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Breakfast for One

Chocolate Granola Clusters

Simple one-pan chocolate granola made with everyday ingredients — no coconut oil, no mid-bake stirring, and guaranteed clumpy results.
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Yield: 1.5 cups
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Cocoa Paste
  • 1½ tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Seasoning Paste
  • 1 tbsp light olive oil or any neutral oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
Granola Base
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup chopped raw, unsalted nuts mostly almonds, with some pecans

Instructions

  • Melt butter and mix in cocoa powder until a smooth paste forms.
  • Add the cocoa paste, oil, honey, vanilla, and salt to the pan and mix until smooth and well combined.
  • Add rolled oats and chopped nuts and stir until evenly coated.
  • Spread evenly and press down firmly to about half an inch depth.
  • Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20–25 minutes until the color deepens and you get a roasted aroma.
  • Cool completely in the pan, then break into clusters or crumbles.
  • Transfer to an airtight container.

Watch the Recipe

Notes

  • Any neutral oil works in place of light olive oil.
  • For the nuts, pecans and sliced almonds are a great combination, but substitute whatever you have on hand.
  • Press the mixture down firmly before baking and resist breaking it up until it's fully cooled — both steps are what give you clusters instead of crumbles.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.