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
Scale
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.
