If a granola recipe packed with clusters and crunch is what you’re after, then you’ve come to the right place, my friend. This crunchy hazelnut & chocolate granola recipe is dairy, gluten and refined sugar-free, high in protein and most importantly, insanely delicious!
Inspired by my healthy protein peanut butter granola recipe, this chocolate & hazelnut version is ideal for a quick breakfast or for those who fancy something a little more chocolatey as soon as they wake up.
Protein granola
When it comes to breakfast, I very rarely start my day without a mix of carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein. Not only is protein essential for a healthy functioning body, but it’s also needed as part of your post-workout recovery. That, and it always leaves me feeling fuller for much, much longer too!
This recipe calls for one scoop of chocolate protein powder so feel free to use your favourite (I love FreeSoulSistas vegan chocolate protein powder). Otherwise, opt the protein powder for cacao powder (15g) instead.
How to get the best crunchy granola clusters
Nothing disappoints me more than homemade granola that lacks in crunch and clusters. The secret to crunchy granola clusters? The amount of wet/sticky ingredients you use and how you handle your granola when it’s fresh out of the oven.
I’ve included the perfect balance of coconut oil and agave syrup to make sure this granola is the perfect ratio of crunchy and nutty, but the most important part of making your granola is leaving it to cool completely when it comes out of the oven. That means no touching, no mixing and definitely no breaking up of the clusters when it’s still warm.
Your granola will feel a little soft as soon as it comes out of the oven but don’t fret, it’ll soon harden up once it’s cooled.
Once your granola is cool, carefully break the chocolate & hazelnut granola up into clusters and add in the dark chocolate chunks.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Honestly, there really is nothing better than homemade granola. You know exactly what’s in it and it’s much healthier (and probably cheaper) than the shop-brought stuff! Enjoy x
Ingredients
- 155g gluten-free oats
- 60g crushed hazelnuts
- 20g shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 50g coconut oil (measured hard then melted)
- 100g agave syrup (or another liquid sweetener)
- 1 scoop vegan protein powder (or 15g cacao powder)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or 6-10 vanilla drops)
- 1-2 large handfuls of dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 170c.
Add the oats, hazelnuts, shredded coconut and chia seeds to a large bowl and mix together.Â
Melt the coconut oil and then add to the bowl of dry ingredients along with the agave syrup and vanilla. Mix once again before adding your protein powder or cacao powder.
Once everything has been mixed, pour your granola mixture onto a baking tray, spread evenly and pop in the middle of the oven to bake for 12-15 minutes until crispy. Keep an eye on it as it can burn quickly (and all oven temperatures can vary!).
Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely before touching.
Once your granola mixture is cool, break up the granola into large clusters and add your dark chocolate chunks.
Keep in an airtight container up to 5 days for freshness. Enjoy! x
1 comment
Great and tasty recipe, made this as a snack between breakfast and lunch. And they were amazing! Quick and easy to make and also super healthy. Thanks for the awesome recipe.