Sometimes, bigger really IS better. Introducing my Gigantic Chocolate Chunk Granola Clusters, the biggest and BEST granola that you will eat! If you’ve never made homemade granola before, then this recipe is your perfect introduction. It’s full of nuts and seeds, and is subsequently packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. Oh, and this recipe yields approximately 6-7 cups, so it’s not only perfect for meal prepping, but is way cheaper than buying a traditional bag of granola! Run to your kitchen and make this recipe – I promise, you won’t regret it.
If there’s one thing that I love as much as my daily smoothies, it’s granola IN my daily smoothies. No matter what smoothie I’m making, the crunch and texture of granola is always the perfect addition. I love the crunchiness of the nuts and seeds, the bite of the rolled oats, and the sweetness from the sugar and spices. In my humble opinion, granola is truly a “flavor bomb” in the best way possible, and is one of the best ways to start the day.
What Makes a Good Granola?
As I mentioned above, a good granola is really determined by flavor and texture. Sure, this could be said about almost any food, but when it comes to granola, you really want something that “pops” with every bite.
In this recipe, I included all of the different flavors and textures that I personally love. It’s nutty, it’s seedy, it’s sweet, and not to mention, it’s bursting with chocolate chips. I used a whole ENTIRE bag of them, in this recipe, and let me just say, it was totally worth it. But that’s not the best part about this granola; the best part, is that there are no rules to how you make this recipe!
While I, of course, strongly recommend making this recipe as it’s written (because it’s SO good), you can truly make this recipe with whatever ingredients that you prefer! Swap the chocolate chips for butterscotch chips, or add some toasted coconut for an added kick. The world is your oyster with this recipe, and you truly can’t go wrong with any ingredients that you use!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
- Rolled Oats: Rolled oats make the base for any good granola recipe! If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free oats. And because you want the texture and consistency of the oats to shine through in this recipe, I don’t recommend using “quick” oats!
- Nuts: In this recipe, I use slivered almonds and pecans, but you can use any nuts that you’d like! Walnuts would also be delicious in this recipe.
- Seeds: Chia seeds, hemp hearts, and sesame seeds create the “seedy” base of this recipe! Like with the nuts, you can use any seeds that you would like in this recipe.
- Coconut Sugar: I love using coconut sugar because it’s not as refined as cane sugar, and therefore is easier on the gut, while still keeping the granola sweet!
- Cinnamon: I love cinnamon for a slightly spicy-sweet twist to your granola. It perfectly compliments all of the nuts and seeds!
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract is essential for any sweet recipe, and adds a depth of flavor that truly can’t be beat.
- Maple Syrup: I love maple syrup as a more “natural” sweetener, and in this recipe, it really gives the granola the perfect sweet touch.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil will help bind this granola together, and keep all of your ingredients together in big clusters!
- Chocolate Chips: Like I mentioned above, chocolate chips are truly the best in this recipe. I use a whole bag, personally – go big or go home!
How to Get the Perfect Granola Chunks Every Time
Once your granola is fully cooled (and not a moment before – otherwise it’ll just crumble!) you”ll want to break your granola into giant clusters. This is the fun part!
You can bang your tray of granola against the counter, smash it with a spoon (or a hammer – GENTLY – if you dare), or just do what I do and break it apart with your hands! You can make these clusters as big or as small as you’d like, but like I said before… bigger, in this recipe, is definitely better. 😉
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! And, since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations so that I can repost them! xx
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Rolled Oats
- ¾ Cup Slivered Almonds
- ¼ Cup Chia Seeds
- ¼ Cup Pecans
- ¼ Cup Hemp Hearts
- ¼ Cup Sesame Seeds
- ¼ Cup Coconut Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- ½ Cup Maple Syrup
- ½ Cup Melted Coconut Oil
- 1 Cup Chocolate Chips, I used a whole bag of Hu Kitchen Gems!(affiliate)
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 325 F.
- Line a standard-sized baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Next, in a bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the granola until fully incorporated, saving the chocolate chips for last.
- Transfer your granola to your baking sheet and use a rubber spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it all out. Make sure that everything is compressed together well, so that the granola forms clusters!
- Bake for 22 minutes, making sure to flip the pan around at the 11 minute mark. This ensures that your granola cooks evenly!
- Once done, remove your granola from the oven and let it cool COMPLETELY. This is super important, so that you will get the perfect chunks every time!
- Once cool, break your granola into chunks, and enjoy!
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!
What others are saying
This granola comes together quick, easy and beautifully. So healthy, flavorful, love the big pieces of granola and very addictive. I highly recommend making the recipe and it’s
something that can be eaten anytime of day!
Woohoo! I am so thrilled to hear that, Susan! Thank you so much for making this recipe, and for leaving such a kind review!
Absolutely banging! I substituted tahini for the coconut oil coz tahini is life , flax for hemp and cashews for pecans. Left out the coconut sugar. It was so good !!!
YUM! Love the idea of adding tahini to this recipe, Kalai! Thank you so much for making this recipe, and for leaving such a sweet review!
AMAZING!!!! i have made this 4 times already!! I share it with all my friends and its a crowd and family favorite. Thanks for the recipe.
Wow! Juliet, I am SO happy to hear that! Thank you so much for making this recipe, and for leaving the sweetest review. You’ve totally made my day!
This is the best granola recipe!! The entire family loves it, and we can’t stop snacking on it! Thank you for sharing this!!
Woohoo! I am so thrilled to hear that, Tara! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for leaving such a kind review!
Question here. This looks amazing and I can’t wait to try it. Wouldn’t the chocolate chunks melt in the oven?
Hi Amber! It does melt, but just enough to add a gooey chocolate texture, kind of like in a chocolate chip cookie!
literally the best granola ever!! it’s become a breakfast staple for me 🙂 i’ve played around with and subbed some of the ingredients (using more or less some of the nuts and seeds, using pumpkin seeds and flax seeds instead, adding in coconut etc.) and it’s turned out perfect and delicious every single time! thanks so much for the amazing recipe, i’ll definitely never use another recipe again – i’m obsessed!
Woohoo! I am so thrilled that you love this recipe, Emily! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!
ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!this recipe is on repeat in my house and I gave it as gifts to friends !! Easy to make and freezes well too.
I’m so thrilled to hear that, Juliet! Thank you so much for your review!
I’d like to make your granola bark. Did you use 3 minute oats or old fashioned oats?
Making it this weekend for my hubby! When do I add the chocolate chips in?
This worked exactly as written, thanks!