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cacao

Healthy Chunky Chocolate Granola (gluten free & vegan)

September 15, 2020 by Dafna Leave a Comment

More often than not, I believe that homemade is best. Fresh out of the oven or hot off the stove, typically, tastes better than store bought. Of course, there are a few exceptions, sushi nights at home, for example, never tastes as good as our favorite restaurant. And while I do love making my own ice cream, I’m pretty sure it will never come close to Jeni’s dairy free scoops of heaven. But granola will never come close to seeing that list. There are endless reasons to make your own granola: it’s incredibly easy to make, super customizable, tastes way better than store bought, usually better for you, reduces plastic consumption, and is so much cheaper. Plus, a huge side benefit, it makes your house smell amazing. Which, I think, is reason enough to stop buying the bagged stuff.

It’s been way too long since I’ve made granola and I suddenly had the urge to create a new recipe for a chocolate flavored version. As with most things related to baking, I have very strong opinions about granola specifications. First, and most importantly, it must be chunky and have large clusters. In my opinion, “granola” that is merely small pieces of several ingredients is just a muesli or a baked trail mix. And while those can still be delicious, I wouldn’t categorize them as granola. Granola must have chunks. And secondly, there should be a good variation of textures and flavors. On this point, I’m less specific, but granola is the perfect palate for fun and interesting flavor combinations. (Like this Blueberry Ginger Granola, an oldie but a goodie.)And this (healthy) Chunky Chocolate Granola hits on both those parameters. It’s got huge chunky clusters, it’s just perfectly sweet, and has a deliciously satisfying crunch that is counterbalanced with the chewy dried fruit. I used dried mulberries in this recipe, which I love deeply on their own and, if I’m being honest, I really created this recipe around them. They are wonderfully chewy, subtly sweet, and are similar in flavor to a fig. I have always wanted to bake with them and am happy to say that they are a great addition to granola. And, like most other berries, they are delicious paired with chocolate. If you can’t find or don’t like mulberries, I give a few good substitutions in the recipe below. Basically any dried fruit, that’s not very dry (like mango or pineapple), can be used here like raisins, cranberries, or currants.

This homemade granola is not only delicious, it’s good for you! I’ve packed this granola with so many nutritional powerhouses. Mulberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, walnuts and flax are rich in Omega-3 which is beneficial to your gut and brain, coconut has good healthy fats, oats for fiber and to keep you full, and cacao is rich in iron and polyphenols. This granola is completely sweetened with maple syrup which is a sweetener with benefits! It has nutrients like zinc and calcium. Just remember these things when you’re debating whether you should have another handful or not. And while this granola is delicious on it’s own, it’s the perfect added crunch to a smoothie, in a bowl with your favorite milk, or atop a yogurt bowl. Hopefully I’ve convinced you to go forth and make some granola! I have a feeling after you make this one, you’ll be hooked.

gluten free, naturally sweetened, vegan

If you make this recipe, please feel free to leave a review or rating down below. And I’d LOVE to see your creation! Please tag me on Instagram @freshlydafna and use #freshlydafna.

Print

Healthy Chunky Chocolate Granola

A super easy, but incredibly delicious granola that's so much better than store bought and packed with superfoods and nutrient dense ingredients. It's delicious on it's on or as an added crunch to a smoothie, in a bowl with your favorite milk, or atop a yogurt bowl. Anyway you enjoy it, it's a wonderful healthy snack.

gluten-free, naturally sweetened, vegan

Course Breakfast, Snack

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats gluten free
  • 1 cup raw walnuts roughly chopped
  • 3/4 cup shredded coconuts unsweetened
  • 1/2-3/4 cup dried mulberries optional (see notes)
  • 1/2 cup cacao powder
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup flaxmeal
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl stir together oats, walnuts, 1/2 cup mulberries (or other dried fruit), shredded coconut, cacao powder, sesame seeds, flax, and sea salt until all is well combined, set aside.

  3. Melt the coconut oil with the maple syrup, either in a microwave (about 30 seconds) or in a small pot (over low heat). Once melted, stir together well. Remove from heat. Add in the vanilla and stir again.

  4. Pour the warm maple mixture over the dry ingredients and stir together until everything is well coated.

  5. Spread granola over baking sheet and arrange into one thin, even layer.

  6. Bake for 10 minutes. Then rotate the pan 180 degrees in the oven to ensure even cooking. Bake for another 12-15 more minutes. Granola is done when it has turned a darker shade of brown and smells amazing.

  7. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Once cool, break up into chunks and add additional dried fruit if you like. Keep granola in an airtight container either at room temperature in cool place for a few days or freezer for longer storage.

Recipe Notes

I love mulberries in combination with the chocolatey cacao powder, nuts, and seeds in this recipe. They add the perfect chewy texture to the crunchy granola. If you can't find dried mulberries or just prefer not to use them, feel free to omit completely or substitute for another dried fruit! Other good options are dried cranberries, raisins, currants, blueberries, or strawberries. 

The key to a chunky granola is to not stir it while baking and to leave it as is while it cools, this ensures chunky granola clusters form while it cools. 

