If you love the cozy warmth of chai spices and the satisfying crunch of granola, you are going to absolutely adore this Easy Chai Spiced Granola Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg combined with hearty rolled oats and crunchy nuts, all brought together with a touch of coconut oil and honey or maple syrup to create that perfect slightly sweet, warmly spiced bite. This granola is a fantastic breakfast staple or snack that feels wholesome and homemade with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet vibrant ingredients is what makes this recipe stand out. Each component plays its part in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make your granola irresistible from the first bite.
- 3 cups Rolled Oats: The hearty base of the granola, packed with fiber to keep you full and energized.
- 1 cup Chopped Nuts: Almonds or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and healthy fats.
- 1/2 cup Honey or Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that not only sweetens but also helps bind the granola perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons Chai Spice Blend: A fragrant mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg that gives this recipe its signature warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Just enough to enhance the sweetness and balance the spices.
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil (Melted): Adds a subtle tropical flavor and helps create that crisp crunch.
- 1 cup Dried Fruits (optional): Raisins, cranberries, or your favorite dried fruits add bursts of chewy sweetness after baking.
How to Make Easy Chai Spiced Granola Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the granola bakes evenly right from the start, giving you those golden, toasty oats we all love.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your rolled oats, chopped nuts, and chai spice blend. Stir well so the spices are evenly distributed and every cluster will be bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Warm the Sweet Binder
In a small saucepan, gently heat the coconut oil and honey or maple syrup over low heat. Stir until they’re well combined into a smooth, golden liquid that will help hold everything together.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the warm coconut oil and sweetener mixture over your oat and nut mix. Fold everything together with a spatula until all the oats and nuts are beautifully coated in that aromatic syrup.
Step 5: Add Salt and Mix
Sprinkle in the salt and give it another good mix. This small addition amps up all the flavors, making your granola taste perfectly balanced and satisfying.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Spread the granola mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. An even layer is key to getting those gorgeous clusters and ensuring everything cooks evenly.
Step 7: Bake and Stir
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, but make sure to stir the granola halfway through so the toasting is even. The kitchen will start filling with the most amazing chai spice aroma — such a mood-lifter!
Step 8: Cool and Add Dried Fruits
Once baked, let your granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This resting time helps it crisp up perfectly. After cooling, fold in your dried fruits for sweet, chewy accents.
How to Serve Easy Chai Spiced Granola Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon powder or a drizzle of honey on top for an extra touch of warmth and shine. Fresh sliced fruits like bananas or apples also add freshness and complement the spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This granola pairs wonderfully with creamy yogurt or cold milk, making breakfast or snack time a joyous and wholesome experience. You can also enjoy it alongside a steamy chai tea or your favorite latte for a full flavor fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your Easy Chai Spiced Granola Recipe in parfait glasses with alternating layers of Greek yogurt and mixed berries for a stunning and delicious brunch option. Or toss it with smoothie bowls to add that coveted crunch and spice punch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your granola in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the granola for longer storage. Seal it tightly in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will keep well for up to three months. When ready, simply thaw at room temperature and enjoy.
Reheating
If you want to refresh the crunchiness, pop the granola in a warm oven for a few minutes or toast it lightly in a skillet. This little step revives that fresh-from-the-oven texture and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides almonds or walnuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to use pecans, cashews, or even pistachios depending on what you have on hand or prefer. Each brings its unique flavor and texture to the granola.
Is there a substitute for coconut oil?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil or another neutral oil, but coconut oil adds that hint of tropical richness and helps with crispness, so it’s highly recommended.
Can I make this granola vegan?
Definitely. To make the Easy Chai Spiced Granola Recipe vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your dried fruits don’t contain any additives like gelatin.
What is the best chai spice blend for this recipe?
A blend containing cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg works beautifully. You can buy a pre-mixed chai spice or create your own for that personalized flavor punch.
How do I prevent the granola from burning?
Keep a close eye while baking and stir the granola halfway through. Also, spreading it in an even layer ensures it cooks evenly without burning on one side.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chai Spiced Granola Recipe is one of those delightful finds that brings warmth, crunch, and a touch of sweetness to your day in the most effortless way. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a quick favorite for breakfast, snacks, or even topping your desserts. Enjoy the comforting chai flavors and homemade goodness with every bite!
Print
Easy Chai Spiced Granola Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chai Spiced Granola is a flavorful and crunchy breakfast or snack option infused with warm chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg. Made with rolled oats, chopped nuts, and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, this granola is baked to golden perfection and optionally mixed with dried fruits for added sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups Rolled Oats
- 1 cup Chopped Nuts (almonds or walnuts recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Chai Spice Blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Honey or Maple Syrup
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil (melted)
Optional
- 1 cup Dried Fruits (raisins or cranberries)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the granola evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, and chai spice blend. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mix.
- Warm Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, gently warm the coconut oil and honey or maple syrup together until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Mixture: Pour the warm coconut oil and sweetener mixture over the oat and nut mixture, then fold carefully until everything is well coated.
- Add Salt: Sprinkle in salt and mix thoroughly to enhance the flavor balance and sweetness.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the granola mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Bake Granola: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the granola for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning and to prevent burning.
- Cool: Remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet; this allows it to crisp up.
- Add Dried Fruits: Once cooled, gently mix in the dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and texture, if using.
Notes
- Ensure to stir the granola halfway through baking to evenly toast the oats and nuts without burning.
- You can customize the recipe by using your favorite nuts or substituting the dried fruits with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks for maximum freshness.
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Chai spice blend can be adjusted to taste; you can increase cinnamon or ginger for a stronger flavor.
