Homemade Chai-Spiced Granola
Chai Granola fills your morning with cozy warmth, thanks to fragrant cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom mingling with hearty oats and almonds. A simple stir of maple syrup and coconut oil coats the mixture before baking until golden. This easy breakfast comes together in under an hour, offering a spiced, crunchy start to the day that’s perfect for sprinkling over yogurt or enjoying by the handful.
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Ingredients for Chai Granola
For the granola
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – These are the classic base for any granola, so don’t try to swap them out.
- Raw almonds – Roughly chopped for the perfect crunch.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut – Adds a subtle tropical vibe that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Pure maple syrup – The natural sweetness here is unbeatable.
- Coconut oil – Melted and ready to bring everything together.
For the chai spices
- Ground cinnamon – A must for that warm, cozy flavor.
- Ground ginger – Adds a little zing and depth.
- Ground cardamom – This is the heart of chai, so don’t skip it.
- Ground cloves – Just a hint goes a long way.
- Ground nutmeg – A touch of warmth and earthiness.
- Kosher salt – Balances all the sweetness and spices perfectly.
For finishing
- Dried cranberries – Stir these in after baking for a pop of tartness and color.
Cook Time for Chai Spiced Granola
I love that this recipe for chai granola is so wonderfully quick. It lets me put a batch of these baked spiced oat and almond clusters in the oven in no time, filling the whole house with that incredible aroma. Honestly, it makes a busy morning feel so much more peaceful.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
If you’re looking for other breakfast ideas that are just as simple, my healthy oatmeal recipes are a great place to find more inspiration.
How to Make Homemade Chai Granola
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
First, preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step prevents sticking and makes for the easiest cleanup, which I always appreciate!
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of roughly chopped raw almonds, and 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed together.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients & Spices
Now, in a smaller bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup and 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil. Then, add all those beautiful chai spices: 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ginger, 1/2 teaspoon each of cardamom and cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Whisk it until it’s smooth and fragrant.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour that lovely spice mixture over your dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to mix it all together, making sure every single oat and almond is perfectly coated. This is what creates that iconic maple sweetened coconut granola with cranberries we love.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in one even layer. This helps it bake uniformly. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, and don’t forget to give it a stir halfway through. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven.
Step 6: Cool and Add the Final Touch
Take the baking sheet out and let the granola cool completely right there. This is crucial for getting that perfect crunch. Once it’s cool, stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. Then, just transfer your finished roasted oat clusters with chai spices to an airtight container.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve made countless batches of this chai granola, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it truly your own. Here’s how you can play around with flavors and textures.
- Spice Swap: If you adore ginger, add an extra half teaspoon to make a truly chewy cardamom ginger spiced breakfast cereal. It’s my favorite way to enjoy it on a chilly morning.
- Diet-Friendly Option: For a lower-sugar version, you can reduce the maple syrup to 1/3 cup. The spices still shine through, making it a fantastic option if you’re exploring other healthy baking recipes.
- Clump Lover’s Secret: If you prefer big, satisfying clusters, press the mixture down firmly onto the baking sheet before it goes in the oven and don’t stir it while baking.
- Keep It Fresh: Store your finished granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays perfectly fresh for up to two weeks, making it a wonderful high-protein breakfast option you can grab and go.
Chai Granola
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheet
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, almonds, and shredded coconut.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until well blended.
- Pour the spice mixture over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, stir in the dried cranberries and store in an airtight container.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
I truly believe that food should nourish you from the inside out, and this Chai Granola is a wonderful example of that philosophy in action. It’s packed with whole-food ingredients that offer both flavor and function. These baked spiced oat and almond clusters aren’t just a tasty breakfast; they’re a source of sustained energy to help you start your day right.
Oats and almonds bring fiber and healthy fats to the table, which help keep you feeling full and satisfied. The spices, like cinnamon and ginger, aren’t just for flavor—they’re little powerhouses of their own. If you’re looking for other wholesome starts to your day, my collection of high-protein breakfast recipes has plenty of inspiration.
| Ingredient | Key Benefit |
|---|---|
| Rolled Oats | Rich in soluble fiber for heart health |
| Almonds | Provides protein, vitamin E, and healthy fats |
| Coconut Oil | Source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) |
| Chai Spices | Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties |
And if you’re wondering, Is chai granola good for you? I’d say yes, especially when you make it at home and control the ingredients. It’s a far cry from many store-bought versions. For a deeper look at what goes into commercial options, you can check out this commercial chai granola ingredients list for comparison.
