If you love the magical combo of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter but crave a crunchy, wholesome breakfast or snack, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola is about to become your new obsession. Packed with gluten-free oats, a perfect blend of spices, and just the right touch of sweetness from molasses and brown sugar, every bite delivers layers of flavor and texture that will have you reaching for more. Plus, the roasted peanuts and coconut chips add a satisfyingly nutty crunch, making this granola not only delicious but absolutely irresistible.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly but crucial for building that deep, comforting flavor and crunchy texture that defines this Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola. Each plays its part in balancing richness, spice, and sweetness for a truly delightful treat.

Gluten-free rolled oats: The hearty base for granola, providing that irresistible chew and crunch.
Cocoa powder: Brings in a rich, chocolatey depth without overwhelming the palate.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Coconut oil, melted: Helps bind everything together while lending a mild coconut aroma.
Natural smooth peanut butter: The star ingredient that delivers creamy, nutty goodness.
Brown sugar: Offers caramel-like sweetness and helps with that golden color.
Molasses: Adds complexity with its deep, slightly smoky sweetness.
Sea salt: Balances sweetness and highlights all the flavors.
Cinnamon: Warms the granola with cozy spice notes.
Ground nutmeg: A hint of subtle spice that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Roasted, unsalted peanuts: Give the granola a crunchy texture and punch of nutty flavor.
Toasted coconut chips: Add a delightful crunch and tropical flair.
Optional: Dairy-free chocolate chips: For even more chocolatey indulgence at the end.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This ensures an even bake for your granola.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your gluten-free rolled oats, cocoa powder, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These dry ingredients create the flavorful foundation, distributing spices and chocolate evenly throughout your granola.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Blend together the peanut butter, molasses, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. This mixture is rich and luscious, acting as the glue that brings your granola together while infusing it with a wonderful sweet and nutty aroma.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture and stir thoroughly until every oat and nibble is coated. This ensures your Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola will be uniformly flavorful and crunchy after baking.

Step 5: Bake and Stir

Spread the granola evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes, but be sure to stir and rotate the pan halfway through at 20 minutes to avoid burning and help the granola brown beautifully on all sides.

Step 6: Add Peanuts and Continue Baking

After the initial 40 minutes, stir in the roasted peanuts, then return the granola to the oven for an additional 20 minutes. This step toasts the peanuts perfectly, enhancing their crunch and flavor within the granola.

Step 7: Cool the Granola

Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let it cool completely on a wire rack, which ensures that every cluster forms nicely and the granola crisps up to perfection.

Step 8: Add Coconut Chips and Optional Chocolate Chips

Once cooled, stir in the toasted coconut chips and dairy-free chocolate chips if you’re using them. These final touches add bursts of flavor and texture that make this Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola totally unforgettable.

Step 9: Store and Enjoy

Transfer your granola into an airtight container or jar where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or simply snack on it straight from the jar for a guilt-free treat anytime.

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola

Garnishes

Elevate your granola by topping it with fresh berries, a dollop of coconut yogurt, or a drizzle of extra peanut butter or melted chocolate. These additions complement the rich chocolate and peanut flavors while adding visual appeal to your bowl.

Side Dishes

This granola pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of almond or oat milk or alongside a fresh fruit salad. The contrasting textures and flavors make breakfast or snack time feel extra special and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, layer your Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola with Greek yogurt and sliced bananas in a clear glass to make a stunning parfait. Alternatively, sprinkle it over smoothie bowls or use it as a crunchy topping for baked desserts like brownies or ice cream for an unexpected delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This keeps it fresh and crunchy, ready to grab for a quick snack or breakfast without losing its delightful texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this granola for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out air before sealing. When ready, thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Freezing does not affect the flavor or crunch much, making it handy to have on backup.

Reheating

If you want to warm your granola, simply pop a portion in a low oven (around 250°F) for 5 to 10 minutes or briefly heat it in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This wakes up the flavors and gives the granola a fresh-from-the-oven warmth that’s incredibly comforting.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add even more texture to your granola, and the peanut bits will enhance the nutty flavor. Just be aware it might slightly change the consistency of the wet mixture.

Is this granola vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. It can also be vegan if you select vegan-friendly chocolate chips and ensure the brown sugar and molasses are processed without animal products.

What if I don’t have molasses? Can I substitute it?

If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with additional maple syrup or honey, keeping in mind this might slightly alter the rich, complex flavor that molasses offers.

How crunchy will the granola be?

This granola strikes a perfect balance: it’s crunchy enough to satisfy your craving but not too hard. Baking it low and slow and stirring regularly ensures even toasting and plenty of crunch without burning.

Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in almonds, cashews, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and variety. Just add dried fruits after baking to avoid moisture softening the granola too much.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola, it’s hard to go back to anything else. The combination of robust chocolate, nutty peanut butter, and perfectly toasted oats is a dream come true for breakfast lovers and snack enthusiasts alike. Whip up a batch today and watch it quickly become a staple in your kitchen — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: About 6 cups 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola combines the rich flavors of cocoa and peanut butter with wholesome gluten-free oats, nuts, and a hint of warm spices. Perfect as a breakfast cereal, snack, or topping for yogurt, this crunchy and flavorful granola is healthy, naturally sweetened, and easy to make at home.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), then grease a baking sheet or line it with a silpat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, cocoa powder, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well so the spices and cocoa powder are evenly distributed.
Add wet ingredients: Add the natural smooth peanut butter, molasses, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil to the oat mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are completely incorporated and the mixture is evenly coated.
Spread mixture on baking sheet: Evenly spread the granola mixture in a thin layer over the prepared baking sheet to ensure even baking.
First bake: Bake the granola for 40 minutes, remembering to stir and rotate the pan after 20 minutes to promote even toasting and prevent burning.
Add peanuts: After the initial 40 minutes, stir in the roughly chopped roasted, unsalted peanuts, then return the granola to the oven for an additional 20 minutes to allow the peanuts to toast and meld with the granola.
Cool granola: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Then transfer the granola to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.
Add final ingredients: Once cooled, stir in the toasted coconut chips and optional dairy-free chocolate chips evenly throughout the granola.
Store and serve: Store the granola in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy it with yogurt, milk, or simply as a crunchy, delicious snack.

Notes

Ensure to stir and rotate the granola during baking to prevent burning and achieve an even crunch.
Use natural peanut butter for a healthier, smoother consistency and better flavor absorption.
For a softer, chewier granola, reduce baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
Feel free to substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for different flavors.
To keep the granola vegan and dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 50g)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 75mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: granola, chocolate peanut butter granola, gluten free granola, healthy snack, homemade granola, peanut butter snack, gluten-free breakfast