Dark Chocolate Almond Granola

My obsession with granola continues… This time I made Chocolate Almond Granola. If you’re like me, you want to eat this granola through the screen if possible. Sadly, it isn’t, but this recipe is so simple that you can go make it right now! GO!

I was inspired by Cascadian Farm Organic Dark Chocolate Almond Granola, but wanted to make a healthier version, so, I used my Fat-Free Applesauce Granola recipe as a base and added almonds and chocolate. I also threw in a little flax meal because I thought it might help keep the clusters together. I love the clusters.

Dark Chocolate Almond Granola
Makes about 3 cups.

2 1/2 cups rolled oats, gluten free optional
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon flax meal
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sucanat (or brown sugar)
½ cup applesauce
1/8 cup agave syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup dark or semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or use a Silpat mat.

In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, flax meal, cinnamon and salt. Mix well. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, applesauce, agave syrup and vanilla extract. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir until oats are evenly covered. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes. Toss the granola and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown and crisp. You want your oats to be pretty well browned otherwise your clusters will not be well cooked. Keep an eye on the mixture and stir often if necessary. Add chocolate chips and bake for another 5 minutes. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container and try not to eat it all in one sitting.