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CHUNKY MONKEY GRANOLA

Is there anything better than peanut butter and chocolate?  We think not.  This highly addictive granola is best served with a splash of oat milk and mounds of fresh sliced bananas (but we won’t judge you if you eat it by the handful out of the jar)! Enjoy our recipe for Chunky Monkey Granola, just in time for fall!

This recipe was originally slated for Cookbook #2, but I overshot the runway with granola recipes (can you blame me?), so it didn’t make the cut. The cookbook’s loss is your gain my friends. This recipe is way too good to not put out in the world! Since it was already shot for the cookbook, the images in this blog are by the fabulous Rachelle Beatty Photography and styled with help from Team Jilly,

Dare I say it, but school is coming and having a batch of this means healthier mornings for my family. I’m such a sucker for homemade granola… so much so, that I not only always have a batch on hand in a big jar, but I even have a Granola Print for my tried and true recipe! I told you I love it. 

Healthy Homemade Granola

Granola is rich in fiber (especially heart-friendly beta-glucan) and protein, making it a go-to breakfast or snack option for me as a dietitian! Plus, the crunch and diverse flavour options mean it’s hard to get bored. 

A small portion of granola (typically 1/3-1/2 cup if you’re counting) is a great way to start the day and helps keeps you full for longer. Since it is relatively dense in calories I tend to use it as a topper for cereal, smoothie bowls or yogurt parfaits with extra fruit.  

This recipe does feature yummy chunks of chocolate, but you can substitute raisins for the chocolate should you wish or add 1 cup of banana chips (get them at the bulk foods store) to the mixture at the end after baking. Have fun with the ingredients; I mix it up all of the time with different varieties of nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Some of my favourite granola recipes include my classic Top Secret Granola or Gingerbread Granola. 

Are Peanuts Healthy?

Peanuts are in fact not a true nut, but belong to the legume family.  While they are high in fat, this type of fat is the healthier polyunsaturated fat, otherwise known as ‘good fat’.  They are also rich in fibre and plant based protein along with many other nutrients such as magnesium.  While a small portion of the population is allergic to peanuts, most can safely enjoy them knowing that they are an affordable nutrient rich food to include in a diet.

How To Enjoy Granola For Breakfast

Ned inspiration o how best to enjoy your granola?! Here are my favourite away to eat it:

  • Loaded with fresh fruit
  • Topped with milk of choice
  • Sprinkled on top of yogurt for a parfait
  • Handfuls for a healthy grab-and-go snack
  • As a garnish on a smoothie bowl

Vegan Chunky Monkey Granola

This recipe can be made vegan by using vegan chocolate chips and can be also made gluten-free if using certified gluten-free ingredients (ie: oats)! Jilly has a similar Vegan & Gluten Free Banana Bread Granola recipe you should check out too!

Chunky Monkey Granola

Is there anything better than peanut butter and chocolate? We think not. This highly addictive granola is best served with a splash of oat milk and mounds of fresh sliced bananas, but we won’t judge you if you eat it by the handful out of the jar. You can substitute raisins for the chocolate should you wish or add 1 cup of banana chips to the mixture at the end after baking!

 Course Breakfast
 Cuisine American
 Keyword granola, chunky monkey, peanut butter, banana
 Servings 10 cups
 Author Fraiche

Ingredients

    • 5 cups old-fashioned oats
    • 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup natural smooth peanut butter
    • ¼ cup neutral oil or melted coconut oil
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla
    • ½ cup hemp hearts
    • ½ cup roasted peanuts
    • 1 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips optional

Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 325 F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. In a large bowl combine the oats, coconut, cinnamon and salt.
  1. In a separate medium bowl whisk together the peanut butter, oil, maple syrup and vanilla. Drizzle it over the oat mixture, stir to combine (use your hands if necessary).

  2. Spead the granola evenly on the prepared pan and bake for approximately 20 minutes, until a light golden brown, tossing half way through. Remove from the oven to cool. Once cooled, stir in the hemp hearts, peanuts and chocolate. Store in a covered container at room temperature for up to 1 month.

 

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