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With Salt and Wit

Laugh Often. Eat Well.

31 September 24, 2014 Breakfast

{Lightened Up} Dark Chocolate Chunk Cherry Granola with Pecans

Dark Chocolate Chunk Cherry Granola is a lighter granola made with unsweetened applesauce and honey! Dark chocolate chunks, cherries and pecans make this skinny granola a decedent treat!

A lighter granola made with unsweetened applesauce and honey! Dark chocolate chunks, cherries and pecans make this skinny granola a decedent treat!  #glutenfree #granola #healthy” alt=”alt description” />

A lighter granola made with unsweetened applesauce and honey! Dark chocolate chunks, cherries and pecans make this skinny granola a decedent treat!

You know what get’s me every time?

Target. Or Targeé if you happen to be one of those people.

I cannot deny or confirm I have ever been of those people.

What is it about Target that lures you in? It’s as if they have a subliminal message within 500 feet of their store that makes you stop everything your doing and come linger around the isles and buy non sense.

It has happened far more than I would like to admit.

A lighter granola made with unsweetened applesauce and honey! Dark chocolate chunks, cherries and pecans make this skinny granola a decedent treat!

And apparently I am not alone….have you seen the ‘53 Thoughts Every Girl Has While Shopping at Target“?

I died.

Every single thought has strolled through my head and my poor wallet gets the grunt of it all. But man those sandals that were on sale sure do look cute!

A lighter granola made with unsweetened applesauce and honey! Dark chocolate chunks, cherries and pecans make this skinny granola a decedent treat!

What does this all have to do with granola?

Really not much besides I just fell victim to Target’s subliminal messages yet again. Please tell me I am not alone here?

A lighter granola made with unsweetened applesauce and honey! Dark chocolate chunks, cherries and pecans make this skinny granola a decedent treat!  Granola. We have chit chatted about it not once, but twice before and it’s back. Third time’s the charm!

Today’s version is sans coconut oil and quinoa. Decided to throw you all a curve ball! I added not one but two types of chocolate because we are heading into the holidays and I want to get a head start on my stretchy pants.

Just kidding! My favorite part of this granola is not only the plump dried, tart cherries nor the wholesome and salty pecans but the way that I lightened up the granola. Rather than oil, I subbed applesauce since it proved victorious in my apple bread!  I love the way that is provides moisture yet the honey provides the sweetness and the ability to help form the famous clusters that we all love to pick out of the granola.

This dark chocolate chunk cherry granola is the perfect topper to greek yogurt in the morning or joined in a big ol’ bowl of almond milk.  The dark chocolate and tart cherries work beautifully together to bring some major crunch, a punch of sweetness, a healthy dose of chocolate, a lil fruit into your day and ranks high on the satisfaction scale!

A lighter granola made with unsweetened applesauce and honey! Dark chocolate chunks, cherries and pecans make this skinny granola a decedent treat!  As fall is in full swing, lets all welcome it with open arms and sans stretchy pants for a tad bit longer!

A lighter granola made with unsweetened applesauce and honey! Dark chocolate chunks, cherries and pecans make this skinny granola a decedent treat!

{Lightened Up} Dark Chocolate, Pecan and Chunk Cherry Granola

A lighter granola made with unsweetened applesauce and honey! Dark chocolate chunks, cherries and pecans make this skinny granola a decedent treat!

10 minPrep Time

40 minCook Time

50 minTotal Time

Yields 10

Author:

Megan

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 3 Tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 2/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup dried cherries
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (such as Enjoy Life Chocolate Chunks)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, cinnamon and salt until mixed well.
  3. Toss in pecans and mix well.
  4. Add honey and applesauce. Stir well.
  5. Spread out onto large baking sheet that is lined with a silicon mat or parchment paper.
  6. Place in oven and bake for 10 minutes. Stir, then bake another 10 minutes. Repeat two more times, for a total baking time of 40 minutes. Try not to break up any clumps as you stir.
  7. Once done, remove from oven and if you want, grab granola and squeeze together to create clumps. Let cool then stir in cherries and dark chocolate chunks.
  8. Store in air tight containers.
  9. Enjoy with milk, over yogurt or by the handful!

Notes

*Oven times may vary, so keep an eye on the granola during the lat 10 minutes to ensure it does not burn.

7.8.1.2
116
https://withsaltandwit.com/lightened-dark-chocolate-chunk-cherry-granola/

Hungry for more granola?

