If you’re looking for a healthy snack that bursts with flavor, you’ve found it! My Maple Chai Spiced Granola combines crunchy oats, nuts, and spices for a delightful treat. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even a topping for yogurt. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you’ll whip up this satisfying snack in no time. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
To make Maple Chai Spiced Granola, you need some tasty ingredients. Each one adds flavor and crunch to the mix. Here’s the list of what you will need:
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts), roughly chopped
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dried fruit (like raisins, cranberries, or apricots), chopped
Each ingredient plays a role. The rolled oats give a hearty base, while mixed nuts add a crunchy texture. Pumpkin seeds boost the health factor with extra nutrients. Unsweetened shredded coconut gives a nice chew and flavor.
Pure maple syrup is the sweet star of the show. It brings a rich, natural sweetness that pairs well with the spices. The melted coconut oil helps bind everything together.
Vanilla extract adds warmth, while the ground spices create that cozy chai flavor. Salt balances the sweetness. Finally, the dried fruit adds a pop of color and chewy goodness.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a snack that’s both easy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven and prepare the baking sheet. Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a big mixing bowl, add 3 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of mixed nuts (like almonds, pecans, and walnuts), 1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds, 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients well until they are mixed.
3. Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure this mix is smooth and well-blended.
4. Coat dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Pour the wet mix over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to toss everything together. Ensure all dry pieces are covered with the wet mixture.
5. Incorporate spices into the granola mix. Add the spices: 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Stir well to distribute these flavors evenly.
6. Spread and press the mixture on the baking sheet. Transfer the granola mix to the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly. Press down slightly with your spatula. This helps form crunchy clusters while baking.
7. Bake and stir during the process. Bake your granola for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir the mixture halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on it near the end to avoid over-browning.
8. Cool and add dried fruit. Once it turns golden brown and smells great, take it out of the oven. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling helps it become crunchy. After it cools, stir in 1 cup of chopped dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.
9. Store your granola. Transfer the cooled granola to an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy your tasty snack!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Perfect Granola
– Ensuring even baking for crunchiness
To get crunchy granola, spread the mix evenly on the baking sheet. Press down gently with a spatula. This helps form clusters. Stir the granola halfway through baking. Watch it closely in the last few minutes to avoid burning.
– Storing granola: tips for freshness
After your granola cools, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to two weeks. Store it in a cool, dry place. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
– Adjustments for personal flavor preferences
Feel free to change the nuts or seeds based on what you like. You can also add more spices if you want a bolder flavor. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more maple syrup. Experiment with different dried fruits to find your favorite mix.
Variations
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily change up the nuts and seeds in this granola. Try using sunflower seeds or pecans. Each nut adds its own flavor and crunch. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste.
Flavored maple syrup can give your granola a unique twist. Maple syrup infused with vanilla or cinnamon can enhance the taste. You can also swap coconut oil for a different oil, like avocado oil. This change will still keep the granola tasty and healthy.
When sweetening your granola, honey or agave syrup works well too. Both options can add a different touch. For dried fruits, choose your favorites. Raisins, cranberries, and apricots are great, but you can use figs or dates too. The options are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your Maple Chai Spiced Granola fresh, use airtight containers. These containers stop air from getting in. This helps keep the granola crunchy. Glass jars also work well. They let you see the granola and look nice on your shelf.
Store your granola at room temperature. A cool, dry place is best. Avoid heat and moisture, as they can make it soggy. If stored correctly, your granola can last up to two weeks.
To check if your granola is still fresh, look and smell it. If it smells off or has a strange color, it’s time to toss it. Fresh granola should smell sweet and spicy. A good crunch will tell you it’s still good to eat.
FAQs
How can I make Maple Chai Spiced Granola vegan?
To make your granola vegan, swap the honey for pure maple syrup. The recipe already uses maple syrup, which is plant-based. Ensure your coconut oil is refined if you want a neutral flavor. Use dairy-free yogurt or milk when serving.
Can I substitute the rolled oats with gluten-free options?
Yes, you can use gluten-free rolled oats. They provide the same texture and taste as regular oats. Always check the package to ensure they are certified gluten-free to avoid contamination.
How long does homemade granola last?
Your homemade granola lasts about two weeks when stored in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge or freezer. Just remember to let it cool before sealing it up.
In this post, we covered everything you need to know about making Maple Chai Spiced Granola. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for the best results. Variations offer fun ways to customize your recipe. Plus, we discussed proper storage to keep your granola fresh. Remember, cooking is about being creative and having fun. Try new things and find what you love. Enjoy your tasty, homemade granola!
