As someone that is incapable of getting out of bed on time, I’m forever in need of quick, easy, and healthy breakfast options. Without a doubt, granola is a reigning champion in that arena. For a speedy morning meal nothing beats a bowl of granola and yogurt with some fresh fruit! However, even though granola has gained a reputation for being healthy, it can be deceivingly sugary. Over the years, my desire for nutrient dense and low sugar options has led me away from store bought brands and into my kitchen, where I happily discovered that making your own granola is incredibly easy and fun! And to my fellow late risers: let me tell you, when I happen to have a big container of homemade granola on hand during a rushed morning, I swear that I could cry tears of gratitude that my past self was so proactive!

For this recipe I decided to go grain-free. Grain free granola is gluten-free and low carb, which is great and all, however my two main reasons were nuts and seeds! Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense powerhouses for the protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals needed to start the day off on the right foot. The next step was to choose a flavor for my granola. My favorite part about crafting my own recipes is weaving in unique flavors. In this case, I found myself looking to the spices found in chai tea for their complex sweet spiciness. This blend never fails to enliven and delight my tastebuds, and it felt like the perfect way to dive headfirst into the coziness of autumn. My final step was to add an herbal boost in the form of maca powder. Maca is known to support energy and vitality, making it a great choice for mornings. It also has a pleasant nutty flavor that I find very complimentary in this recipe. The end result was just what I was look for—a healthy and delicious start to my day, and most importantly, easy to grab and go! Enjoy!

Grain-Free Chai Spice Granola Recipe

Makes about 6 cups

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic raw pecans
• 1/2 cup organic raw walnuts 
• 1/3 cup organic raw almonds
• 1/3 cup organic raw cashews
• 1/3 cup organic raw sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup organic hemp seeds
• 3 Tbsp organic dried unsweetened coconut flakes
• 3 Tbsp organic flax meal
• 2 Tbsp organic chia seeds
• 1 1/2 Tbsp organic unrefined coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup organic maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp. organic vanilla extract (Learn how to make your own here!)
• 1 Tbsp. organic maca powder
• 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
• 1 tsp. organic cardamom powder
• 1/2 tsp. organic cassia cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp. organic ginger powder
• 1/8 tsp. organic clove powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.  In a food processor, chop pecans, walnuts, almonds, and cashews coarsely until they are roughly the same size as your sunflower seeds.
3.  In a large bowl combine chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds coconut flakes, flax meal, and chia seeds.
4.  Melt coconut oil over low heat, add maple syrup, vanilla extract, maca powder, seal salt, and spices. Whisk well to combine.
5.  Gently pour maple syrup blend over nuts and seeds and fold with spatula until mixture is evenly coated and sticky.
6. Spread granola in a thin, even layer on parchment paper and bake in oven until edges begin to brown and get crispy. (About 15-20 minutes.)
7.  Remove from oven and allow to cool fully.
8. Once cool, break up granola into small pieces and store in an airtight container. Use within 3 weeks.

Pro Tips

• I like to make this in larger batches for meal prepping purposes. Feel free to adjust quantities to suit your needs.
•  Granola will remain slightly sticky. Give it a good shake or stir to break up clumps before use.
• Granola not your thing? This also make a great dry snack!
• Use this recipe as a jumping off point! What other flavors would you like to try?

Looking for another granola recipe to add to the mix?

Try This Coconut Vanilla Granola Recipe!

You may also enjoy:

• Healthy Breakfast Recipes + Superfood Powder Blends
• Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oat Recipe
• Blended Chocolate & Peanut Butter Overnight Oats