“One handful of this chocolate strawberry granola and I knew I’d never buy store-bought again.”
There’s something magical about the smell of homemade granola drifting through the kitchen — warm oats, toasted pecans, and a hint of chocolate melting into clusters that snap and crumble between your fingers. It’s that comforting mix of crisp and chewy, sweet and nutty, with little bursts of freeze-dried strawberry that taste like summer sunshine.
This Chocolate Strawberry Granola is one of those easy, feel-good recipes that brings together nostalgia and simple pleasure — a tray of golden oats that cools on the counter while everyone wanders in for a “just one bite” that turns into a handful.
Always Something Sweet for the Kids (or You!)
I’ve always loved having something fun on hand when the kids stop by — a little treat that feels homemade without being fussy. This granola fits right in with my other easy go-to recipes like Peanut Butter Oat Bars, soft Vegan Cookies, cozy Pumpkin Cake, or even a handful of Buttery Spiced Nuts. They’re simple to make, they store beautifully, and they bring that same kind of homemade comfort that feels special without taking up your whole afternoon.
And if you’re looking for a thoughtful (and budget-friendly) edible gift, this granola is perfect for gifts in a jar — just fill a mason jar, tie it with a ribbon, and add a handwritten label. It’s wholesome, pretty, and guaranteed to be appreciated.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Granola
You’ll love this easy granola recipe because it’s:
- Crunchy and chewy: The perfect balance of crisp oats and soft chocolate clusters.
- Naturally vegan: Sweetened with agave and made with plant-based chocolate chips.
- Simple and flexible: Use your favorite nuts or seeds — it’s hard to go wrong.
- Snack, breakfast, or gift: Scoop it over yogurt, pack it for lunch, or wrap it up in a jar for someone you love.
About the Oats
Not all oats are the same — and the kind you use makes a big difference.
For the best texture, choose rolled oats (also called old-fashioned oats). They’re steamed and flattened, which helps them toast evenly without getting mushy or powdery. Quick oats bake too fast and can burn, while steel-cut oats stay too hard for granola.
If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between oat types, check out The Kitchn’s guide to oats — it’s a great breakdown of how each kind behaves in baking and cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(See recipe card below for measurements.)
- Old-fashioned oats – for that golden, toasty crunch.
- Pecans, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds – rich, nutty depth and texture.
- Cinnamon + sea salt – warmth and balance.
- Agave + sesame oil – binds everything and adds a subtle toasty note.
- Vanilla extract – rounds out the sweetness.
- Mini vegan chocolate chips – semi-sweet, perfectly melty.
- Freeze-dried strawberries – bright, tangy pops of flavor that make this granola feel like dessert.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Granola
Step 1 – Prep and Combine
Preheat the oven to 275°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 2 – Mix the Wet Ingredients
Whisk together agave, sesame oil, and vanilla. Pour over the dry ingredients, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3 – Bake
Spread evenly on the parchment-lined pan and bake for about one hour, stirring once halfway through, until golden and fragrant.
Step 4 – Add Chocolate and Strawberries
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the warm granola so they melt slightly. Once completely cooled, break into clusters and mix in the freeze-dried strawberries (breaking up any large pieces).
🎁 Serving and Gifting Ideas
This chocolate granola is a treat on its own, but it’s just as delicious over plant-based yogurt, almond milk, or even ice cream. It makes a cheerful holiday or teacher gift — just pack it in a glass jar and add a tag.
And if you’re a granola lover, try my Pumpkin Granola for fall flavor or Crunchy Classic Granola for an everyday favorite.
Final Thoughts
This chocolate strawberry granola brings a little luxury to the everyday — sweet, crunchy, and bursting with flavor. It’s simple enough for meal prep yet special enough to share. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel warm and homey — and maybe a little like your favorite childhood breakfast, reimagined.
Did you love this recipe?
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Chocolate Strawberry Granola
Equipment
- 1 Large Bowl
- parchment paper
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 3 cups Old-Fashioned Oats
- 1/2 cup Pecan Halves and Pieces
- 1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds
- 1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/4 cup agave
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Mini vegan Chocolate Chips semi sweet
- 1 cup Freeze Dried Strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F.
- In a large bowl combine the rolled oats, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon and salt and mix well.3 cups Old-Fashioned Oats, 1/2 cup Pecan Halves and Pieces, 1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds, 1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds, 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
- Stir the agave, sesame oil, and vanilla together.1/4 cup agave, 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil, 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- Pour the liquid mixture over the dry and mix well making sure all the oats are coated.
- Spread onto large parchment paper lined baking sheet.
- Bake for one hour or until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle the chocolate chips over top. Set aside to cool.1/2 cup Mini vegan Chocolate Chips
- When completely cooled, break granola into chunks and mix in the freeze-dried strawberries. Break the strawberries into smaller pieces if they seem too big.1 cup Freeze Dried Strawberries
