If you have a soft spot for snacks that brilliantly balance crunchy, sweet, and a hint of tartness, then this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Granola Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine golden roasted oats and almonds wrapped in a rich cocoa glaze, perfectly accented by the vibrant pop of freeze-dried strawberries and ribbons of melted milk and white chocolate. This granola isn’t just a breakfast staple; it’s a delightful treat that feels both indulgent and wholesome, making it the ultimate companion for everything from morning yogurt bowls to afternoon munchies. Get ready to dive into a snack that will awaken your taste buds and satisfy your chocolate & fruit cravings all at once!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Granola Recipe plays a starring role, whether it’s creating the perfect crunchy texture, infusing deep chocolate flavor, or adding that iconic strawberry brightness. Keeping it simple with pantry-friendly essentials means you’re just minutes away from a batch of granola that tastes like it’s straight from a gourmet kitchen.
- ½ cup coconut oil: Adds moisture and a subtle tropical richness that helps bind the granola.
- ½ cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven and adds depth.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Enhances caramel notes and helps create a sticky, chewy texture.
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder: Brings that intense chocolate flavor which makes this granola unforgettable.
- 2 cups oats: The hearty base providing fiber and chew.
- 1 cup sliced almonds: Adds crunch and a nutty undertone.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Rounds out flavors with warmth and aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all flavors.
- 1 cup freeze dried strawberries: Offers tart bursts of natural fruitiness and vibrant color.
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips: Melt into the granola for melty pockets of chocolate goodness.
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips: Adds creamy, contrasting sweetness and beautiful visual appeal.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Granola Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Syrup Base
Start by gently heating the coconut oil, maple syrup, and brown sugar in a pot until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble lightly. This warming process fuses the ingredients into a rich, glossy syrup that will coat your granola perfectly. Then, turn off the heat and set it aside for the next step.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the oats, sliced almonds, cocoa powder, and salt. These dry ingredients form the crunchy backbone of your granola. Once well mixed, pour the warm chocolate syrup over the bowl and add the vanilla. Stir everything until every oat and almond is luxuriously coated in that luscious chocolate mixture.
Step 3: Bake to Crunchy Perfection
Spread the coated mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at a low temperature of 275°F for 40-45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure even toasting and prevent burning. This slow bake locks in the chocolate flavor while drying the granola to that perfect crunch.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Chips
After baking, bring your granola back to the counter and immediately sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the warm oats. Stir gently to allow them to melt into luscious pockets of chocolate throughout. Follow this by scattering white chocolate chips on top and let them sit for 3-4 minutes before a gentle stir to create a gorgeous marbled effect.
Step 5: Add the Final Touch: Freeze Dried Strawberries
Once the granola reaches room temperature, mix in the freeze-dried strawberries. These add the perfect pop of tartness and vibrant color, completing this lovely snack. If you prefer chunkier chocolate bites rather than melted chocolate spread throughout, feel free to wait until the granola cools completely before adding the chocolate chips.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Granola Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh strawberries or a dusting of cocoa powder elevates the look and taste of this granola. Toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of melted chocolate also make delightful garnishes for an extra flair.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs beautifully with creamy Greek yogurt or spooned over smoothie bowls for a crunchy contrast. You can also enjoy it with chilled almond or oat milk as a breakfast cereal or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this granola with whipped cream and sliced strawberries in a clear mason jar parfait for a stunning presentation. It’s also fantastic packed in small treat bags as homemade gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Granola Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain its crunch and flavors.
Freezing
To prolong freshness, freeze granola in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your granola warm, simply heat it in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh the crunch and melt any chocolate bits slightly.
FAQs
Can I use regular strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred here because they stay crisp and don’t add moisture that could ruin the granola’s crunch. Using fresh strawberries isn’t recommended unless you’re consuming the granola immediately.
Is this granola recipe gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Granola Recipe can be safely made gluten-free.
Can I substitute the coconut oil with another oil?
Yes, you can substitute coconut oil with other neutral oils like avocado or vegetable oil, but coconut oil adds a subtle flavor that complements chocolate beautifully.
How do I make this granola less sweet?
Reducing the maple syrup and brown sugar slightly will decrease sweetness, but be mindful that this can affect the texture and binding of the granola.
Can I add other nuts or seeds?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for additional flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Granola Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s such a joyful combination of flavors and textures that transforms ordinary granola into something truly special. Whether for breakfast, snack time, or gifting, it’s an easy recipe that’s sure to impress and delight anyone lucky enough to taste it. Go ahead, give it a try and watch this granola become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Granola Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this delicious and crunchy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Granola, combining oats, almonds, cocoa, and sweet freeze-dried strawberries, coated with rich melted chocolate for a perfect snack or breakfast topping.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- â…“ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Create Sugar Mixture: In a pot, heat the brown sugar, coconut oil, and maple syrup over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. Once bubbling, turn off the stove and remove the pot from heat to prevent burning.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix together the oats, sliced almonds, cocoa powder, and salt. Pour the warm sugar and oil mixture along with the vanilla extract over the dry ingredients.
- Coat and Bake Granola: Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even coating. Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes to promote even toasting and prevent burning.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the granola from the oven and set the tray on the counter. Sprinkle the mini milk chocolate chips over the warm granola and gently stir to melt the chocolate into the clusters. Then, sprinkle the white chocolate chips over the granola and let them sit for 3 to 4 minutes until melted, gently stirring afterward.
- Cool and Add Strawberries: Allow the granola to cool completely so it crisps up properly. Once cooled, gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberries to preserve their texture. If preferred, you can let the granola cool fully before adding chocolate for a less melted, chunkier chocolate texture in the final product.
Notes
- For a crunchier granola, allow it to cool fully before adding chocolate chips to avoid melting.
- Stirring every 10-15 minutes during baking ensures even toasting and prevents burning.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add flavor without moisture, keeping the granola crisp.
- Store granola in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
