Chocolate Granola

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published May 15, 2022 • Updated February 1, 2026

So chocolaty and crunchy, you'd think you were eating Cocoa Puffs!

Reader Rating
5 Stars (3 Reviews)

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A homemade grain-free granola that's easy to make and full of chocolate flavor. Plus it has a crunch that holds up when splashed with milk!

Crunchy granola is the BEST! I took my basic granola recipe and turned it into a chocolate lover’s dream. It’s basically a healthy version of cocoa puffs because you still get the crunch and the chocolate! Add a splash of your favorite milk and you’ll be amazed at how much better this keto granola tastes compared to store-bought. Plus, no grains or rolled oats!

pouring milk into a cereal bowl

To get that rich chocolate flavor in our keto cereal, I use Cacao Bliss – a raw cacao powder blended with superfoods like cinnamon, turmeric, MCT oil, Himalayan salt and lucuma.

Cacao Bliss (my partner for this recipe) is not your typical cocoa powder. It has a nutritious blend of superfoods that help satisfy cravings and support blood sugar regulation. The turmeric helps control inflammation, and the MCT oil supports energy and mental clarity.

Its unique flavor can be used in all of your favorite keto recipes calling for chocolate or cocoa powder. You can save 15% off your order with my code KETOFOCUS at checkout!

How to make chocolate granola

  1. Gather the nuts and seeds you want to add to your granola base.
  2. Add sweetener and cocoa powder. Mix in with the nuts and seeds.
  3. In a separate bowl, make the binder by beating two egg whites until soft peaks form.
  4. Stir beaten egg whites into the granola mixture.
  5. Bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes.
  6. Let set for about an hour to harden.

a bag of Cacao Bliss sits next to strawberries and a bowl of granola

Key ingredients

  • Nuts – For this recipe, I used a combination of macadamia nuts, pecans and almonds, but you can use any type of nut. Try walnuts, peanuts, brazil nuts, pili nuts. Amounts are flexible.
  • Seeds – I used hemp seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, but you can omit or add other seeds. The amounts are also totally customizable.
  • Sweetener – I used both a classic sugar-free sweetener and a brown sugar substitute for a hint of caramelized flavor.
  • Cocoa powder – For the dark chocolate flavor, use unsweetened cocoa powder or Cacao Bliss (described above) for extra superfood benefits.
  • Egg whites – The binder for the granola to hold it all together. Once baked, the egg whites will harden to form crunchy clusters.

 

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Chocolate Granola

5 (3) Prep 10m Cook 45m Total 55m 6 servings

Ingredients

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

red 250 on a black background
2
Mix nuts & seeds

To a large bowl, add macadamia nuts, chopped pecans, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and hemp hearts. Stir together with sweeteners and cocoa powder. Set aside.

a bowl with nuts and seeds mixed together and a spatula on top
3
Beat egg whites

In a medium bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

a bowl with beaten egg whites inside
4
Mix granola

Add beaten egg whites to the nut and seed mixture and mix until combined.

mixing granola mixture in a clear bowl
5
Spread & bake

Evenly spread granola mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes.

granola nut and seeds mixture spread on a parchment lined tray
6
Break into chunks

Let cool completely at room temperature until the granola hardens. Break into bite sized pieces. Store in an airtight container.

breaking up granola into smaller pieces with hands over a baking sheet
Nutrition Per Serving 3/4 cup
433 Calories
39g Fat
13.3g Protein
4g Net Carbs
11.3g Total Carbs
6 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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pouring milk over the top of a bowl of chocolate granola

Nuts & seeds to choose

This low carb chocolate granola is completely customizable. Add your favorite nuts and seeds – all without needing rolled oats or grains. Mix up the amounts too.

Don’t like pecans? Leave them out. Or substitute with brazil nuts. Want more sunflower seeds? Add 1/4 cup instead of 2 tablespoons.

a bowl of strawberries sits next to a bowl of cereal and milk

Additions

Consider adding some of these options to make this healthy chocolate granola cereal even more amazing. From dried fruit to more dark chocolate flavor by sprinkling on chocolate chunks, these ideas will keep your bowl exciting!
  • Unsweetened coconut flakes
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Peanut butter chips
  • Dried raspberries
  • Dried strawberries
  • Espresso powder (To heighten that dark chocolate granola flavor)
  • Maple syrup
  • Cacao nibs
  • Ice cream (Sprinkled on top)

Storage information

Store granola in an air tight container for 2-3 weeks. Granola will stay fresh longer if stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Chocolate Granola

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other nuts instead of macadamia nuts and pecans?

Yes! You can substitute any nuts you like - walnuts, cashews, or even hazelnuts. Just keep the total amount similar so the granola has the right texture.

What can I use instead of egg whites for a vegan version?

You can replace the egg whites with a flaxseed meal or chia seed gel. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 15 minutes until it thickens.

How should I store the chocolate granola to keep it fresh?

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a month or freeze it for up to three months!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This chocolate granola is grain-free and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the granola?

For sure! Add more or less sugar-free sweetener based on your taste. Just know that reducing the sweetener can affect the texture slightly, so keep an eye on it while baking.

About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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  1. J
    Judy M Jul 22, 2025

    I am getting my ingredients tomorrow, so I can make this. Are the pumpkin and sunflower seeds unsalted, or is salted ok?

    Thanks for your help!!

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Jul 23, 2025

      I used unsalted pumpkin seeds but salted sunflower seeds. But I don't think it will affect the flavor much if you used all unsalted or all salted.

  2. M
    Mark Apr 27, 2025

    I made this chocolate granola last weekend and it turned out really crunchy even with almond milk. I added a few coconut flakes like someone else mentioned and it was perfect for my low carb breakfast. Will make again.

  3. S
    Samantha Lee Mar 26, 2025

    Really enjoyed how crunchy this granola stayed even after adding almond milk. I swapped in some coconut flakes like another comment suggested and it worked great.

  4. E
    Emily Oct 22, 2022

    This is amazing. Unfortunately I have pregnancy diabetes, so I always have to switch to a keto type diet when I'm pregnant. This recipe is a staple for breakfasts. It's so customizable and I can switch ingredients around as needed or wanted. Coconut flakes are a wonderful addition, as are Brazil nuts!! Get creative with this recipe. It's truly a keeper. Thank you for sharing this!

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