Date and chocolate granola [low in refined sugar]


I think you already know that I am a self-declared breakfast nut. Yep. I wake up in the mornings starving and craving good food. Chia puddings, healthier pancakes, smashed avo on a slice of sourdough, fluffy banana slice, mascarpone scrolls, baked oats, overnight oats, they’re all great. But most mornings, I head straight for the granola cupboard.
And this date and chocolate granola, my oh my. It’s good. And I mean, it’s GOOOOOOD. If you’ve ever thought: “I’d like to eat more healthily in the morning but all the low sugar granolas taste like cardboard”, then this granola is for you.
Sweetened by dates and (dark and/or sugar free) chocolate chips, it’s sweet but low in refined sugar. You get gorgeous little soft chunks of seeds and nuts, stuck together by melted choc chips (and what’s not to love about that!). You will be able to taste subtle sweetness with pops of chocolate, coconut, seeds and nuts – definitely nothing even remotely cardboard-y. Its texture is also anything but dry. To the contrary, it’s fairly moist and “soft” in texture and stays that way in the cupboard too – which makes it delicious for pairing with plant based yoghurt (or tangy Greek yoghurt also works well), your favourite homemade jam and fresh fruit (like pictured below) or just with milk – straight out of the cupboard and no waiting for your granola to soften enough to be edible!
And, almost as a bonus, this breakfast is super nutritious. All those seeds, nuts and goji berries, I mean, c’mon – nutrition has never tasted this GOOOOD!


This date and chocolate granola – the best accident
And to think that this granola might have never seen the light of day! It is based on a recipe for “Breakfast bars 2.0” from Nigella’s cookbook Simply Nigella (which is excellent) which just did not work out for me, the first time I made it.
Yes, it happens to everyone – even if you follow the recipe to a T. The bars tasted delicious but they weren’t bars at all – they crumbled and wouldn’t stay together (looking back, I think I added too much water!). It didn’t take me long to decide that it would be a shame to chuck the whole thing, even if it didn’t want to be cut into bars. So I crumbled it all up and stuck it in my breakfast container. The next morning I had some with milk – and boom! My date and chocolate granola addiction was born.
Since then, I have improved the recipe slightly, tweaking this and that and adding a few ingredients to change the texture (see below).
I think you will understand my obsession with this granola once you taste it – the combination of dates (aka nature’s caramel), chocolate and coconut is unlike any granola I’ve tried before. I particularly enjoy the flavour combination of this soft granola, with smooth and silky yoghurt and homemade cherry berry jam – there is something about the combo of chocolate and cherry, and lightened by the yoghurt, which is just so addictive.
And, if you want to completely fall in love with this granola, try it still warm from the pan while it’s cooling. My daughter is somehow always there when this granola is just ready to eat. She just loves having little bites right out of the pan, with the gooey dark chocolate coating her little fingers and melting in her mouth, and she will come back for more over and over again! And do I mind? Knowing all the good-for-her ingredients in this granola, not at all!

How did I change the Nigella recipe?
When you look at the original Nigella recipe, you will see there’s a few similarities. My biggest goal was to make the whole mixture a little drier so that it would last well when stored in the cupboard at room temperature and wouldn’t need to be stored in the fridge.
To this end, I’ve added hazelnut meal, coconut and nuts, to increase the dry ingredients content in the overall mixture. And I must say, it works really well. I usually make this once a fortnight and will have it almost every day (say, 10 times each fortnight) and it lasts no problem being stored at room temperature over those two weeks. The original mixture was too wet and I stored it in the fridge as I was a little worried about food spoilage and perhaps even growth of harmful bacteria.
I’ve made a few substitutions to the original ingredients too – most importantly, substituting cocoa nibs for chocolate chips (and I think, in my humble opinion, that’s what really makes this recipe so GOOOOD), halving the amount of flaxseeds and swapping the other half for sunflower seeds, adding coconut, substituting cornflakes for brown rice flakes (delicious and more nutritious) and using my favourite five grain porridge instead of normal rolled oats to increase the variety of grains and fibre. But don’t fear, if you don’t have these “fancier” ingredients, cornflakes and rolled oats will work just fine!

