Cacao Orange Granola
This Cacao Orange Granola is a total FLAVOUR BOMB and will be a game-changer in your easy breakfasts lineup!
Jump to RecipeINGREDIENTS + INSPIRATION
Growing up, one of my favourite stocking stuffers to receive at Christmastime was those Terry’s Chocolate Oranges. I seriously loved (and still do) the flavour combination of orange and chocolate and wondered why I only ever got acquainted with such a combo during one time of the year. Fast forward and I’m an adult who is vegan and really misses those chocolate oranges!
Who decided that chocolate and orange was just for the holidays? Well, whatever your opinions are on the matter, I am here for all things orange and chocolatey all year round! So let’s get to that recipe, shall we? My Cacao Orange Granola is both vegan and gluten-free, only uses 11 ingredients, and couldn’t be simpler to throw together!
- Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: If you’re not GF, feel free to use regular rolled oats.
- Raw Cashews: For a hearty, buttery bite (plus healthy fats).
- Toasted Coconut Flakes: Naturally sweet and crispy.
- Cacao Nibs: A healthier alternative to chocolate chips, but still gives that rich chocolate flavour and crunch.
- Cacao or Cocoa Powder: Cacao is unprocessed and slightly healthier (and better tasting) but usually more expensive, too, so cocoa will work in a pinch.
- Chia Seeds: Crunch and healthy fibre!
- Sunflower or Cashew Butter: The perfect velvety smooth base to dress the granola up in.
- Vanilla Extract: For irresistible fragrance and sweet flavour.
- Orange Juice + Zest: For that perfect punch of bright and zesty citrus flavour!
- Maple Syrup: For a little natural sweetness.
HOW TO MAKE CACAO ORANGE GRANOLA
This Cacao Orange Granola is a one-bowl wonder! It’s literally as simple as mixing all the ingredients in a bowl, spreading it out on a baking sheet and popping it in your oven. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool down and harden up so I can start snacking on it!
- Whisk together all of the wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Add in all the remaining dry ingredients and combine thoroughly with a large spoon.
- Spread out the granola mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, flipping the pieces over at the 20 minute mark.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Break the pieces up into smaller chunks and enjoy however you please!
IT’S CRUNCH TIME
This Cacao Orange Granola is just so dang yummy. Is there anything that chocolate doesn’t taste good with? When I’m in the mood for something crunchy I’ll just eat a handful of this stuff straight out of the jar, but I have been known to enjoy it over some coconut yogurt with fruit, or simply just eat it like cereal with some non-dairy milk. However you like your granola, I’m positive you’re going to be a fan of this stuff.
If you’ve made it this far into the blog post, you really are an exceptional human! Tried and loved this recipe? I’d be eternally grateful if you left a star-rating and review below!
If you’re looking for more chocolatey treats, you might love my Vegan Protein Brownies, Dark Chocolate Raspberry Scones, or Pomegranate Pecan Fudge!
Lastly, if you made this recipe and decide to share it on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @SteamyVeganKitchen and use hashtag #SteamyVeganKitchen! I seriously love seeing what you’re cooking up!
Cacao Orange Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- ¾ cup raw cashews
- ¾ cup toasted coconut flakes
- ½ cup cacao nibs
- 2 tbsp cacao or cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- ⅓ cup sunflower seed or cashew butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup orange juice
- zest of 1 orange
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- generous pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- To a large bowl, add your maple syrup, vanilla, orange juice, orange zest and sunflower seed butter and whisk it all together until its a perfectly smooth, uniform mixture.
- Add the rolled oats, cashews, toasted coconut flakes, cacao nibs, cacao powder and chia seeds, plus a generous pinch of salt, and carefully fold it all together until all the dry ingredients have been coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully transfer over the granola. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently press and spread the granola into and even layer across the baking sheet.
- Bake the granola for 30 minutes at 325ºF on the middle rack, breaking apart and flipping the granola pieces at the 20 minute mark. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before eating. It will be soft still right after it comes out of the oven, but will harden up as it cools. Enjoy!
