Chai spiced granola is an easy, make ahead breakfast recipe that's filled with warm & cozy chai spices. Make a batch of crunchy granola to last all week long - toss onto your morning yogurt or grab a handful as a snack.
Making your own granola at home is easy as can be! This homemade spiced chai granola is made with just 5 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the oven.
My chai spice blend is made with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and pepper (but is easily customized!). These spices give your granola a warm, lightly spiced flavor that I think you'll enjoy. Oats, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts make this granola hearty and filling!
Granola makes a fantastic weekday breakfast. Top your morning yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious and filling breakfast. Or, add milk and sliced bananas for an instant breakfast cereal!
Chai origins
Thousands of years ago, chai was a sweet, spiced drink that didn't even contain tea leaves. In the 1800s, what we now call masala chai made its first appearance, and was made with tea, sweetener, milk, and spices.
Chai is made differently all around the world, and even differs by family in the same regions.
If you're making your own chai spice blend for this recipe, feel free to customize it however you'd like. If you love ginger, feel free to add more ginger and less cinnamon, or vice versa.
For more information, check out this article: The Spruce Eats: The History of Chai Tea
Ingredients and substitutions
Old fashioned oats are recommended because they have a better texture for granola. Quick cook oats are thinner, powdery, and take less time to bake, but will work in a pinch. See the recipe card notes for substituting your oats.
Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or brown sugar.
Shredded coconut can be sweetened or unsweetened, depending on how sweet you'd like your granola.
Chopped nuts can be any kind you have on hand, like walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
Chai spices can be homemade (check out my recipe here: chai spice blend) or store bought.
You can also find it on Amazon: Spicewalla Masala Chai Spice 3.7 oz
How to make big granola clusters
The key to making big granola clusters is to not disturb your granola once it's spread onto your baking sheet. Simply rotate your baking sheet once during baking instead of stirring.
Once your granola is done baking, allow it to set, undisturbed, until cooled completely. Then, scoop into your desired storage container until ready to enjoy.
Ways to use granola
Chai spiced granola makes a great topping for plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, and pudding.
If you're making a yogurt parfait, try adding bananas, raspberries, or chocolate chips with your granola.
Add granola to your next trail mix - add equal parts dried cranberries, almonds, and granola, then combine and enjoy.
You can also enjoy granola like a breakfast cereal - add to a bowl with milk and enjoy.
Storing granola
Homemade granola will keep for about two weeks in a sealed container at room temperature.
Granola can also be frozen in a tightly sealed container for up to three months.
Chai Spiced Granola
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 ½ tablespoons chai spice blend
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 6 tablespoons coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add oats, nuts, coconut, and chai spice. Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine. Pour over oat mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating pan once halfway through.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on baking sheet. Granola will harden more as it cools. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Old fashioned oats are highly recommended, but can be substituted with quick cook oats. They'll take less time to cook because they're thinner - about 20 minutes.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or brown sugar.
- Coconut can be sweetened or unsweetened - depending on how sweet you'd like your granola.
- One serving = about ½ heaping cup of granola
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