Chocolate Chai Spice Granola Recipe

Who knew alchemy could be this delicious? Let me take you on a flavor journey with this magical blend of spices and chocolatey goodness, where oats and almonds come together to form the ultimate crispy, crunchy granola experience.

The Chocolate Chai Spice Granola has all the right things happening, especially for a granola, which I sometimes think of as a slightly more virtuous form of eating cookies. This one blends the deep flavors of cacao with the warming spices of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, and it’s headily perfumed with them.

It’s kind of like a breakfast drama in which the chocolate and the chai spices vie for the best part.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: High in fiber, keeps you full longer.
• Raw almonds: Rich in healthy fats and protein, crunchy texture.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: Adds natural sweetness and healthy fats.
• Cacao powder: Boosts chocolate flavor, full of antioxidants.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth, may aid in blood sugar control.
• Ground cardamom: Aromatic spice, enhances depth of flavor.
• Maple syrup: Natural sweetener, gives caramel-like flavor.
• Coconut oil: Provides healthy fats, helps granola to clump.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) to warm up. Then prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the oats, almonds, and coconut together thoroughly in a big bowl.

3. In a small bowl, combine cacao powder, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.

4. Spread the spice blend over the oat mixture and toss until evenly coated.

5. In a different small bowl, thoroughly combine the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.

6. Combine the dry and wet ingredients. When everything is well mixed, coat the resulting product in excess flour so that it can be handled easily. Form it into somewhat of a loaf shape. No need to be perfect. Just a rough form will do. Then slice it in half.

7. Distribute the granola mixture uniformly onto the baking sheet that has been set up beforehand.

8. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread mixture evenly onto a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the mixture is golden brown and crisp.

9. Take the granola out of the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

10. After cooling, mix in the dark chocolate chips, and keep the granola in a container that won’t let air in. Snack on it or mix it with yogurt or milk and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Small mixing bowl (x2)
6. Whisk
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
10. Knife (for roughly chopping almonds)
11. Airtight container

FAQ

• Q: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
  A: It’s best to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the right texture in granola, but in a pinch, quick oats can work. However, the granola might clump less and bake faster, so watch closely to prevent burning.
• Q: Can I substitute maple syrup with honey?
  A: Yes, honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup, but it will have a slightly different flavor. Ensure it is in liquid form for easy mixing.
• Q: Is there a substitute for coconut oil?
  A: Melted butter or any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute, but note that this might alter the flavor slightly.
• Q: How should I store the granola to keep it fresh?
  A: Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can keep it in the refrigerator.
• Q: Can I add dried fruit to the granola?
  A: Absolutely. Add your choice of dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, after baking and cooling the granola for added texture and sweetness.
• Q: What’s the best way to melt coconut oil?
  A: Melt coconut oil by placing it in a small bowl and microwaving for 15-30 seconds until fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt it on the stovetop over low heat.

Chocolate Chai Spice Granola Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats. This will give you a texture that is slightly different from what you get with old-fashioned rolled oats.
Use walnuts or pecans instead of raw almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Substitute chopped dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, for unsweetened shredded coconut to achieve a sweeter result.
If you prefer a milder chocolate flavor, you can substitute cocoa powder for cacao powder.
In the absence of maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be used as an alternative sweetener.

Pro Tips

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cacao powder and maple syrup for richer flavors and a more robust taste in your granola. Organic or sustainably sourced ingredients can also enhance the overall quality of the recipe.