Homemade Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola: Your Go-To Healthy Snack Recipe
Imagine a snack that’s perfectly tart, delightfully sweet, and satisfyingly crunchy – a treat that energizes adults and kids alike. That’s exactly what you get with our irresistible Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola. This exquisite blend of rich dark chocolate chips, chewy dried dark cherries, wholesome almonds, fragrant coconut, and hearty oats truly is a match made in granola heaven. It’s not just food; it’s an experience, designed to be your favorite on-the-go fuel or a delightful addition to any meal.
Why Homemade Granola is a Culinary Essential
In recent years, homemade granola has become a staple in my kitchen, graduating from an occasional treat to a weekly baking ritual. The transformation was driven by a simple realization: homemade is simply better. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and more importantly, it offers unparalleled control over the ingredients. This means saying goodbye to unwanted artificial flavors, excessive sugars, and questionable oils often found in commercial granolas. Instead, I can pack it with wholesome goodness, tailoring it to our family’s preferences and dietary needs.
In my home, granola doesn’t last long, whether it’s fueling our mornings or satisfying midday snack cravings. This high demand constantly inspires me to explore new flavor combinations, keeping things fresh and exciting. This particular Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola, with its indulgent chocolate, might seem like a special occasion snack. However, I wholeheartedly believe there’s no wrong time for a touch of dark chocolate – even to kickstart your day! It’s a delightful way to add a little joy and energy to your breakfast routine.
The Perfect Flavor Trifecta: Dark Chocolate, Cherry, and Almond
This granola isn’t just a random mix of ingredients; it’s a carefully curated symphony of flavors and textures designed to create a truly unforgettable snacking experience. Each component plays a vital role, contributing to a harmonious blend that is both comforting and exciting.
The Allure of Rich Dark Chocolate
The inclusion of dark chocolate chips elevates this granola from simply good to absolutely divine. Beyond its incredible taste, dark chocolate is renowned for its antioxidant properties, making it a surprisingly healthy indulgence. Its deep, slightly bitter notes provide a perfect counterpoint to the natural sweetness of the cherries and honey. When baked, these chips soften beautifully, creating pockets of melty chocolate that firm up into delicious morsels as the granola cools. This adds a luxurious texture and a depth of flavor that transforms each bite into a decadent experience, proving that healthy snacks can be utterly delicious.
Tart Cherries: A Nod to Michigan Heritage
The inspiration for this specific granola blend struck me during a visit to Trader Joe’s, where a bag of dried dark pitted cherries immediately caught my eye. Cherries have always been a profound favorite of mine, deeply rooted in my childhood memories of growing up in Michigan. Cherry season in Michigan wasn’t just a season; it was a grand, eagerly anticipated event – a truly significant time of year! If you ever have the chance to visit Traverse City, Michigan, in July, you absolutely must experience the annual National Cherry Festival. It’s an immense and incredibly popular celebration where you’ll find every imaginable cherry product your heart could desire.
My personal weakness? Dark chocolate-covered cherries. I confess, I can easily polish off a small bag in one sitting! Traverse City remains one of my most cherished destinations, and I wholeheartedly recommend loading up the car for a trip to witness its breathtaking beauty, vibrant culinary scene, and yes, perhaps even time your visit to coincide with the famous cherry festival. It was this deep-seated love for cherries and fond memories of Michigan that directly inspired the creation of this very granola recipe, bringing a piece of that delightful history into your kitchen.
Crunchy Almonds and Sweet Coconut Harmony
Every great granola needs that satisfying textural element, and almonds deliver precisely that. We opt for whole almonds to provide a substantial crunch, but you have the flexibility to use sliced almonds if you prefer a more delicate bite – in that case, reducing the quantity to about 1/3 cup might be ideal. Almonds are not only delicious but also contribute healthy fats, protein, and dietary fiber, significantly boosting the nutritional profile of this snack.
Complementing the almonds is shredded coconut, which infuses the granola with a subtle tropical sweetness and a delightful chewiness. Whether you choose unsweetened or sweetened coconut, it adds a wonderful depth of flavor and textural complexity that perfectly harmonizes with the other ingredients. The combination of these wholesome nuts and fruits creates a rich tapestry of flavors and textures, ensuring every spoonful is a truly enjoyable and nourishing experience.