Pair a bowl of this homemade chai granola with some Greek yogurt, and you’ve got a balanced meal that powers you through the morning. For another fantastic make-ahead breakfast option, my pistachio overnight oats are always a hit in my house.
A Lighter Version of Chai Granola
I love having options in the kitchen, especially for friends and family with different tastes and needs. This versatile Chai Granola recipe is a beautiful canvas for all sorts of tweaks. Whether you’re cutting back on sugar, avoiding nuts, or just want to try something new, here are a few of my favorite simple swaps.
For a lower-fat version, you can replace the coconut oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. It still helps bind everything together and adds a hint of natural sweetness. If almonds aren’t your thing, sunflower seeds or pepitas make a wonderful crunchy substitute.
And if you find yourself without maple syrup, honey works beautifully as a one-to-one replacement. It gives the cinnamon nutmeg coconut oil baked cereal a slightly different, but equally delicious, floral sweetness. For more ideas on creating healthier treats, my healthy baking recipes are full of clever substitutions.
Feel free to get creative with the dried fruit, too. While I adore cranberries, chopped apricots or tart cherries are just as lovely stirred into this spiced granola recipe at the end. For another breakfast idea that’s naturally lighter, my healthy muffin recipes use many of the same thoughtful ingredient swaps.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
In our house, we have loved ones who are mindful of their sugar intake, so I’m always thinking of ways to make our favorite recipes work for everyone around the table. Cooking for special diets doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor; it’s just about making a few thoughtful adjustments.
For a truly diabetic-friendly version of this Chai Granola, you can significantly reduce the added sugar. I often make a low-sugar batch using only a third of a cup of maple syrup, and the rich spices still shine through beautifully.
You can also explore sugar alternatives. A liquid stevia extract can work well—just add it drop by drop to the melted coconut oil until it reaches your preferred level of sweetness. Remember, a little goes a long way! Portion control is another simple trick for glycemic control; enjoy a smaller serving of granola with plenty of plain yogurt and fresh berries.
How to Serve Chai Granola
This Chai Granola is so much more than just a breakfast cereal. It’s my go-to topping for just about everything. I love remembering sleepy Saturday mornings when my youngest would pad into the kitchen, still in her pajamas, and ask for “the crunchy oats” sprinkled over her banana slices.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy this chai spiced granola is layered into a parfait with thick Greek yogurt and a drizzle of local honey. The combination of cool, creamy yogurt and warm, roasted oat clusters with chai spices is pure magic. It also makes a fantastic ice cream topper for a cozy dessert.
For a heartier breakfast, try stirring it into a bowl of warm oatmeal for extra crunch and flavor. It’s a trick I learned from my healthy oatmeal recipes exploration. And if you’re putting together a special brunch spread, this granola fits right in. It’s a wonderful addition to my list of Christmas breakfast ideas.
However you choose to serve it, this maple sweetened coconut granola with cranberries brings a little bit of warmth and love to any meal. It’s a simple joy I love sharing.
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of mistakes with granola over the years, and each one taught me something valuable. My first batch of this Chai Granola turned into little charcoal briquettes because I got distracted by a phone call. Let me save you from that heartbreak with a few common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
First, don’t stir too often while baking. I know it’s tempting to check on those baked spiced oat and almond clusters, but every time you open the oven, you let out heat and slow down the cooking process. Just give it one gentle stir at the halfway mark for even browning.
Second, avoid adding dried fruit too early. If you mix in cranberries or other fruits at the beginning, they’ll become hard and bitter instead of staying pleasantly chewy. Stir them in during the last five minutes of baking or right after you pull the tray from the oven.
Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step. I learned this the hard way when I stored warm granola once—it created steam that made my beautiful roasted oat clusters with chai spices lose their crunch. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to containers.
