German Chocolate Cake Granola

I am officially a cereal enthusiast!  That is why this German Chocolate Cake Granola is right up my alley.  I also admit I am a boring when it comes to breakfast foods.  My kids love a variety of breakfast foods available to them every day, savory and sweet.  I’m happy if I have about three different cereals to choose from.  Preferably gluten free (Rice Chex in a few flavors), some granola and whole oats to sprinkle on top.  Once in a blue moon, I mix it up with a gluten free waffle or homemade muffin.  A bowl of cereal, coffee and a glass of OJ is all this simple gal requires at 6:30 am.

The idea for this granola has been working itself around my foodie brain for a few weeks now.  I always try and keep one homemade breakfast item around the house and granola is so simple to make and very easy to dress up for any occasion.

I love the combination of chocolate and coconut.  Love is putting it mildly.  I also love taking this flavor combo to the next level by adding pecans and brown sugar to make this healthy granola taste exactly like German Chocolate Cake.

Using whole oats, toasted quinoa, unrefined coconut oil and pure maple syrup create a relatively healthy granola.  It’s so delicious when paired with your favorite Greek yogurt.

It’s great by itself with a little milk or just for munching when you’re hankering for something sweet. 

As well, it makes a great holiday gift.

This granola is so simple to make and will dress up your holiday breakfasts or your undemanding bowl of cereal in a snap.

German Chocolate Cake Granola
Recipe by Liz Hughes

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups whole oats (gluten free is optional)
• 2 tablespoons uncooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cooking Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl mix the first 6 ingredients until thoroughly combined.
3. In a small bowl whisk oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Slowly pour syrup mixture into oats until all of the oats look coated and wet.
4. Pour oats onto two baking sheets and spread into a thin layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once.
5. Remove pans from oven and let sit until completely cooled. Transfer to an airtight container and mix in chocolate chips.