Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chunk Granola {Love Crunch Copycat} Recipe
This Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chunk Granola is a delicious homemade treat that combines the wholesome goodness of rolled oats with rich peanut butter and decadent dark chocolate chunks. Inspired by the popular Love Crunch brand, this granola recipe provides a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, making it ideal for breakfast, snacks, or topping yogurt and desserts. The granola is baked until crispy and studded with roasted peanuts and melty dark chocolate for ultimate indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, natural or regular
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside for baking the granola.
- Combine Oats: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the old-fashioned rolled oats and quick oats to blend the textures evenly.
- Make Wet Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the peanut butter, pure maple syrup, coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Microwave the mixture for 30 to 45 seconds until the peanut butter and coconut oil are melted, then whisk it into a smooth liquid.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats and stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Peanuts: If using, add the roasted peanuts to the oat mixture and toss to distribute them throughout the granola.
- Bake Granola: Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove and stir to ensure even browning. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the dark chocolate chunks or chips across the top. Gently stir them into the granola, then return the pan to the oven for 1 more minute to slightly melt the chocolate.
- Cool Down: Take the granola out of the oven, but do not stir it. Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet so it crisps up as it cools.
- Store: Once cooled, stir or break the granola into clusters and transfer it to an airtight container. Store at cool room temperature for up to several weeks.
Notes
- Use natural or regular peanut butter depending on your preference; natural will give a less sweet flavor.
- If you prefer nut-free granola, omit the roasted peanuts.
- Dark chocolate chunks give a rich flavor, but you can substitute semi-sweet chips if preferred.
- Make sure to not overheat the wet mixture to avoid a burnt flavor when microwaving.
- Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet to ensure maximum crispiness.
