Chocolate Sea Salt Granola Recipe (gluten-free + vegan)

This Chocolate Sea Salt Granola Recipe is a must make for any granola lovers! Such a healthier granola recipe to try using all gluten-free and vegan ingredients. Lower in sugar and so simple and easy to make.

Granola is one of those perfect snacks you can sprinkle on yogurt, enjoy with milk, or even eat straight from the jar. This recipe for Chocolate Sea Salt Granola is rich in flavors and textures, with just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, making it a guilt-free treat that nourishes as it satisfies.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Sea Salt Granola

This homemade granola is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also far healthier than most store-bought options. With wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, flaxseeds, and cacao nibs, it’s packed with nutrients that fuel your body and support your health. The combination of coconut oil and maple syrup creates that deliciously crisp, chunky texture, while the sea salt and dark chocolate chips take it to gourmet levels.

What ingredients you need to make this chocolate sea salt granola:

• Gluten-free rolled oats –  Oats are the foundation of any granola, providing the texture and bulk that define it. Oats are packed with soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol levels, stabilizes blood sugar, and supports digestion.
• Chopped nuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts – Various health benefits, such as supporting heart health, improving brain function, and promoting skin health.
• Ground flaxseeds – Ground flaxseeds are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health. 
• Cacao nibs – Cacao nibs bring in a rich chocolate flavor without added sugar, making them a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate chips.
• Coconut oil – Coconut oil is the binder that helps the granola form those delightful clusters. Its unique fat profile, rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), is believed to boost energy and metabolism.
• Maple syrup – Maple syrup is the natural sweetener in this granola, offering a caramel-like sweetness that complements the richness of cacao and the saltiness of sea salt.
• Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract might seem like a minor ingredient, but it adds depth to the flavor profile of this granola
• Dark chocolate chips – As the granola cools, the chocolate chips soften slightly but retain their shape, giving every bite a delightful chocolate burst.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature ensures the granola will bake evenly without burning, giving it a golden, crispy finish.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free oats, chopped nuts, ground flaxseeds, and cacao nibs. Mixing these ingredients together first allows for an even distribution of flavors and textures in every spoonful.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the oats and nuts are well coated. The coconut oil and maple syrup are essential for binding everything together and helping the granola form clusters. Make sure to evenly distribute the wet ingredients for the best texture.

Step 4: Add Sea Salt

Sprinkle the sea salt into the mix and stir again. The salt won’t only enhance the chocolate flavor but will also help each bite come alive with that perfect balance of salty and sweet.

Step 5: Spread and Press

Spread the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Press down lightly with the back of a spoon or spatula—this helps the granola form clusters, which many people love. Keeping it somewhat compressed will give you those large, chunky clusters when it’s baked and cooled.

Step 6: Bake and Rotate

Bake the granola for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the sheet pan once or twice to ensure even cooking. This helps the edges and center brown at the same rate, preventing any burnt or undercooked spots. Check it occasionally, and if you notice the edges browning faster than the center, gently mix them into the middle.

Step 7: Cool and Add Chocolate

After baking, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Once it has cooled slightly, sprinkle the dark chocolate chips over the top. Allow the granola to cool for at least 30 minutes. As it cools, the chocolate will soften slightly, giving a perfect chocolatey bite with each cluster.

How to Enjoy Your Granola:

There are endless ways to enjoy this chocolate sea salt granola:

• As a topping: Sprinkle it over Greek yogurt, smoothie bowls, or oatmeal for added texture and flavor.
• With milk or dairy-free alternatives: Enjoy it as a cereal with your favorite milk.
• Straight from the jar: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy granola is by the handful as a snack!

Storing Your Chocolate Sea Salt Granola:

Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator or freeze it in a sealed container for up to three months. It’s a great make-ahead snack that’s easy to grab on busy mornings or when you need a quick energy boost.

Customizing Your Granola:

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with add-ins to suit your preferences:

• Dried fruit: Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots add a bit of chewiness and natural sweetness.
• Seeds: Pumpkin seeds or chia seeds are great for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg can add warmth and seasonal flavor to your granola.

In just under an hour, you can whip up a batch of this irresistible Chocolate Sea Salt Granola. It’s the ultimate snack for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and sea salt, all while providing nutritious, real-food ingredients. Enjoy!

A few other homemade granola recipes to try:

Addicting Crunchy Grain-free Granola Bars (vegan)

Addicting Gluten-free Cinnamon Peanut Butter Granola

The Best Nut-free Granola with Clusters

Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Granola with Clusters