If you’ve been searching for that perfect breakfast that wakes you up gently and fills your morning with a bit of joy, then my friend, you’re in for a treat!
Today, we’re whipping up a batch of Kind Dark Chocolate Granola – a recipe so sinfully delightful yet surprisingly wholesome that it’ll make your taste buds sing (without any guilt!). Imagine the rich, velvety taste of dark chocolate mixed with the hearty, nutty crunch of granola; now tell me, who could resist that? Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or a busy bee looking for a quick yet nutritious breakfast option, this granola recipe promises to tick all the right boxes.
Table of Contents
How to make Kind Dark Chocolate Granola
Kind Dark Chocolate Granola is a product offered by Kind LLC, a company known for its health-conscious snacks. It’s a type of granola that incorporates dark chocolate, providing a balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of old-fashioned oats (because, let’s face it, they’re the backbone of any killer granola)
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (your call here—almonds, walnuts, or pecans, why not go nuts?)
- ½ cup of shredded unsweetened coconut (for that tropical whisper)
- ¼ cup of dark cocoa powder (the darker, the better, we’re talking serious choco vibes)
- ½ cup of honey or maple syrup (nature’s sweetener stepping into the spotlight)
- ¼ cup of coconut oil (melted because we like to keep things smooth)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (just a splash of this magic essence)
- A generous pinch of salt (because what’s sweetness without a hint of salt?)
- ½ cup of dark chocolate chips (the crown jewels of this granola kingdom)
Instructions:
- Preheat and prep: Kick things off by cranking your oven to 300°F (a gentle toast, not a roast!). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is your canvas; make it beautiful.
- Mix and mingle: In a big bowl, toss together the oats, your chosen nuts, and the fabulous coconut shreds. Then, sprinkle in the cocoa powder like it’s pixie dust, making sure every little oat gets a touch of chocolate magic.
- Sweet symphony: In a smaller sidekick bowl, whisk together the honey/maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until it’s all one big happy family. Pour this sweet concoction over your oat mixture and stir it up until every bit feels the love (i.e., it is well coated).
- Bake to perfection: Spread your soon-to-be granola evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Let it bake for about 20-25 minutes, giving it a gentle stir halfway through to ensure it’s all getting its moment in the spotlight.
- Chocolate chip rain: Once out of the oven and while it’s still warm, sprinkle on the dark chocolate chips. They’ll get a little melty and start sticking to the oats like little chocolatey barnacles. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet—it’ll get that signature crunch as it cools down.
- Break it down: Once cool, break up the granola into whatever size clusters you fancy. Big or small, it’s your call.
- Serve and enjoy: Whether over yogurt, with a splash of milk, or straight from the jar (we don’t judge), it’s time to dive in.
Tips to Elevate Your Kind Dark Chocolate Granola Game:
- Nuts about nuts? Toast them before adding to the mix. It amplifies their flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch.
- Mix it up: Feel free to throw in some dried fruit after baking for a pop of sweetness and color. Think cherries, apricots, or even blueberries.
- Storage: Keep your granola in an airtight container at room temp. It stays fresh and crunchy, ready to jazz up your mornings or munchies.
What to serve with
Whether you’re all about that breakfast life or you’re eyeing something for a cheeky late-night snack, this Kind Dark Chocolate Granola has got your back. So, let’s look into the art of pairing this crunchy delight with just about anything to make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Granola and Yogurt
Imagine this: A layer of creamy, dreamy yogurt topped with a generous sprinkle of our star granola. The smooth and crunchy textures are a match made in heaven. And don’t even get me started on the dance of flavors! Throw in some fresh berries for a burst of sweetness, and you’re all set for a breakfast that looks like a sunrise in a bowl.
Milk and Granola
Old school, you say? Classic, I say. Pour your favorite milk (dairy or nondairy; we don’t discriminate here) over a bowl of this chocolaty granola. It’s simple, swift, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether it’s a quick breakfast or a “don’t feel like cooking” dinner, this combo is the comfort food hug you didn’t know you needed.
Smoothie Bowls
If you’re one to ride the smoothie wave, we’ve got a twist for you. Next time, pour that velvety smoothie into a bowl, and let the granola take the spotlight as a crunchy topper. This not only adds a fun texture to your meal but also packs in some extra nutrition. Imagine a cool, creamy smoothie bowl with vibrant fruits, a drizzle of peanut butter, and our dark chocolate granola sprinkled on top. It’s like a festival in a bowl!
A Dessert Companion
Who said granola is only for breakfast? Let’s break the rules a bit. Sprinkle some over your vanilla ice cream or layer it in your next parfait for a dessert that whispers (or shouts) indulgence. It brings in a delightful crunch and a hint of goodness that makes you feel a tad less guilty about your midnight snack.
On-the-Go Snacking
Of course, let’s not overlook the beauty of simplicity. Kind Dark Chocolate Granola, straight out of the jar, makes for an irresistible snack. Whether you’re hiking, road-tripping, or just need a quick pick-me-up between Zoom meetings, it’s snack-tastic and easy to carry.
