I have a confession to make: I’m slightly addicted to homemade granola. Yeah, I know, you can buy granola at the store, and it comes in all kinds of cool flavors like pumpkin pie, or vanilla almond or honey nut. But, I discovered a long time ago, making those awesome flavors at home is better. And cheaper. And funner. Yup, making your own granola at home is way funner than just buying it at the store. Did I mention it’s cheaper too?
While I’ve been playing around with different flavors (my family’s particular fav happens to be pumpkin pecan), I’ve discovered my personal favorite: coconut chai spice. Oh yum. If you’re looking for a really great way to bring fall into your yogurt bowl in the mornings (and, let’s be honest, who isn’t?), then this coconut chai spice granola is perfect for you.
It’s got just the right amount of spices to make you think happy thoughts about autumn leaves falling without knocking you over, and the bits of shredded coconut combine with the toasted oats for a great crunch. Once you’ve made it a few times, feel free to play around with the spices, too. Don’t be afraid to add a little more cinnamon or cardamom, it’s your yogurt (or milk or ice cream) bowl, so add the spices you like the most.
So, it’s up to you: you can either spend $6 on a tiny bag of store-bought granola…or you can make it at home for less. Oh, and you get to make your house smell really nice while it’s baking, too. It’s a win-win, really!
Coconut Chai Granola
Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup oil (coconut or canola) or melted butter
- 1/4 cup honey (can substitute maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 cups oats (gluten free, optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- Pinch of ground cardamom
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 325°, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the oil (or melted butter, if using), honey and vanilla. Add in the oats, shredded coconut and spices, and stir until all of the oats and shredded coconut are covered in the oil-honey mixture.
Pour the granola onto the lined baking sheet, and use a spatula to spread out the granola, making sure the granola is in one layer.
Bake at 325° until golden brown, about 20 minutes, stirring the granola after 10 minutes. Let the granola cool completely. Mix with yogurt, milk, or ice cream, and enjoy!
Note: store the granola in a glass jar at room temperature.
Yum! I love homemade granola and this one sounds wonderful!
Thanks, Kelly!
I’m definitely addicted to homemade granola too. It is so much fun playing around with the flavors. Chai spiced granola sounds wonderful!
This sounds lovely!
Are you using sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut? I’m planning on making some for Christmas gifts soon!
I use sweetened coconut. If you go with unsweetened, just add a splash more honey or maple syrup!