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Homemade Chocolate Buckwheat Granola
A Nutritious & Versatile Crunch
There’s something about the combination of buckwheat with chocolate; it’s a total match made in heaven. Same with cherries and chocolate — a wonderful contrast of flavor. Packed with nutrition and a wonderful blend of flavors, this chocolate buckwheat granola with dehydrated cherries recipe is such a great combo. And it’s also versatile and customizable to suit your taste buds. We love having this granola on hand for snacking and also as a quick nutritious breakfast option.
Nutritional Highlights from Wholesome Ingredients
This granola boasts a fantastic mix of ingredients, each offering essential nutrients.
Rolled Oats
- Fiber: aiding digestion and thus providing a feeling of fullness.
- Protein: contributing to overall energy and muscle health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: rich in iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, supporting various bodily functions.
Buckwheat Groats
- Protein Powerhouse: higher protein content than many grains, promoting muscle repair and growth. Surprisingly, despite its name, buckwheat is a gluten-free seed!
- Fiber-Rich: supporting digestion and heart health.
- Magnesium Boost: benefiting nerve and muscle function.
Cacao Powder
- Antioxidant Rich: promoting overall health and potentially lowering inflammation.
- Magnesium and Iron: contributing to energy production and metabolism.
Walnuts
- Omega-3 Fats: supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Plant-Based Protein: aiding muscle repair and growth.
- Antioxidants: contains antioxidants that may protect against cell damage.
Cherries
- Vitamin C: supporting the immune system and collagen formation.
- Antioxidants: contains anthocyanins, with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Melatonin: may aid sleep and regulate the body’s internal clock.
Coconut Oil
- Healthy Fats: rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
- Antimicrobial Properties: contains lauric acid, known for its potential antibacterial and antiviral effects.
Olive Oil
- Heart-Healthy Fats: high in monounsaturated fats, promoting heart health.
- Antioxidants: contains polyphenols, offering potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Vitamin E: supporting skin and immune health.
Coconut Sugar
- Lower Glycemic Index: less impact on blood sugar levels compared to regular sugar.
- Minerals: contains small amounts of potassium, iron, and zinc compared to regular sugar.
- Fiber Content: contains a small amount of fiber compared to regular sugar.
Maple Syrup
- Antioxidants: contains various antioxidants, potentially lowering inflammation.
- Natural Sweetener: lower in calories than refined sugar and may contain trace minerals.
- Blood Sugar Impact: has a lower glycemic index compared to white sugar.
Options & Adaptability
Freeze dried, or dehydrated cherries add a delightful tanginess to this granola. Alternatively, get creative with dehydrated strawberries or other dried fruits of your choice. If you enjoy freeze dried fruit as much as we do, you may even consider investing in a dehydrator for DIY options—ideal for preserving fruits and creating healthy snacks for your family.
You can also substitute whatever nuts you have on hand. Our favorite is a combination of pecans and walnuts. Slivered almonds add a nice flavor as well, but add them late into the bake so they won’t burn.
Leave out the chocolate entirely, add cinnamon; the adaptability of this recipe is endless, so make it your own!
Chocolate Granola Serving Ideas
This granola is not only great as a topping for yogurt, or as a cereal with milk, but also as a standalone snack. You could even use it to top oatmeal/porridge or ice cream. Or, get creative with your kids snack and make them a banana boat topped with the chocolate granola — they’ll love the crunchy creamy contrast in textures. And it will seem like a special treat even though it takes seconds to make.
Kid-Friendly and Cost-Effective
Speaking of kids, this recipe is kid-friendly and perfect for involving little hands in the kitchen. It’s not only a fun activity but also a learning experience! Plus, crafting your own granola is not only cost-effective but also less processed, giving you control over ingredients and sugar content.
A Final Word on Our Chocolate Granola w/Cherries
Our chocolate buckwheat granola with dehydrated cherries is such an easy and fun recipe to make again and again. You’ll want to keep a batch in your pantry on repeat. Experience the richness of flavors, relish the nutritional benefits, and moreover take pride in creating a delicious and healthy treat for you and your family. And if you’re wanting more buckwheat and chocolate magic, take a peak at our Buckwheat Brownies recipe that uses buckwheat flour.
Ready to embark on your granola adventure? Check out our full recipe card and step-by-step instructions below.
Chocolate Buckwheat Granola with Dehydrated Cherries
Ingredients
- 350 grams old fashioned rolled oats
- 100 grams buckwheat oats
- 45 grams coconut sugar substitute turbinado or brown sugar
- 40 grams cacao powder
- 5 grams fine sea salt
- 5 grams vanilla bean paste substitute vanilla extract
- 30 grams coconut oil
- 60 milliliters pure olive oil
- 45 milliliters pure maple syrup
- 100 grams walnuts substitute pecans, slivered almonds, a combination or omit
- 2 handfuls dehydrated cherries substitute dehydrated strawberries, dried fruit of your choice, or omit
- 2 handfuls dark chocolate chunks
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line the rimmed baking sheet(s) with parchment paper.
Mixing the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, buckwheat oats, coconut sugar, cacao powder, and fine sea salt. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Mix in the nuts.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
- Add the vanilla bean paste, coconut oil, olive oil, and maple syrup until thoroughly combined and oats are coated.
Baking:
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet(s). Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is fragrant and lightly golden.
Cooling and Adding Extras:
- Once done, remove the baking sheet(s) from the oven and allow the granola to cool completely. Mix in the chocolate chunks and dehydrated cherries (or preferred dried fruit) after the granola has cooled.
Storing:
- Transfer the cooled granola to the weck jars or an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Sweetness: Adjust sweetness to taste by modifying the amount of maple syrup or adding more coconut sugar if preferred.
- Nuts: Experiment with various nuts, such as pecans or almonds, or omit them for a nut-free version. If using slivered almonds or smaller nuts, add them to the last half of baking or they may burn.
- Fruits: For a different flavor profile, try using different dehydrated fruits like strawberries or bananas or even try dried cherries for a chewier sweeter bite. Using fresh fruit during serving is delightful as well.
- Storage: Store the granola in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and crunchiness.
- Serving: Serve with yogurt or your choice of milk or just enjoy by the handful!