Maple Coconut Butter Quinoa Granola

Maple Coconut Butter Quinoa Granola

White & Chocolate Cranberry Quinoa Granola | The Housewife in Training Files

White Chocolate & Cranberry Quinoa Granola

A homemade granola bar bursting with fall flavors of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and vanilla yogurt chips! These bars are full of flavor, moist and healthy so you can indulge this holiday season!

Vanilla Yogurt Pumpkin Pie Granola Bars

If you make this recipe, make sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #HOUSEWIFEINTRAININGFILES. I’d love to see what you are cooking up in your kitchen!

31

Categories: Breakfast Tags: applesauce, breakfast, cherries, chocolate, dark chocolate, gluten free, granola, healthy, honey, nuts, oatmeal, pecans, skinny, snack

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beth @ The First Year says

    September 24, 2014 at 6:55 am

    Friend, I seriously love this combo of chocolate and cherry. And Target.. it gets me every time!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 24, 2014 at 7:36 am

      It's a dangerous place! And Thanks lady!
      Reply
  2. Michele @ Two Raspberries says

    September 24, 2014 at 7:35 am

    chocolate and cherries are one of my favorite combos ;-) this sounds really tasty! YUM!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 24, 2014 at 7:37 am

      It is so addicting! Thanks Michele!!
      Reply
  3. Anna @ Garnish with Lemon says

    September 24, 2014 at 8:03 am

    Ah, Target...gets me every time. Kinda like this granola. I can never resist chocolate-cherry anything!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 24, 2014 at 8:31 am

      Glad I am not the only one! Thanks Anna!
      Reply
  4. Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says

    September 24, 2014 at 8:03 am

    Great idea to use applesauce! I love homemade granola!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 24, 2014 at 8:31 am

      Thank you! It surprisingly works so well here!
      Reply
  5. Tiffany says

    September 24, 2014 at 8:42 am

    I love homemade granola and great idea using the chocolate chunks! Oh, and you're not alone with falling victim to Target's evil, but sometimes good, scheme at making us spend money! :)
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 24, 2014 at 11:22 am

      Thank goodness! It's a trap sometimes! Thanks Tiffany!
      Reply
  6. Marly says

    September 24, 2014 at 10:15 am

    This granola just needs to lighten up! Sheesh. I had to say that. Seriously. This looks amazing!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 24, 2014 at 11:22 am

      Haha, thanks Marly!
      Reply
  7. Lindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen says

    September 24, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    I have a total granola obsession. This looks perfect with the cherries and those big chocolate chunks! Pinned!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 24, 2014 at 12:49 pm

      Gosh so do I! I usually try to pick out all the chocolate chunks...oops! Thanks Lindsay!
      Reply
  8. Matea says

    September 24, 2014 at 4:39 pm

    This granola looks absolutely de-licious! Dried cherries, chocolate chunks and pecans: love them all! And it can count for breakfast!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 24, 2014 at 6:24 pm

      Exactly! How can you not have a great day when it starts with chocolate?! Thanks, Matea!
      Reply
  9. Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector) says

    September 24, 2014 at 7:14 pm

    This sounds super delicious!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 25, 2014 at 6:12 am

      Thank you Jaren! It is my favorite snack for sure!
      Reply
  10. Nicole Neverman says

    September 25, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    Thank you so much for attending week 3 of #PureBlogLove and linking your fantastic blog post. This granola is great, Megan! I love making my own granola so I am always on the lookout for new recipes to try. I adore the combination of chocolate and cherry that you have used here. I can't wait to see what you have in store for our party next week Thursday 8 PM EST- Sundays at midnight . Have a great day! Nicole http://picnicnz.blogspot.co.nz/
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 26, 2014 at 6:11 am

      Thank you so much Nicole! Hope you enjoy this granola. See you at the next party :)
      Reply
  11. Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says

    September 28, 2014 at 6:44 pm

    I'd have this for breakfast any day of the week! Looks fantastic!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      September 29, 2014 at 7:09 am

      I do for sure! Thanks lady!
      Reply
  12. mila furman says

    October 1, 2014 at 10:37 am

    This really looks fantastic! Your pictures are absolutely stunning! I am pinning and sharing you on Facebook :) Thank you for linking with us at #FoodieFridays! Great to see you and we look forward to seeing more of your recipes in the coming weeks!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      October 1, 2014 at 1:02 pm

      OH well thank you! You are making me blush ;)
      Reply
  13. Jaye says

    January 18, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    Hi, Just baked this amazing sounding granola. Mine was burnt by the 30 minute mark. It was fine at 20 but in the last 10 minutes I had dried out burnt granola. Was 325F the right temp? Just checking~ if it was then I'll check my oven temp settings although it has been spot on for other items. No blame, it's all about trying and changing so I'll cook it for less next time. I added all the chocolate and cherries in the hopes it will help. I mean, you can't go wrong with just eating the choc and cherries. ;) Thanks.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      January 18, 2015 at 4:13 pm