Baking Buddy
Feeling a bit adventurous? Use this granola as a topping for muffins or as an ingredient in your cookies for an unexpected, crunchy surprise. It adds a new dimension to your baked goods, making them irresistibly unique.
Ingredients Substitutes
Let’s play a game of ‘Switcheroo’ with the ingredients for making Kind Dark Chocolate Granola, shall we? Sometimes, the pantry dictates the recipe, or maybe you’re someone who likes to walk on the culinary wild side. Either way, swapping ingredients not only keeps things interesting but also accommodates various dietary preferences and whatever happens to be in your cupboard at the moment.
The Oats
Starting with the star of the show, old-fashioned oats. If you find yourself oat-less or you’re looking to spice things up, quinoa flakes are an excellent stand-in. They’re a bit lighter and crispier but bring a similar texture party to your granola bash. Plus, they pack a protein punch!
Nuts
No almonds chilling in your pantry? Fear not! Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds can fill those shoes nicely, bringing their own crunch and nutritional swagger to the mix. Nut allergies in the house? Seeds are your new best friends here, offering that bite without the worry.
Coconut Shreds
If shredded coconut isn’t your jam or you just forgot to restock, no worries. You can either skip it altogether (the granola will still rock your world) or add some extra nuts and seeds for volume. Want a hint of sweetness? A sprinkle of dried fruit after baking can add that special touch.
Dark Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is non-negotiable for that chocolatey goodness, right? But if you’ve run out or you’re looking to switch it up, carob powder can be a fantastic alternative. It’s naturally sweet with a unique flavor that sings in harmony with the other ingredients.
Honey or Maple Syrup
Whether you’re out of honey, prefer not to use it, or you’re vegan, maple syrup is a fantastic swap (and vice versa). And if you’re feeling adventurous, agave syrup is another plant-based sweetener that glides right into this recipe, bringing a mild, sweet flavor that blends seamlessly.
Coconut Oil
Melted coconut oil gives this granola its lovely clumpy texture, but let’s say you’re not a fan or just out of stock. No panic! Melted butter (for those not avoiding dairy) or a neutral oil like avocado or canola can step in as your granola’s BFF, making sure everything sticks together just right.
Dark Chocolate Chips
If dark chocolate chips are missing from your pantry (or you just ate them all last night—no judgment), chop up any chocolate bar into small chunks. Not a chocolate fan? You can totally skip it or get wild with cacao nibs for a bitter crunch that’s superfood-adjacent.
A Pinch of Salt
Forgot the salt? Well, you might not want to skip this one entirely—it’s all about the flavor balance. But in a pinch, a sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top before baking can give you that salty kick to contrast the sweet.
Vanilla Extract
No vanilla extract? While its rich depth of flavor is a miss, you can either leave it out or experiment with almond extract for a different kind of sweet, nutty vibe.
Final Thoughts
The scoop on crafting Kind Dark Chocolate Granola that’s bound to get your mornings off to a chocolaty, crunchy, utterly delicious start. So what are you waiting for? Get those oats a-roasting and let the chocolate chips fall where they may.
More Chocolate Recipes:
- Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
- Chocolate Cannoli
- Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies Recipe
- Potbelly’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Covered Katie Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients
- 3 cups of old-fashioned oats (because, let's face it, they're the backbone of any killer granola)
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (your call here—almonds, walnuts, or pecans, why not go nuts?)
- ½ cup of shredded unsweetened coconut (for that tropical whisper)
- ¼ cup of dark cocoa powder (the darker, the better, we’re talking serious choco vibes)
- ½ cup of honey or maple syrup (nature’s sweetener stepping into the spotlight)
- ¼ cup of coconut oil (melted because we like to keep things smooth)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (just a splash of this magic essence)
- A generous pinch of salt (because what’s sweetness without a hint of salt?)
- ½ cup of dark chocolate chips (the crown jewels of this granola kingdom)
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Kick things off by cranking your oven to 300°F (a gentle toast, not a roast!). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is your canvas; make it beautiful.
- Mix and mingle: In a big bowl, toss together the oats, your chosen nuts, and the fabulous coconut shreds. Then, sprinkle in the cocoa powder like it’s pixie dust, making sure every little oat gets a touch of chocolate magic.
- Sweet symphony: In a smaller sidekick bowl, whisk together the honey/maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until it’s all one big happy family. Pour this sweet concoction over your oat mixture and stir it up until every bit feels the love (i.e., it is well coated).
- Bake to perfection: Spread your soon-to-be granola evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Let it bake for about 20-25 minutes, giving it a gentle stir halfway through to ensure it’s all getting its moment in the spotlight.
- Chocolate chip rain: Once out of the oven and while it’s still warm, sprinkle on the dark chocolate chips. They’ll get a little melty and start sticking to the oats like little chocolatey barnacles. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet—it’ll get that signature crunch as it cools down.
- Break it down: Once cool, break up the granola into whatever size clusters you fancy. Big or small, it’s your call.
- Serve and enjoy: Whether over yogurt, with a splash of milk, or straight from the jar (we don’t judge), it’s time to dive in.
