Chai Spiced Granola
This Chai Spiced Granola combines warming spices, oats, and toasted nuts and seeds to make the perfect nourishing breakfast. Flavours of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves along with a touch of maple are enjoyed with every bite.
In This Article
Nutritional Benefits
There are many standout ingredients in this granola mix. The nuts, seeds, and spice blend all bring us much nourishment and many overall health benefits.
Nuts and seeds contain healthy monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids that are known for their cardiovascular protection, including cholesterol lowering, properties (1,2). They also contain plenty of protein; vitamins B1, B9, E and K, both soluble and insoluble fibres; antioxidants, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, copper, and selenium (1). The combination of these nutrients can help to prevent or treat some chronic health concerns such as blood sugar control in addition to a reduction in oxidative stress, and inflammation (1).
Then we have the spices that bring us a mix of their own vitamins and minerals along with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity (3). Studies have shown that while spices are generally used in very small quantities, their contribution to diet and overall health could be significant if they were used more frequently (3). This granola can definitely help you do that!
Ingredients – What You’ll Need To Make This Recipe
The spices used here are those found in the most common varieties of masala chai. It’s such a wonderful warming, nourishing, and energizing mix. Definitely a great way to get your day underway.
- Masala chai spice mix – A wonderful mix of warming, aromatic spices including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg that are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Warming spices are also great digestive aids and fantastic to have at breakfast (or any time!)
- Oats – Provide a hearty base and a good source of fibre for sustained energy throughout the day. They’re a great gut food too!
- Sultanas – Add texture and natural sweetness.
- Almonds – Great for heart health, and packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E. They also add a satisfying crunch to the granola when baked.
- Cashews – Rich in minerals like zinc and magnesium and zinc, these delicious creamy nuts provide additional texture too.
- Pumpkin seeds – These little beauties also bring a good dose of zinc and magnesium as well as antioxidants to this recipe.
- Sunflower seeds – Another good source of vitamin E and healthy fats.
- Chia seeds – Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants, chia seeds bring added nutrients and are also great for digestive health.
- Coconut oil – Helps bind the granola ingredients together while adding a subtle coconut flavour and a little fat.
- Maple syrup – Imparts a mildly caramel flavour into the mix, which is a great pairing with the chai spices.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall taste.
A top tip to get the most aroma and taste out of your spices is to grind them fresh. That’s not something everyone is going to be interested in but if you are give it a go! You will definitely notice the difference in the intensity of the flavour present.
How To Make This Chai Spiced Granola
Many granolas on the market currently are incredibly pricey. Making a big jar of your own can be done for a fraction of the cost. It also gives you the option to tailor it to your tastes, which is always something I love.
- Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with baking/parchment paper.
- Mix together the maple syrup, vanilla, and melted coconut oil then set aside.
- Add the oats, nuts, coconut flakes, seeds, sultanas, and all the chai spice ingredients into a large bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the combined wet ingredients then mix again.
- Tip the granola onto the lined baking sheet and flatten out into a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes then remove the tray from the oven and stir the granola well. Flatten it out into one layer again and return to the oven for another 5 – 10 minutes. The granola should be golden brown when done, not burnt.
- Once complete, remove the granola from the oven and allow to cool completely. When ready, tip it into a jar with an airtight lid and store in the cupboard for 2 – 3 weeks.
This is delicious with a thick and creamy milk, like a homemade cashew milk, or a jersey milk if preferred. To add flavour and nutrients, top with fresh berries and any other toppings of your choosing before serving.
Substitutions And Variations
Use the nuts, seeds and dried fruit listed here as a guide. This is a great recipe for using up those bits and pieces of packets you have left in the cupboard. So use the volumes listed but otherwise mix and match from your pantry! Things like pecans, macadamias and Brazil nuts are all delicious additions.
For some added goodness, tip ¼ cup of hemp seeds into the jar of granola once done. Give it a shake each time you use it to ensure at least a spoonful get tipped into your bowl.
Tips For Success With This Recipe
Oven temperatures can vary greatly, so after stirring then returning to the oven – I suggest only baking in 5-minute increments so you can check whether it’s browning too quickly. Nuts, seeds, and oats can burn in no time!
Storing/Freezing/Make Ahead
Granola can also be frozen for up to 6 months in need. Simply store in freezer safe containers or zip-lock bags. To defrost, remove from the freezer about an hour before breakfast.
FAQ
Granola will turn golden brown when it’s finished cooking. This will be especially noticeable in the oats.
Yes! If you don’t want a big batch to go to waste granola can be frozen. Once made, allow to cool completely then store in freezer safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to six months. To thaw it, remove from the freezer about an hour before you’d like to use it.
More Breakfast Recipes
If you try this recipe, I’d love to know. Leave a comment, rate it, and remember to tag @wholenaturalkitchen in your pics or reels on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok!
Chai Spiced Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup raw almonds
- ½ cup raw cashews
- ½ cup coconut flakes
- ½ cup sultanas, optional
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
For the masala chai spice
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¾ tsp ginger
- ½ tsp cardamom
- ½ tsp clove
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF / 160ºC and line a baking sheet with baking / parchment paper.
- Mix together the maple syrup, vanilla, and melted coconut oil then set aside.
- Add the oats, nuts, coconut flakes, sultanas, seeds, and all the chai spice ingredients into a large bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the previously combined wet ingredients then mix again to thoroughly coat the granola.
- Tip the granola onto the lined baking sheet and flatten out into a single layer with the back of a spoon. If you have a small baking sheet you made need to use two so it's not too crowded.
- Bake for 10 minutes then remove the tray from the oven and stir the granola well. Flatten out again into one layer and return to the oven for another 5 – 10 minutes. You want the granola to turn golden brown but not burn (see note 1).
- Once cooked, remove the granola from the oven and allow to cool completely. When ready, tip it into a jar with an airtight lid and store in the cupboard for 2 – 3 weeks (see note 2).
- This is delicious with a thick and creamy milk, like a homemade cashew milk, or a jersey milk if preferred. To add flavour and nutrients, top with fresh berries and any other toppings of your choosing before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Gabby Campbell
Gabby is a degree qualified Naturopath/Nutritionist (BHSc Nat) with a love of all whole foods. She started her Naturopathic career in clinical practice before making the move to recipe development and online education – a result of wanting to combat the misinformation that abounds on the internet about food and health. Whole Natural Kitchen aims to transform the way you think about healthy eating by helping you embrace an abundance of nutritious foods while leaving the health fads behind. MORE ABOUT GABBY