Chocolate Coconut Pecan Granola Clusters

I like to keep homemade granola on hand at all times as a healthy snack or easy breakfast. I've experimented with different recipes and flavor combinations, but this one is at the top of the list. I designed this flavor profile after the flavors of German chocolate cake. These chocolate coconut pecan granola clusters are downright delicious!

Granola clusters are nice because they are quite versatile. You can eat them with your hands as a snack or break them up into smaller pieces to enjoy with almond milk or yogurt. Not only that, but they're kind of fun to make too! Let's get into the recipe breakdown.

Ingredients in Chocolate Coconut Pecan Granola Clusters

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are the oats of choice most of the time when baking. They hold their shape better when baked in the oven. Visually, you can see the difference between old-fashioned oats and quick-cooking oats. Quick-cooking oats are cut into more pieces during processing, in addition to being rolled thinner. For the purpose of this recipe, old-fashioned rolled oats are necessary. They hold their own much better.
• Flavorings: To get the delectable chocolate flavor, this recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder. Because it's unsweetened it provides the chocolate taste without all the added sugar or calories. In addition, there is a small amount of vanilla extract.
• Inclusions: The flavors of this granola come primarily from the sweetened shredded coconut, coconut oil, and cocoa powder. The addition of pecan pieces adds a nice crunch and nuttiness. This recipe also calls for maple syrup and a small amount of brown sugar for sweetness. Optional, you can add some mini chocolate chips or chocolate chunks after baking, for an added chocolate flavor. This will, however, uptick the sugar content.
• Fats and Oils: This recipe only calls for coconut oil. This ingredient is necessary to add to the overall coconut flavor of the clusters. It can be substituted with another oil, such as avocado oil, but it will dilute the coconut aspect of this recipe.

How to Make Granola Clusters

This recipe is really simple and quick to put together.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. You will want to line a baking sheet tray with a sheet of parchment or a Silpat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, shredded coconut, pecan pieces, cocoa powder, and brown sugar. Stir to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the liquid coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour the liquid ingredients over the oat mixture, and stir together until everything is coated and well incorporated.
3. Pour the oat mixture onto the center of the prepared baking sheet. With your hands (and a sheet of wax paper) or a rubber spatula, flatten and press the granola down into a tight rectangle. The key here is to press everything together as much as you can, almost like a giant granola bar. This process is what is going to give you those lovely clusters of granola.
4. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Rotate the pan, and bake for approximately 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, break into clusters. You may have some bits that break off. Enjoy with yogurt or milk. You can also just eat it straight from the tray with your hands (wink, wink.)

How should I store granola clusters? Store these clusters in an airtight container for about 5 to 7 days.

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• Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola Clusters
• Pumpkin Spice Granola Clusters

The cocoa powder really amps up the flavor in these chocolate coconut pecan granola clusters. While reminiscent of German Chocolate Cake in flavor profile, the cocoa in this recipe creates an almost brownie-like taste. I hope you enjoy these granola clusters.

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