Recipe
Date and chocolate granola [low in refined sugar]
Ingredients
Date mixture (first bowl)
- 250 g fresh or dried dates, pitted
- boiling or very hot water (to cover)
Second bowl
- 2/3 cup goji berries
- 1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1/2 cup flaxseeds (linseeds)
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (you can also substitute sugar free chocolate chips like these – I sometimes use a combination of dark and white)
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup brown rice flakes (or cornflakes)
- 1 cup five grains porridge (or rolled oats)
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup hazelnut meal (or you can substitute almond meal, or even LSA mix)
- 1/2 cup macadamia pieces (or lightly crushed macadamias) (or substitute other nuts like cashews, walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts, lightly crushed)
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Additional ingredients
- 1 cup lukewarm water
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 180C. Line a large rectangular baking pan with baking paper.
Date mixture (first bowl)
- Place the dates in a glass bowl and cover with boiling or very hot water (I use hot water just from the tap, it works fine).
- A plastic bowl should be fine too, but just be mindful that the dates might discolour it – glass is safer from that perspective. Set aside to allow the dates to soften.
Second bowl
- In the meantime, place all the "second bowl" ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Gently stir to mix them together.
Date mixture (first bowl)
- Drain the water carefully from the dates (it may still be hot!) and place the softened dates into a food processor, with a cup of lukewarm water.
- Blitz until you get a smooth paste (it shouldn't take long). If you have a little spout on your food processor like I do, make sure you cover it with paper towel or tea towel before you start blitzing, as the water will try and dribble out.
Assembly
- Place the smooth date paste from your food processor into the second bowl with all the other ingredients and mix everything thoroughly together.
- Transfer all of the granola mixture into the pre-prepared baking pan and spread evenly. I usually press it down gently, so that when it bakes and cools, it easily breaks into chunks.
- Pop the baking pan into the pre-heated oven and bake for about 30 minutes until brown around the edges.
- Pull the pan out of the oven and let the granola cool down completely in the pan (unless you want to taste it while it's still slightly warm, in which case totally go for it – it's delicious).
- When the granola is completely cool, go in with your fingers and break the mixture into small soft chunks while you're transferring it into your storage container. Not only this will give you lovely chunks to eat, it will leave you with chocolatey fingers to lick later. Your kids might like to help you with this step. You're welcome.
- See notes below – I usually leave the container uncovered for some time, to ensure that the granola mixture is completely cool – before popping the lid on and storing away.
Notes

Recipe notes
Don’t be scared by the amount of ingredients in this recipe. Most, if not all, are dry, long-life ingredients which you can store in your cupboard. It’s just a matter of prepping the dates, blitzing them, chucking all the other ingredients in a bowl and mixing it all together, then baking. Easy as.
This granola will last in a cupboard for at least two weeks. I store it in a plastic or glass container covered with a lid. It’s important not to put the lid on until your granola is completely cool – this prevents “sweating”. Just leave the granola in the pan to cool down completely, then carefully transfer into your storage container and leave on your kitchen bench with the lid off for a couple more hours, to cool completely, before popping the lid on and storing it away.T
his amount will give you about 10 to 12 portions, depending on the size of your portion. Feel free to halve the amounts the first time around if you like, but ensure you use a smaller pan or a shorter baking time, so you don’t dry out your granola too much.
PS: If you’re looking for a drier, chunky granola full of delicious clusters, consider making my supercharged healthy cookie granola.


74 Comments
Lovely
This looks absolutely delish! I need to try this asap.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Katerina
Thanks Lovely!
Logan
Not sure if you can hear my stomach growling from over here but this post definitely made it happen! Oh my gosh, this sounds and looks amazing! Definitely need to give it a try.
xo Logan
https://peculiarporter.com/
Katerina
My favourite granola, Logan, hope you get to try it!
Georgia
Oooh I am so with you where breakfast is concerned – I look forward to it so much haha, always ravenous when I wake up! This granola looks super delicious, and perfect for the colder months. Can’t wait to give it a whirl <3
//teandtwosugars.blogspot.com xx
Katerina
I am exactly the same! Thanks so much, Georgia.
