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Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola

Experience the magic of Chocolate and Peanut Butter in granola form! A healthy, protein-rich treat, reminiscent of childhood cereals, tailored for the mature palate. And a Halloween must-try!

Every season has a flavour. If summer is about fresh berries and zesty lemonades, then fall is about rich, comforting, and indulgent flavours.And when I think of indulgence, the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter stands unrivalled.

However, with Halloween approaching and memories of sweet treats abound, I wanted to craft something that both my younger and current self would adore. Enter the Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola.

I remember those childhood days, eyes wide with yearning, as I stared at those colourful cereal boxes with sugary delights that were, unfortunately (or fortunately, in hindsight), off the table. My mother, bless her, had the foresight to prioritize nutrition over whims. Yet, the child in me never stopped dreaming of that perfect bowl of chocolatey, peanut-buttery goodness.

Fast forward to now, I’ve attempted to create a version that doesn’t just resonate with nostalgia but also aligns with my philosophy of wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients.

The Key Ingredients for this Nostalgic Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola are:

Cacao Nibs

Not to be confused with your everyday cocoa, cacao is a superfood. Packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and boasting numerous health benefits, it’s my choice for that deep chocolatey flavour. My choice of cocao nibs are from Navitas.

Peanut Butter Protein Powder

To intensify the peanut butter flavour and boost the protein content, I swear by Truvani’s Peanut Butter Protein Powder. It adds depth and nutrition to every spoonful.

Maple Syrup

My family’s home-produced maple syrup is the sweetener of choice, adding a hint of earthy sweetness without any additives.

Almonds & Seeds

For that much-needed crunch and additional health benefits. Almonds provide healthy fats while sunflowerpumpkin, and hemp seeds bring in a variety of nutrients.

Overhead view of ingredients of granola in beautiful bowls by teri-ann carty
overhead view of steel pan with a mix of oil, species, cacao, cinnamon and tahini by teri-ann carty

Now, before we immerse ourselves in the creation process, let’s address a critical component – cacao vs. cocoa. 

While both derive from the same source, their processing and health benefits vary. Cacao, being less processed and retains more of its nutritional value. It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants, a mood enhancer, and even aids cognitive functions. It lacks the sugar often found in commercial cocoa, making it a clear winner for me.

Another vital ingredient is the sweetener. While I am privileged to have access to additive-free maple syrup, I urge you to choose wisely when it comes to this component. Avoid corn syrup at all costs and lean towards healthier alternatives like agave, honey, or date syrup.

open glass jar with chocolate baked granola by Teri-Ann Carty

The magic of this granola lies in its duality. It’s a nod to those carefree days of youth, filled with the promise of sweet treats. Yet, it’s tailored for today, with its health-conscious ingredients and rich, mature flavors.

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola is a bridge between then and now, between childish desires and adult sensibilities. As the leaves turn amber and the mornings get chillier, I invite you to warm up with this granola, a bowlful of memories, health, and delectable flavors.

hand sprinkling granola into a bowl. Teri-Ann Carty

Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola

Teri-Ann Carty
I can't tell you how excited I am to share this granola recipe with you!! Chocolate and Peanut butter is only the best flavour combination EVER and with Halloween around the corner i just couldn't resist! This granola reminds me of all the sugary kids cereals i was never allowed to have as a kid. I used to beg my mother for them but she was unmoved to say the least.I am so grateful my mother knew not to give in to our pleas. My granola recipes have whole ingredients, high in protein and refined sugar free. I use the best quality maple syrup and when asked, I reccomend honey as an alternative.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast, Sharable & Snacks
Cuisine Canadian
Servings 12 cups

Equipment

  • baking pans
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups oats certified gluten-free if needed
  • 1 cup almonds roughly chopped
  • ½ cup each sunflower & pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ cup hemp seeds
  • ¼ cup cacao powder divided
  • 1 scoop peanut butter protein powder
  • ½ cup cacao nibs
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ cup each olive oil peanut butter, maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions
 

  • preheat oven to 320 convection or 325 if you don't have convection.
  • add all the dry ingredients, except for 2 tsbp of cacao powder, into a large bowl and stir to combine.
  • in a small pot add wet ingredients and remaining cacao powder. Combine thoroughly and pour over dry ingredients. Stir well so that all the ingredients are coated.
  • Transfer to the baking trays. If your baking tray is very large you might only need 1 but i use 2. Spread granola out into an even layer* and press it down with the use of a spatula.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, turn the pans and bake again for 10-15 minutes more*.

Notes

You don't want a thick layer of granola on your pan. It will not bake evenly. The thinner the layer however the more chance it will have to burn so keep a close eye. Every oven is different!
Turning the pans means exactly that. Turn the pans so that the granola bakes evenly. Ovens can have cool and hot spots. all my granolas taste better on the well done side but there's a fine line between well done and burnt. Please don't let it burn.
Keyword all things granola, chocolate peanut butter, dairy free, easy granola recipe, gluten free, gluten free baking, gluten free granola, granola

5 Responses

    1. Hi Betty, This granola stores the same way as all my other granolas, in an airtight container. it is shelf stable depending what climate you live in. Store it as you would store granola ordinarily!

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