When I first went vegan back in high school, I would make upwards of three smoothie bowls a day and top each bowl with heaps of homemade granola. They were the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert! When I came back from college the other day for winter break, I began feeling nostalgic for comforting flavors. I decided to play around in my kitchen and come up with a new granola recipe to compliment my smoothie bowl. The result was this chocolaty, almond-coconut granola! 

This granola combination is one that I simply could not put down. It is high in plant-protein because of the Shanti Bars. The flavor is full of chocolaty nutty coconut goodness, and the almonds and baked maple syrup make the texture of the granola crunchy and irresistible. I hope that you enjoy its deliciousness as much as I did! 

INGREDIENTS (Yields 4-5 servings)

• 2 Salted Nutty Caramel Coconut Shanti Bars

• 1/3 Cup almonds

• 1 Cup oats

• 1/3 Cup coconut shreds

• 1/4 Tsp. cinnamon

• 1 Tbsp. almond butter

• 2 + 1 Tbsp. maple syrup

• 1/3 Cup vegan chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350F

2. In a food processor or blender, blend the Salted Nutty Caramel Coconut Shanti bars until they are finely ground.

3. Add in the almonds, oats, coconut shreds, and cinnamon and pulse a couple of times, just until all of the ingredients are mixed together and the almonds are broken down a bit. Do not blend the mixture for too long, otherwise the texture will be one-note!

4. Transfer the mixture into a bowl and add in the almond butter and 2 Tbsp. of the maple syrup. Mix the mixture with clean hands or a spatula until evenly combined.

5. Transfer the mixture evenly onto a pan that is lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Halfway through baking, take out the granola, lightly mix it, and drizzle the remaining tablespoon of maple syrup on top of the granola before placing the granola back into the oven for the remaining time.

6. Once the granola is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. While the granola is still warm, thoroughly mix in the chocolate chips so that the chocolate begins to melt and evenly coat the granola.

7. Let the granola cool and enjoy by itself or on top of your favorite bowl of oatmeal, ice-cream, or smoothie-bowl!

8. Store the remaining granola in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.