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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1/2 cup natural peanut butter - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup cocoa powder - 1/2 cup chopped almonds - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt What can I use instead of peanut butter? You can try almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options give a great taste and texture. Can I use something else instead of honey? Yes! Maple syrup works well too. It adds a nice sweetness without the strong flavor of honey. How do I choose the right cocoa powder? Look for unsweetened cocoa powder. It gives the best chocolate taste. You can also use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step gets your oven ready and helps the granola not stick. - In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of chopped almonds, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This dry mix forms the base of your granola and adds great texture. - In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter and 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup together until smooth. Stir continuously to blend well. Once melted, remove from heat and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. - Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture. Mix it thoroughly until all the oats are well-coated. This binds everything and gives your granola that delicious peanut butter flavor. - Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet in a thin layer. This helps it cook evenly and become crispy. - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. This step ensures even cooking and helps prevent burning. Watch for a golden brown color, which means it is done. - Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, mix in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. They will melt slightly and create pockets of chocolate goodness. To get that perfect crunch, stirring during baking is key. When you stir the granola halfway through baking, it helps the mixture cook evenly. This way, every piece gets golden brown and crispy. After baking, let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial. As it cools, it becomes even crunchier. If you rush this step, you may end up with soft granola. You can take your granola to the next level with optional add-ins. Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for more sweetness. You can also mix in seeds like chia or pumpkin for texture. Balancing sweetness is important too. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a less sweet taste, reduce the sweetener. Taste as you mix to find your perfect balance. Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola is great with yogurt or milk. Just scoop some granola on top for a tasty breakfast or snack. You can also use it in smoothies. Just blend a handful into your smoothie for an extra crunch. If you want a grab-and-go snack, press the mixture into a pan and cut it into bars. These make perfect snacks for busy days! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your oats, nuts, and chocolate chips are fresh for the best flavor and texture. Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup according to your sweetness preference. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute almonds with your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile. Storage Matters: Keep the granola in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness for a longer period. {{image_2}} You can make your peanut butter chocolate granola even better. One way is to add different nuts or seeds. Think about using walnuts, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds. Each nut offers a unique taste and crunch. Try to mix and match to find your favorite combo. You can also switch up the chocolate type. Dark chocolate is rich and bold. But milk chocolate gives a sweeter, creamier taste. Decide what you like best and use that chocolate. This will give your granola a personal touch. If you need gluten-free options, don’t worry! Just choose certified gluten-free oats. This way, you can enjoy the granola without any gluten concerns. It tastes just as great as the regular version. For vegan variations, swap honey with maple syrup. This keeps the recipe plant-based but still sweet. You can enjoy this yummy snack while sticking to your diet. Seasons bring new flavors, so let’s use that! In summer, add fresh fruits like berries or bananas. They mix well with the granola and add a tasty twist. During the holidays, think about adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also use festive ingredients like dried cranberries or pumpkin seeds. This makes your granola perfect for any season or celebration. Store your peanut butter chocolate granola in an airtight container. Glass jars work well, but plastic containers are fine too. Make sure the lid seals tightly to keep air out. This helps the granola stay fresh and crispy. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. Avoid storing it near the stove or oven, as heat can make it go stale. When stored correctly, your granola can last up to two weeks. After that, it may lose its crunch. Signs of spoilage include a soft texture or an odd smell. If you notice these signs, it’s best to toss the granola. Always trust your senses when checking for freshness. Freezing granola is a great way to save it for later. To freeze, place the granola in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Just heat it for a few seconds in a bowl. Enjoy your crunchy snack whenever you want! To make your granola crispy, follow these tips: - Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. - Stir halfway through baking. - Spread the mixture in a thin layer on the pan. - Let it cool completely after baking. When you cool the granola, it firms up. This step is key to keeping a crunchy texture. Yes, you can swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter. Each nut butter offers a unique flavor. Almond butter adds a mild, nutty taste. Cashew butter brings a creamy texture. Keep in mind that these butters may change the granola’s final taste. You may need to adjust sweetness too. Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola has many health benefits. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Rolled oats provide fiber, which aids digestion. - Peanut butter offers healthy fats and protein. - Honey or maple syrup gives natural sweetness. - Cocoa powder contains antioxidants. This granola can be a nutritious snack or breakfast. It’s full of energy and keeps you full longer. Enjoy it with yogurt or on its own! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting the crunch. You can customize the flavor and fit dietary needs too. Remember, storing it right keeps your granola fresh longer. As you create your own version, enjoy experimenting with flavors and combinations. This treat is not just tasty but also a great source of energy! Happy cooking!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola

A delicious and crunchy granola made with peanut butter, cocoa, and dark chocolate.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup natural peanut butter
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup cocoa powder
  • 0.5 cup almonds, chopped
  • 0.5 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, cocoa powder, and salt.
  • In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) together until smooth, stirring continuously. Remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oat mixture and mix thoroughly until all the oats are coated.
  • Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is crisp and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, mix in the dark chocolate chips.
  • Store the granola in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Keyword chocolate, granola, peanut butter, snack