If you’re craving something crisp, golden, and richly spiced to brighten up your breakfasts or snacks, Chai-Spiced Granola is an absolute must-try. Imagine your kitchen filled with the fragrance of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, each crunchy cluster bursting with warm, toasty flavors and that signature chai twist. This recipe brings together hearty oats, buttery nuts, and lightly sweetened coconut, marrying them with robust chai spices for an irresistible homemade treat that suits everything from quick weekday mornings to leisurely brunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic really starts with a handful of pantry staples and a carefully balanced blend of spices. Each ingredient brings something distinct: crunch, subtle sweetness, nourishing goodness, or a pop of color—making your Chai-Spiced Granola both wholesome and absolutely delicious.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These form the crispy, hearty backbone of your granola and absorb those chai spices beautifully.
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts): Pick your favorites for a satisfying crunch and subtle depth of flavor.
- Unsweetened coconut flakes: Lightly toasted, the coconut brings delicate sweetness and chew to every bite.
- Ground flaxseed (optional): A secret superfood boost of fiber and omega-3s, this helps bind and crisp your clusters.
- Maple syrup or honey: These natural sweeteners help everything stick while infusing complex, gentle sweetness.
- Coconut oil or butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and ensures your granola bakes up golden and crunchy.
- Vanilla extract: For that luscious, fragrant finish that ties the chai spices together.
- Ground cinnamon: The foundation of any chai blend—warm, inviting, and oh-so aromatic.
- Ground ginger: Lively and zesty, this is essential for a true chai kick.
- Ground cardamom: The unmistakable floral, peppery lift that makes chai granola extra-special.
- Ground cloves: A hint goes a long way, adding deep, spicy warmth.
- Ground allspice: For a subtle, earthy background flavor that rounds out the chai notes.
- Salt: Just a pinch to wake up all the other flavors.
- Dried fruit (cranberries, chopped dates): Stirred in after baking, they offer pops of sweet-tart and chewy goodness.
How to Make Chai-Spiced Granola
Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only makes clean-up a breeze but also helps your Chai-Spiced Granola toast evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your rolled oats, chopped nuts of choice, coconut flakes, and flaxseed if you’re choosing that extra nutrient boost. Give everything a gentle toss so the textures are distributed evenly, setting the stage for perfectly uniform clusters.
Step 3: Prepare the Chai-Spiced Liquid
In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), gently heat the maple syrup or honey together with the melted coconut oil or butter and vanilla. Add the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, allspice, and salt directly to the warm mixture. Stir well—this ensures your granola gets the signature notes of chai spice in every cluster.
Step 4: Combine and Coat
Pour the warm, fragrant chai-spiced liquid over your dry oat mixture. Now for the fun part—stirring until everything is thoroughly coated. You want all those oats and nuts to glisten and soak up the aromatic blend so every bite of your Chai-Spiced Granola is bursting with warm flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture evenly over your prepared baking sheet. Try to keep the layer relatively thin for even baking, and press down slightly for irresistible chunks. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even toasting until it’s deeply golden and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Step 6: Cool and Add Dried Fruit
Remove from the oven and let your granola cool completely on the pan (it’ll get even crispier this way). Once cool, sprinkle in your dried fruit—whether you love tangy cranberries or sticky-sweet dates—then toss gently to distribute.
How to Serve Chai-Spiced Granola
Garnishes
Top your Chai-Spiced Granola with an extra shower of coconut flakes, a scattering of fresh berries, or a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can take things to the next level, especially if you’re after a decadent brunch vibe.
Side Dishes
This granola shines alongside a smoothie bowl, a steaming mug of chai tea, or a simple parfait layered with yogurt and seasonal fruit. You could even pair it with a bowl of milk, oat milk, or almond milk for a nostalgic cereal moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making little granola snack jars layered with fruit and yogurt for grab-and-go breakfasts, or package it in cute bags as thoughtful homemade gifts. You can even sprinkle Chai-Spiced Granola over roasted pears or vanilla ice cream for a surprising dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your Chai-Spiced Granola in an airtight container at room temperature, where it’ll stay crispy and fresh for up to two weeks. Keeping it airtight is key—nobody wants soggy granola!
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some away for later (or double the batch), this granola freezes beautifully. Use a freezer-safe bag or container, and simply scoop out servings as needed. Let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying—it’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made it.
Reheating
While you don’t really need to reheat granola, if you find it’s lost some crunch, just pop it back on a baking sheet and warm it in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5–7 minutes. Let it cool and it’ll crisp right back up.
FAQs
Can I make Chai-Spiced Granola gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to choose certified gluten-free rolled oats, and double-check your spices and mix-ins for hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Which nuts taste best in Chai-Spiced Granola?
Almonds, pecans, and walnuts are all wonderful, but you can customize with pistachios, cashews, or hazelnuts if you prefer. Each nut brings its own unique character to the mix, so feel free to experiment.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply use maple syrup as your sweetener and choose coconut oil instead of butter, and your Chai-Spiced Granola will be entirely plant-based.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level?
Definitely. If you prefer less sweetness, use a bit less maple syrup or honey. For more or less of that chai warmth, adjust the individual spices to your taste—it’s your breakfast, after all!
What’s the best way to get big chunks in my granola?
For those coveted clusters, press the mixture down firmly on the baking sheet before baking and avoid stirring too much as it bakes. Once it cools, break into big, satisfying pieces.
Final Thoughts
Whip up a batch of Chai-Spiced Granola and you’ll have a perfectly spiced, endlessly snackable treat ready for any breakfast or afternoon craving. It’s simple, customizable, and always rewards you with warm, cozy flavors that feel like a hug in a bowl. Go on—give this recipe a try and let your kitchen fill with those magical chai aromas!
Print
Chai-Spiced Granola Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 6 cups
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chai-Spiced Granola recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional granola, infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack!
Ingredients
For the Granola:
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional)
For the Spiced Liquid:
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
To Add After Baking:
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as cranberries or chopped dates, added after baking)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Granola: In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, coconut flakes, and flaxseed if using.
- Prepare the Spiced Liquid: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt maple syrup (or honey), coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir in the chai spices.
- Coat the Granola: Pour the spiced liquid over the oat mixture and stir until evenly coated. Spread onto the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and fragrant. Cool completely, then stir in dried fruit.
- Store: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Delicious with yogurt, milk, or on smoothie bowls.
- Customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, or spices.
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