Chocolate Fig Grain-Free Granola is crunchy and nutty, with a base of buckwheat flakes and pecans, and sweetened with dried figs and maple syrup. You’re going to want to add this one to your breakfast line up!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY VALLEY FIG GROWERS. AS ALWAYS, ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE BRANDS THAT MAKE CRUMB TOP BAKING POSSIBLE.
Chocolate for breakfast! That’s cool, right? I’m hoping you know me well enough by now to know that I look for any opportunity to add chocolate to a recipe. And when that recipe also involves Valley Fig Growers’ California Figs, I get a little over-excited! The combo of chocolate and figs is just too delicious.
I first discovered Valley Fig Growers and their Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice and Sun-Maid California Figs last year when I attended the Everything Food Conference in Utah. There was a snack table set up with figs, cheese and other goodies that we could munch on in between conference sessions. I’ll be honest. I made multiple trips to this table.
And I also came home with quite a few snack-sized bags of Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice Mission Figlets packed in my carry-on luggage.
Okay, I didn’t exactly come home with them. I actually devoured all of them on the flight home. But you guys, these are seriously the plumpest and juiciest figs I’ve ever tasted. And I couldn’t risk having them confiscated going through customs……right?
Fast forward a few months, and I was beyond excited when Valley Fig Growers reached out to collaborate. Let me tell you, it’s been a figgin’ good time in my house these past few months as I’ve been recipe testing with these delicious gems. (And sorry, I couldn’t resist that pun!)
So you might remember a few weeks back, I shared this savoury Tuscan Salad using California Mission Figs. Well, today, I’m going all sweet on you with my new favourite granola mix. And this one is made with a double dose of California Golden Figs.
What’s the difference between Golden Figs and Mission Figs?
Golden and Mission figs are the two main varieties of figs grown in California. Golden Figs are amber-colored, with a slightly nutty taste, while Mission Figs are sweeter with a dark purple colour.
I often use them interchangeably in recipes, and I’ve even made this granola using Mission Figs. But since Golden Figs have a nutty taste, they pair nicely with this nut-based granola.
Why you’ll love this Chocolate Fig Grain-Free Granola:
- The double dose of figs. They’re not only topping the granola, but they’re baked into the granola, which adds a nice taste and texture.
- Chocolate for breakfast. This granola hits you with cocoa and dark chocolate chips. And that should definitely motivate you to get out of bed in the morning!
- It’s grain-free and gluten-free, thanks to the buckwheat flakes. If you’re not familiar with my buckwheat obsession, it’s well documented in these donuts, waffles and muffins.
- This granola is also refined sugar-free. Aside from the dark chocolate chips, these crunchy clusters are sweetened with just maple syrup and figs.
- You can serve this granola up with just some almond milk, or you can sprinkle it on smoothie bowls and yogurt, or even on toast! (Yes, granola on toast is a thing in my house!)
Some tips for making Chocolate Fig Grain-Free Granola:
- If you don’t have buckwheat, and don’t need this granola to be grain-free, you can just use rolled oats.
- I usually just spread the granola out on a baking sheet and bake it. But for an even crunchier granola, you can press the granola mixture into the pan before baking it.
- Use a light coloured baking sheet to bake the granola. Darker sheets tend to burn the bottom of granola more quickly.
- The granola won’t be totally crunchy when you remove it from the oven, but it will get crispy as it cools.
- Let the granola cool completely before adding the chocolate chips. Otherwise, the chocolate chips will melt all over the granola. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, I’m just saying it will happen!
- Add the chopped figs for the topping just before serving. Otherwise, if the juicy figs are stored with the granola, the granola will lose some of its crunch.
If you make this Chocolate Fig Grain-Free Granola, I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
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Chocolate Fig Grain-Free Granola
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus time for granola to cool)
- Yield: 5 cups
- Category: Breakfast; Snacks
Description
Chocolate Fig Grain-Free Granola is crunchy and nutty, with a base of buckwheat flakes and pecans, and sweetened with dried figs and maple syrup. You’re going to want to add this one to your breakfast line up!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid California Golden Figs, stems removed, divided into two half cups
- 1 cup buckwheat flakes
- 1/2 cup raw pecans
- 1/2 cup raw hulled sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 1/2 cup toasted coconut slices (or chips)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, add 1/2 cup of figs, buckwheat flakes, pecans, sunflower seeds, maple syrup, coconut oil and cocoa. Process on high until the mixture is crumbly. Add in the coconut slices and process until they are in little pieces but still noticeable.
- Spread the granola mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle on the sea salt and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges start to brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and stir in the chocolate chips.
- Chop the remaining figs into small pieces, and add to the granola just before serving.
Notes
- If you don’t need this granola to be grain-free, you can use rolled oats instead of buckwheat flakes.
- Use a light coloured baking sheet to bake the granola. Darker sheets tend to burn the bottom of granola more quickly.
- To make the granola even more crunchy, press it into the pan before baking.