Judee
I must say that this looks amazinglyGOOOOOOD.! What a fabulous granola.
Katerina
Thanks so much Judee!
Amy
Oh my goodness this granola looks absolutely delicious, I’d love to give it a go! I always find it so disheartening when I look at the back of a granola packet and find that it has lkike 25g of sugar per serving… that’s a helluva lot of refined sugars to start the morning!!
Katerina
Exactly my thinking Amy!! Homemade is so much better sugar content wise and you can add in exactly the ingredients you like!
Rosemary
Wow!! Way to get fall baking started off right! Dates in granola is such an amazing and genius idea! Also– I had a giant bag of goji berries that are just waiting to be cooked into this granola recipe
Katerina
Yes!! And the goji berries are a surprise, I thought they’d be crunchy but they are not – super delightful!
Kelly | Foodtasia
Wow! This is the first thing I would be reaching for in the morning! So many goodies inside and I love that it’s sweetened with dates! (Nature’s caramel – yes!)
Katerina
Thanks so much Kelly – I agree completely!
Neil
Oh this looks great! I love a good granola for breakfast Katerina. You’re right that ones that claim they are “low sugar” aren’t great. I just refuse to buy them anymore. Lynne always insists I make my own breakfast granola now. She’ll love this. I’ll make it soon. Otherwise if I make it now she’ll be asking for it every single day! Ha ha!
Katerina
You’re so right, Neil, I haven’t bought granola in ages! Homemade is so much better and can be tweaked to exactly how you like it. I hope you and Lynne both enjoy this one!
Shannon
This granola looks AMAZING! The date and chocolate mixture is perfection, and I love the addition of sunflower seeds. Definitely looks like the perfect snack or breakfast! And you are so right Katerina–dates are nature’s caramel haha I love it!
Katerina
Thanks so much Shannon, I’m so happy you agree!
Jill
I’m in a breakfast rut and this looks and sounds delicious! I’m pinning!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Katerina
Thanks Jill – enjoy!
Naya
I would love to recreate this recipe! It has been a minute since I’ve had a good bowl of granola. I like that you’ve added dates to it, they are quite sweet naturally so you don’t need to add much to enhance the flavor. Thanks for sharing! xx
Naya
http://www.nayatilly.com
Katerina
Thanks Naya, you’re right about dates!
Jeff the Chef
I love the version with the dice mango on top!
Katerina
Thanks Jeff!
Laura
This looks awesome, Katerina! I make granola all the time, because that’s what I eat EVERY day! Love love love the additon of chocolate chips to this, too! Nice photos!
Katerina
Thanks so much Laura, much appreciated!
sherry
this looks great katerina. who can resist chocolate? and good for you too.:)
Katerina
Well not me! Thanks very much Sherry!
Balvinder
Who would want to skip breakfast when you get this chocolate covered granola!
Katerina
Haha.. exactly my thinking, Balvinder! Thanks so much!
Molly Pisula
This looks so delicious! I eat granola almost every morning and will have to try this recipe–love the idea of using dates in there!
Katerina
I’m so glad, Molly, hope you enjoy it!
Spoonful Passion
This sounds so good and healthy! I think it’s time for me to use up my dates! Thank you for sharing amazing recipe as always 🙂
Katerina
Thanks so much, lovely! I’m so glad you like it.
Raymund
It looks so healthy yet delicious! great flavours and textures
Katerina
I’m really glad you think so, Raymund, thank you!
Sam | Violet Hollow
What a great way to reengineer a recipe that didn’t work out for you! This look so delicious and would definitely be something I would look forward to for breakfast xx
Violethollow.com
Katerina
Thanks so much Sam, that’s much appreciated!
CoCo
This looks amazing, Katerina! I can’t wait to try this recipe. We eat a lot of granola and I’m always shocked at the amount of hidden sugar. This looks like the perfect way to start the day. Hope you have the best week, CoCo
Katerina
Thank you CoCo, I hope you enjoy this granola! All the best.