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Granola, Vegan Tagged With: antioxidants, breakfast, cacao, chocolate, coconut, coconut oil, dairy free, flax, gluten free, granola, healthy fats, mulberries, naturally sweetened, oats, refined sugar free, sesame, snack, superfood, vegan, walnuts

Paleo Cacao Sea Salt Granola (vegan, naturally sweetened)

November 27, 2017 by Dafna Leave a Comment

No ramblings about life, ingredients, cooking methods or dietary restrictions, just a straight up post with a recipe. An awesome recipe! It’s Cacao Sea Salt Granola, and yes, you should make this immediately. This clustery goodness is chocolate and sea salt heaven. Yep it’s so good your stomach, family, friends, and kitchen will all thank you.

paleo, vegan, gluten free, grain free, low carb, low sugar, refined sugar free, dairy free

Print

Cacao Sea Salt Granola

adapted from my Paleo Granola Recipe

paleo, vegan, gluten free, grain free, low carb, low sugar, refined sugar free, dairy free

This granola is even better than store bought, with a scrumptious chocolate sea salt flavor. It's low in sugar, naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, gluten free, dairy free, grain free, and vegan! It's great to eat as a snack on it's own, on top of yogurt, or in a smoothie!

sunnyside-greens.com

Ingredients

  • 2 cups raw walnuts
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1 cup raw pepitas
  • 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
  • 4 tbsp coconut oil melted
  • 1/4 cup coconut syrup
  • 1 cup coconut shreds
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 cup cacao powder

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 300 F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or baking mat.
  2. In a food processor pulse walnuts, cashews, and pepitas, sunflower seeds in short bursts until coarsely chopped.

  3. In a large bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil and coconut syrup

  4. Then add the chopped nuts/seeds, coconut shreds, vanilla, sea salt and cacao powder to the large bowl. Mix dry with wet ingredients until all is well combined. If everything is not well coated add another tbsp of coconut oil.

  5. Pour granola mixture onto baking sheet ensuring that it is spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes, then stir the granola. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Let cool on baking sheet. No touching.
  8. Once it has rested break up the granola into chunks.
  9. Let cool completely. Enjoy on top of smoothies, yogurt, in milk, or straight up! Store in airtight container.

If you make this recipe I’d love to see your creation! Please either post a comment or picture on this page or if you’re posting on Instagram please tag @freshlydafna and use #freshlydafna.

Filed Under: Breakfast, Granola, Vegan Tagged With: cacao, chocolate, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, granola, healthy fats, low carb, low sugar, naturally sweetened, refined sugar free, vegan

Chocolate Bliss Balls

June 9, 2017 by Dafna Leave a Comment

Bliss balls or fat balls – whatever you might call them, these chocolate balls are the perfect snack. I love them for oh so many reasons, but namely because they are chocolate-y which is usually what I’m craving when I get home from work. They are high in fat, low in carbs, and have NO SUGAR (I use stevia but you can do what is best for you) which means I’ll get stable energy without a sugar crash while I get dinner is ready. These are made using the leftover pulp from my almond milk which reduces waste! I made almond milk from 1 cup of almonds (soaked overnight) and got about 3/4 cup leftover pulp.

So far, these are my favorite balls. They are excellently fudge-y and are not made with tons of special ingredients that I have to make a special trip to the store for, so I can whip these up even on a whim. They are super quick to make and roll into deliciously satisfying sugar-craving-busting-spheres in no time.

So basically, make them!

Chocolate Bliss Balls/Fat Balls

Ingredients

  • leftover nut pulp (I got 3/4 from 1 cup soaked almonds)
  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup cacao nibs
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cacao powder
  • 2 tbsp homemade almond milk (or other non-dairy milk of your choice)
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • dash of sea salt
  • sweetener of your choice (I use this stevia which I like very much)

Throw everything into a food processor and blend until a dough is formed. If it’s still dry try adding some more non-dairy milk. Use a scoop to make portions and roll into balls. Store in fridge or freezer. If storing in the freeze (as I do), let defrost slightly for a few minutes then enjoy!

If you make these (or any other recipe on the site) I’d LOVE to see your creations! Please post your pictures in the comments below or on instagram using #freshlydafna and please tag @freshlydafna.

Looking for more balls – check out these guys.

gluten free/ dairy free/keto/vegan/low carb/grain free/paleo/soy free/good fats

What’s with the affiliate links? I am not sponsored by any company or product. I am always trying out new products and really read labels carefully to ensure I’m selecting quality foods from companies with good practices. The links are to help show you which products I’m currently loving. If you do choose to purchase these products, please use the link to help support Freshly Dafna.

Filed Under: Balls & Bites, Raw/No-Bake, Vegan Tagged With: antioxidants, balls, cacao, cacao nibs, chocolate, coconut, dairy free, dessert, fat bomb, gluten free, grain free, healthy fats, keto, low carb, low sugar, nut pulp, paleo, refined sugar free, sugar free, superfood, vegan

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Dafna Ben-Zeev

Dafna Ben-Zeev

Freshly Dafna
Hi there! I'm Dafna! I'm all about piles of veggies, healthified baking, breaking a sweat as often as possible, yoga, the beach, snacks, farmers markets, and dogs. And I'm so excited to share my recipes with you!Read more...

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