Chocolate Granola Clusters Recipe (Crispy + Gluten-Free)

Crunchy chocolate granola clusters with cocoa, maple syrup, oats, and seeds bake into crisp snackable chunks that are naturally gluten-free and perfect for yogurt, milk, or eating straight from the jar. Stir in chocolate chips for a double-chocolate twist that’s perfect on yogurt, ice cream, or by the handful.

20 servings

Chocolate Granola Clusters in a bowl next to homemade yogurt with strawberries.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 45

Total Time 50

Ingredients

4 cups (356 g) old-fashioned oats
1 cup (140 g) raw sunflower seeds
1 cup (119 g) raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup (85 g) shredded or flaked coconut
1 cup (114 g) pecans
3 tablespoons (16 g) dark Dutch-processed cocoa
½ cup (110 g) brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) salt
¾ cup (234 g) maple syrup
½ cup (100 g) olive oil
2 cups mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300˚F (150˚C).
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups old-fashioned oats , 1 cup raw sunflower seeds , 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds, 1 cup shredded or flaked coconut , 1 cup pecans , 3 tablespoons dark Dutch-processed cocoa, 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed), and 1 teaspoon salt .
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in 3/4 cup maple syrup and 1/2 cup olive oil until fully coated.
Spread and Bake: Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Create Small Clusters: After the second stir, press the granola down with a spoon to encourage clumps.
Add chocolate: Stir in 2 cups mini chocolate chips while the granola is still warm and press granola together with the back of a spoon to make bigger clusters.
Cool & Store: Let cool before breaking into pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Makes 1/2 gallon plus one pint. (I like to vacuum pack mine into a Mason jar with a small portable vacuum pack machine.)

Notes

Variation: Olive Oil and Maple Syrup Granola --Leave out the cocoa and mini-chocolate chips. Everything else is the same.

Can I make it nut-free? Yes. Swap in more seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) or use extra oats in place of nuts.

Is this recipe dairy-free and vegan? Yes, as long as you don’t add chocolate chips that contain dairy. Check the label or use a vegan brand.

Nutritional Information