For more baking wisdom that I’ve gathered through trial and error, my collection of healthy baking recipes includes all my favorite tips. And if you’re curious about the traditional spice combinations that inspire this recipe, this chai spice blend guide offers wonderful insights into creating authentic flavors.
Remember, even imperfect batches taste pretty wonderful—my family happily crunched through those over-browned bits while I perfected the method!
How to Store Chai Granola
There’s something deeply satisfying about filling glass jars with this Chai Granola—it reminds me of my grandmother’s pantry, always stocked with homemade goodness. She taught me that proper storage makes all the difference in keeping baked goods fresh and crunchy.
I always use airtight containers for my homemade chai granola. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work beautifully, but any sealed container will do. Store it in a cool, dark place like your pantry, and it will stay fresh for up to three weeks. The spices actually deepen in flavor over the first few days!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze this maple sweetened coconut granola with cranberries for up to three months. I portion it into freezer bags, squeeze out all the air, and label them with the date. It thaws quickly at room temperature and tastes just as wonderful as the day I made it.
For another make-ahead breakfast that stores beautifully, my brown sugar overnight oats are always ready when you need them. And if you’re looking for more no-bake treats that store well, check out my healthy no-bake desserts for inspiration.
Try This Chai Granola Yourself
I truly hope you’ll give this Chai Granola recipe a try in your own kitchen. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pulling a golden-brown tray of cinnamon nutmeg coconut oil baked cereal from your oven, filling your home with the most incredible warming spices.
I remember the first time my daughter helped me make this recipe—she stood on her step stool, carefully measuring spices and asking why cardamom smelled like “Christmas and flowers.” Now it’s our Saturday morning ritual when she visits, and we always pack extra jars for her to take home.
Whether you enjoy it over yogurt, with milk, or straight from the jar, this chewy cardamom ginger spiced breakfast cereal brings a little warmth to any day. For more breakfast inspiration, you might love my apple cinnamon overnight oats or my cookie dough overnight oats. If you’re baking for a crowd, my cottage cheese banana bread and snickerdoodle banana bread are always popular choices.
For snack time, try my healthy apple snacks or delicious oatmeal cookie recipes. And if you’re looking for a savory partner to this sweet granola, my almond pesto dip makes a wonderful appetizer.
However you choose to enjoy it, I’d love to hear about your chai granola adventures. Some of my favorite recipe variations have come from readers who put their own spin on this comforting breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chai granola good for you?
Yes, when made at home with wholesome ingredients like ours, chai granola can be quite nutritious. It provides fiber from oats, healthy fats from nuts and coconut oil, and antioxidants from the warming spices. Unlike many store-bought versions, you control the sugar content and ingredient quality.
What is the healthiest granola to get?
The healthiest granola is typically homemade, as you can avoid excessive sugars and processed oils. Look for recipes with whole oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Store-bought options with short ingredient lists and minimal added sugars are better choices when you’re short on time.
What is sprinkled on top of chai?
Traditional masala chai is often garnished with a pinch of additional spice on top, but for chai granola, we incorporate the spices throughout the baking process. The mixture typically includes cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves or black pepper—all baked right into the oat clusters.
How to add chia to granola?
If you’d like to add chia seeds to this recipe, simply mix 2-3 tablespoons into the dry ingredients before combining with the wet mixture. Chia seeds add extra fiber and nutrients but can make the granola denser, so I recommend toasting them lightly first for better texture.
Cozy Breakfast Recipes For Busy Mornings
Waking up to a homemade breakfast makes even the busiest days feel more manageable. These are some of my go-to recipes for mornings when we need something nourishing but quick.
Pistachio Overnight Oats – Creamy oats with nutty pistachio flavor that ready waiting in your fridge.
Brown Sugar Overnight Oats – Classic comfort with caramel notes that taste like childhood mornings.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats – Warm spiced oats with tender apple pieces throughout.
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats – A sweet treat that feels indulgent but fuels your morning right.
Cottage Cheese Banana Bread – Moist, protein-packed banana bread that stays fresh for days.
Snickerdoodle Banana Bread – Cinnamon-swirled banana bread with that classic cookie flavor we all love.