David @ Spiced
You know what catches my attention on this granola? Well, the dates and chocolate of course – but it’s the sunflower seeds! I love sunflower seeds, but I don’t think I’ve ever added any to my granola. Come to think of it, I haven’t made granola in a while. I think it’s time to pick up some sunflower seeds and make a batch!
Katerina
I love sunflower seeds too, David. I add them to all my granolas – they’re so good! Thank you – I hope you get to make this soon!
Julia Rees
This granola looks so delicious, especially with the greek yogurt and fresh fruit!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Katerina
Thanks very much Julia, appreciated!
Sophie
This sounds absolutely delicious, I love granola recipes that are full of seeds and an abundance of healthy fats. This looks incredible, and your serving suggestion photos with the fruit are mouthwatering too x
Katerina
Thanks so much Sophie, I’m so glad you think so!
Rashmi
Wow…this looks super yummy and healthy…thanks for sharing this amazing recipe…will try it for sure 🙂
Beauty and Fashion/Rampdiary/Glamansion
Katerina
Thanks very much Rashmi!
Michelle
My kids love granola and they love chocolate — love how your sweetened it with dates. I’ll have to make this for them!
Katerina
Thanks so much Michelle, I hope they enjoy it!
Fran @ G'day Souffle
I’m hiking in the Sierra mountains now in California. This granola would be a great snack while hiking in the Mammoth Lake area! (Except I’d have to be careful the black bears don’t get at it)! I appreciate all the work you did in adapting Nigella’s recipe.
Katerina
Haha.. I’m sure the bears would love some of this granola! Your hike sounds amazing Fran – I’m hoping to see some photos soon!
Healthy World Cuisine
This granola looks addictive. You know you start with just a handful for a snack but have to keep going back for seconds and thirds. This might be one of those occassions. Looks extra delicious with the homade jam and yogurt too.
Katerina
Thanks so much Bobbi, it definitely is addictive!
Marissa
My husband and I are granola fiends and this one looks right up our alley! Love that it’s a nice blend of decadent and nutritious!
Katerina
That’s a perfect description for it, thanks Marissa! Hope you and your husband enjoy this one!
sherry
looks delicious katerina even tho i am not really a breakfast person. just a bit of yoghurt for me usually and lots of coffee 🙂
Katerina
Breakfast of champions! Thanks so much Sherry.
jodie filogomo
You always have the best recipes, and I can’t wait to try this.
Should you not store it in the fridge??
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Katerina
Thanks so much Jodie, that made my day! You can absolutely store it in the fridge if you prefer!
Laura Bambrick
This looks so yummy! Especially with the mango and yogurt! I’ve never tried making my own granola but this doesn’t look too hard!
Katerina
It’s not hard at all, Laura, and the advantage is that you can make it exactly how you like it. Hope you get to try this one!
Carrie+@+Curly+Crafty+Mom
I usually just put granola in my smoothies, but ohhh you are making me want to try it your way! It looks so delicious with the yogurt.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Katerina
Ohhhh, I haven’t tried that Carrie – thanks for the tip!
Chef Mimi
This looks wonderful. I love all of Nigella’s cookbooks, but mostly Christmas. Probably because it’s my favorite holiday!
Katerina
Thanks Mimi, so do I, and yes, we’re big fans of Christmas over here!
John / Kitchen Riffs
Gosh, what a terrific looking recipe! Good for breakfast, or as Angie suggest, a daylong snack. 🙂 Good stuff — thanks.
Katerina
Thanks very much John, appreciated!
Kathrine Eldridge
This granola looks and sounds so delicious! That yogurt dish is making me hungry! Thanks for sharing.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Katerina
I’m so glad you think so! Thanks very much Kathrine.
2pots2cook
Totaly agree with Angie ! And, I’d pack some for my office to have at hand !
Katerina
What a great idea! Thanks so much Davorka.
angiesrecipes
This is something I could snack all day long until all gone…they are just too good and addictive!
Katerina
Ahh yes, me too! Definitely perfect as a snack too, you’re so right, Angie! Thanks so much!