- The granola will get crispy as it cools, so let it cool completely before breaking it into clusters and adding the chocolate chips.
- Add the chopped figs for the topping just before serving. Otherwise, the juicy figs will cause the granola to lose some of its crunch if stored together.
Chocolate and figs…yes please! Oh, this granola sounds so decadent, yet healthy too. I cannot wait to try it!
Thanks Sherri! The dark chocolate definitely adds a decadent touch!
Yum, what a delicious twist on granola, this is such a great recipe! Totally worth waking up for or even sprinkling over ice cream for a late night snack!
Sabrina, I like the way you think! The crunch from this granola would be awesome as an ice cream topping! Thanks for stopping by!
I love how crunchy those clusters look! And any granola with added chocolate gets my attention! Great recipe Leanne
Thanks Tanya! I love a crunchy granola, and this one won’t disappoint! Enjoy the rest of your week!
I love that the figs are baked in and topped on the granola. The sweet chewiness is the perfect compliment to the rest of the crunchy granola. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Rachel! That’s totally why I can’t stop eating this granola! Love the chewiness with the crunch!
Great recipe…I love figs and granola but never tried them together!
Pictures are amazing as usual
Thanks Terry! They go well together! Definitely worth a try!
Beautiful morning treat! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks Marilyn! Great in the morning, and I just ate it for a bedtime snack too! 😉
I love chocolate in just about everything, my hubby does not. Not that he doesn’t like chocolate, he just doesn’t love it as much as I do. SOOOO, when I make your delicious chocolate fig granola, it will be mine, all mine! This looks so delicious.
Haha! I like the way you think Elaine! My hubby likes chocolate but doesn’t get a chance to eat this granola. I store it in a container and hide it so I don’t have to share! 😉
chocolate for breakfast? Yes please!! I’m loving the sound of this granola, the combo of chocolate and fig sounds delicious, Leanne! Definitely needs to give this a try next time I pick up some figs! Another lovely creation 😀
Thanks Dana! You’re always too kind with your comments! Hope you get a chance to make it. If you lived closer, I’d make a batch for you!
Oh I would love that!! It’s a perfect reason to visit you, anyway. I’ll be right there! haha Thank you Leanne! 😀
Thanks Dana! You can drop by any time! I’ll have some of this granola waiting for you!
I’m a huge fig lover and I live in California, so I’m all over those figs! 🙂 Chocolate and figs are such a wonderful combination and those golden figs look so special. I’m loving this recipe! I’m going to EFC this year are you??
Thanks Marcie! I’d love to live in California to be closer to figs…..and warmer weather! Yes, I’m going to EFC again this year. Looking forward to finally meeting you in person!
Looks amazing, Leanne! I loved your pun, by the way 😉 I am a huge granola lover as you know, and always up for a grain-free version. Can’t wait to try out your recipe!
Thanks Katherine! I’m not great at the puns, but couldn’t resist that one! I know your love for granola rivals mine! I’ve been loving grain free versions lately. Would love to know what you think if you try this one!
This looks so delicious! I love figs to. The texture with the buckwheat base looks so spot on! Im not sure I could stop once I started snacking on this 😉 . Take care.
Thanks Stacey! I’m not going to lie. I have to hide this granola in the cupboard. Otherwise, I am constantly snacking on it! Hope you’re having a great week!
Leanne, this granola looks fabulous! Chocolate for breakfast is a big YES! And those figs look so delicious. I didn’t realize they came in two different types. They’re beautiful!
Thanks Kelly! I’m glad you agree! Chocolate for breakfast, even if it is just a few chocolate chips, is always a nice way to start the day!
Looks like a great granola Leanne!
Thanks Patrick!
You know how I feel about chocolate and granola! So this combination just looks absolutely amazing!! I bet the figs add an amazing texture and sweetness. Happy Monday, Leanne!
Yes, I know how you feel! Thanks Haylie! The figs are baked into the granola, in addition to topping it, so they really do add a great taste and texture!
What a great idea to add the figs Leanne! And I love that this granola is a chocolate version too! On my list! Pinned!
Thanks Mary Ann! I had to add some cocoa and chocolate chips! Appreciate you pinning!
Ahhhh! I’m always looking for a good little granola to top my morning yogurt with! This is it!! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Annie! It would add a nice little crunch to your yogurt and the figs have an awesome taste and texture!
There’s no going wrong here with chocolate + figs! And chocolate for breakfast? I like the way you think 😉 Wish I had some right about now…looks absolutely scrumptious, Leanne 🙂
Thanks Dawn! I think chocolate for breakfast, especially on a Monday, should be mandatory! Hope your week is off to a great start!
I love that you love to add chocolate to everything–I’m the same way (that probably goes without saying right?). This sounds DELICIOUS! It’s impossible to go wrong with figs and chocolate 🙂
Thanks Kelsie! Figs and chocolate are a great duo! And I’m so glad you understand my desire to add chocolate to just about everything! Have a great week!