      Oh no! I am so sorry Jaye! I have made that granola a few times at that oven temp but it is probably different ovens. I will add a note so others know to watch it! I hope the chocolate and cherries make it better!
      Reply
      • Jaye says

        January 18, 2015 at 8:22 pm

        Not to worry. It's a unique granola. I did everything as stated so it has to be the oven. Thanks for answering.
        Reply
        • Meg says

          January 19, 2015 at 6:31 am

          Of Course!
          Reply
  14. Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says

    February 7, 2015 at 8:44 am

    This would be perfect over greek yogurt, indeed!!!! And re: Target, I have zero self-control. So I only go in like once a month or less, lol!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 7, 2015 at 9:04 am

      Oh yum! I love that idea!
      Reply
  15. Sherri @ The Well Floured Kitchen says

    February 7, 2015 at 9:09 am

    Yup target sure can drag you into buying I don't know what.. Wow- I never would have thought to use applesauce in granola. This looks amazing and so full of chocolatey goodness!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 7, 2015 at 1:19 pm

      It works pretty darn well! Thanks Sherri!
      Reply
  16. Chicago Jogger says

    February 7, 2015 at 9:27 am

    I love how you sweetened this with applesauce - such a great idea!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 7, 2015 at 1:19 pm

      it works like a charm!
      Reply
  17. Myrthe says

    February 8, 2015 at 8:39 am

    Thanks for posting this! I made it this afternoon, it's great (I was kind of eating it by the handful before it'd even cooled..)! I especially love the applesauce! I've made my own granola with coconut oil before and sadly it tends to give me a really bad stomach ache, so this is a really great alternative. Next time I'll probably use dried cranberries instead of cherries though, because dried cherries aren't really available here (the one kind I found was shockingly expensive as well). Still, it's delicious!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 9, 2015 at 8:46 am

      That is so great to hear Myrthe! And that is too bad to hear about the coconut oil, but glad we found you an alternative. And I love the cranberries idea; they would work wonderful here! Enjoy!
      Reply
  18. Connie | URBAN BAKES says

    February 9, 2015 at 10:05 am

    I LOVE Target and yes, I am one of those people would calls it Targee when I'm kidding around lol. PS: this granola sounds lovely. I like that you added chocolate in it too!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 9, 2015 at 10:27 am

      Yes! Another Targee follower! Thanks Connie!
      Reply
  19. Lauren | From Everyday To Gourmet says

    February 9, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    Holy cow, that granola is SCREAMING my name!! I can't wait to make it - PINNED!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 9, 2015 at 5:45 pm

      Oh that is great to hear! Hope you love!
      Reply
  20. Becky | The Cookie Rookie says

    February 10, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    I still haven't tried making granola...this makes me want to try! So delish!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 10, 2015 at 4:06 pm

      Girl you need to! I love it!
      Reply
  21. Julia says

    March 12, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    Hey! I made this today and the flavor is so great...sweet but not too sweet. However, the granola is so darn hard to chew. I regularly make my own granola, and I've never had a batch turn out so hard. Any suggestions? Thanks!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      March 13, 2015 at 6:28 am

      Hi Julie! Glad the flavor was great, but I would suggest not baking it as long. During the last 10 minutes or so, just watch it and see if it is getting too done. If so, just remove! All ovens are different so that is why I put on there you have to keep an eye on it! Hope that helps :)
      Reply
  22. Mary says

    March 7, 2019 at 8:09 am

    Do you have the nutritional values for this recipe? Thank you :)
    Reply
    • Megan Kohrs says

      May 5, 2019 at 11:37 am

      Hi Mary, I do not but you can use an online nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients if you wish!
      Reply
  23. Suzanne says

    April 29, 2022 at 9:12 pm

    This looks so good! What a great snack or breakfast meal prep for the whole family!
    Reply
  24. Vanessa says

    April 29, 2022 at 9:13 pm

    Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
    Reply
    • Megan Kohrs says

      September 29, 2022 at 8:32 am

      I would say a week in an air tight container!
      Reply

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Hi There!

I'm Megan! A wife, mama and have a serious love of nutritious, time-saving meals with a knack for meal prep hacks. I crave simple, wholesome and balanced meals with a bit of humor on the side! Welcome to my kitchen. Read More…

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