Maybe try substituting additional apple sauce for some or all of the oil. It might not get as crisp, but it should still taste yummy. Let us know how it turns out!
This is so yummy! And filling. I made it yesterday and had to split it on to two baking pans so while one cooked I munched on the uncooked one (which is delicious also lol) and I was full for hours! I made dinner like 2 hours later for the family and I didn’t even eat! Next thing I am planning to make is the Reset Chili! I’m on a roll here with your recipes 🙂
Christina
That’s awesome Christina! I’m always amazed by how filling oats + some healthy fats can be. Plus you get to feel like you’re having a treat. Love that you’re on a roll with the recipes. I hope you enjoy the chili! xxoo