Two Flavors: Cranberry Almond & Pecan Raisin
Wholesome homemade granola made with oats, cacao, chocolate chips, and date paste — naturally sweet, perfectly crunchy, and full of flavor. Choose between Cranberry Almond or Pecan Raisin variations for your next breakfast or snack.
🥣 Introduction
If you love the smell of toasted oats and melted chocolate filling your kitchen, this recipe is for you.
These two granola variations — Cranberry Almond and Pecan Raisin — are made with simple, nourishing ingredients and naturally sweetened using date paste instead of refined sugar.
Both share a rich cacao base and that irresistible crunch, making them the perfect guilt-free snack or breakfast topper.
📝 Ingredients
Base Mix
3 cups rolled oats ½ cup unsweetened cacao powder ½ cup chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips ½ cup date paste (see note below) 3 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp cinnamon Pinch of sea salt 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins (choose your flavor combo)
For Cranberry Almond Granola:
½ cup sliced almonds ½ cup dried cranberries 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
For Pecan Raisin Granola:
½ cup chopped pecans ½ cup raisins 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
🍯 Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine oats, cacao, cinnamon, and salt. Add wet ingredients: Warm the date paste slightly so it mixes easily. Add olive oil and vanilla, then stir into the oats until evenly coated. Fold in add-ins: Mix in your chosen nuts, seeds, and dried fruits (leave chocolate chips for later). Bake: Spread the granola evenly on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Cool completely: Once golden and crisp, remove from oven and let it cool fully before adding chocolate chips. Store: Transfer into airtight jars — stays fresh up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
💡 Notes
Date Paste: Blend 1 cup pitted dates with ⅓ cup warm water until smooth. Oil Options: Olive oil adds a mild, savory depth; coconut oil works great if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Serving Ideas: Enjoy it with Greek yogurt, smoothie bowls, or as a crunchy snack by itself.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Naturally sweetened (no refined sugar)
✔ Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants
✔ Deep chocolate flavor from real cacao
✔ Customizable for endless mix-in variations
📸 My Batch
The photos above show both versions straight from my kitchen:
🥄 Cranberry Almond Granola — tangy, nutty, and rich in cacao.
🥄 Pecan Raisin Granola — warm, buttery, and perfectly balanced with dark chocolate.
🧭 Tags
granola, healthy breakfast, chocolate granola, cacao granola, homemade snack, plant-based, refined sugar-free, olive oil recipes, cranberry almond, pecan raisin, sizzling diaries recipes
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