A Versatile Snack for Any Time of Day
This homemade Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola truly excels as a multi-purpose food. Its perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and satisfying crunch makes it the ultimate companion for those hectic days when you need a quick, nutritious boost. I often prepare a generous batch at the start of the week and neatly store it in mason jars. This way, whether we’re out running errands or embarking on a family adventure, I can easily grab a jar for myself or the kids, ensuring we always have a healthy, delicious snack on hand to curb hunger.
Beyond its excellence as a grab-and-go snack, this granola offers incredible versatility in how it can be enjoyed:
- Breakfast Bowl Booster: Sprinkle it generously over your favorite Greek yogurt, a smoothie bowl, or even oatmeal for an added layer of flavor and a delightful crunch. Don’t forget to top with fresh fruit for extra vitamins!
- Quick Cereal Alternative: Serve it with your milk of choice for a speedy yet satisfying morning meal.
- Salad Topping: A handful can add an unexpected sweet and savory crunch to a fresh green salad, especially one with a fruit component.
- Dessert Enhancer: Use it as a crunchy topping for ice cream, baked apples, or fruit crisps for an extra special treat.
- Baking Ingredient: Incorporate it into your muffin batter, cookie dough, or even use it as a base for energy bars.
For optimal freshness and crunch, store your homemade granola in airtight containers, such as mason jars, in your pantry or on your kitchen counter. It will typically stay fresh for up to two weeks. However, based on my experience, with a house full of granola enthusiasts, it rarely lasts that long!
Beyond the Recipe: Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients
One of the many advantages of making your own granola is knowing exactly what nourishing ingredients go into it. This Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola is packed with components that offer significant health benefits. Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar. Almonds contribute healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and Vitamin E, supporting heart health and providing sustained energy. Dried cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses, loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Even the dark chocolate provides beneficial antioxidants. Enjoying this granola isn’t just a treat for your taste buds, but also a smart choice for your well-being.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola Recipe
Author: Julia Jolliff
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
This homemade Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola is a perfectly balanced, crunchy, sweet, and tart snack or breakfast. Packed with dark chocolate chips, dried cherries, almonds, coconut, and wholesome oats, it’s easy to make and perfect for on-the-go fuel.
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Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (you can use unsweetened or sweetened)
- 1/2 cup whole almonds
- 1/2 cup dried dark pitted cherries
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and honey. Whisk together until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, shredded coconut, whole almonds, dried dark pitted cherries, and chia seeds. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Pour the wet mixture from the medium bowl over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Mix until the oats and other dry ingredients are completely coated.
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread the granola mixture into an even, thin layer. This helps in achieving uniform crispiness.
- Bake for 30 minutes, stirring the mixture gently every 10 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even toasting. The granola should be golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crunchier as it cools. Once cooled, stir in the dark chocolate chips.
- Serve over yogurt with fresh fruit, or enjoy it as a standalone snack. Store any remaining granola in airtight containers in your pantry or on your counter for up to two weeks.
Notes
- I use whole almonds, but you can use sliced almonds. If using sliced, you might want to drop the quantity down to 1/3 cup instead.
- If you prefer your granola to be more toasted and extra crispy, you can bake it for a few extra minutes. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 395 kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 0.1mg, Sodium: 90mg, Potassium: 320mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 10 IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 115mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Explore More Homemade Granola Recipes
If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed crafting this batch of Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Granola, you’re in for a treat! The world of homemade granola is vast and full of delicious possibilities, offering endless ways to enjoy healthy, customizable snacks and breakfasts. Here are a couple more highly recommended recipes to inspire your next kitchen adventure and keep your pantry stocked with wholesome goodness:
- Coconut Cranberry Chia Seed Granola: Discover a vibrant, wholesome blend bursting with tropical flavors and superfood benefits, perfect for a refreshing start to your day or a light snack.
- How to Make Homemade Granola: Dive deeper into the art of granola making with this foundational guide. It provides essential tips, tricks, and customizable ideas for creating your absolute perfect blend every time.
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