Introduction

Spiced Vanilla Chai Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast that combines the fragrant flavors of chai tea with creamy oats. It’s an easy way to start your day with cozy spices and a touch of sweetness.

A black bowl filled with a creamy, beige mixture that has a slightly grainy texture, likely oatmeal or porridge. It sits on a white marbled surface with small bowls of loose oats, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and cloves scattered around. Two tied white tea bags rest nearby on the surface, beside a folded light gray cloth and two silver spoons. The whole scene is softly lit, emphasizing the warm and comforting feel of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 black tea bags
1 cup water
2 teaspoons chai seasoning
2 cups rolled oats
3 cups milk (of your choice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon allspice

Instructions

Step 1: Mix all the spices—ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice—together to create the chai seasoning. Store this blend in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, 2 teaspoons of the chai seasoning, and the black tea bags. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking every 30 seconds to prevent the milk from scalding.
Step 3: Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to steep the tea. Remove and discard the tea bags.
Step 4: Stir in the oats and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. If using quick-cooking oats, simmer for only 1 to 2 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Remove the oatmeal from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve immediately or allow to cool before storing.

Tips & Variations

Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version that adds extra flavor.
Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness if desired.
Top with chopped nuts or dried fruits to enhance texture and taste.
Adjust the chai seasoning amounts to taste—more spice for a bolder chai flavor.

Storage

Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

A black bowl filled with smooth, light brown oatmeal that has a slightly grainy texture on top, placed on a white cloth on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there are a few cinnamon sticks, whole nutmegs, and cloves scattered casually on the white marbled background, with two tarnished silver spoons lying next to the bowl. The overall scene is softly lit to highlight the warm tones of the oatmeal and spices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of oats?

Yes, rolled oats work best for a creamy texture, but quick-cooking oats can be used for a faster meal. Steel-cut oats are not recommended as they require longer cooking and different liquid ratios.

Is it necessary to use black tea bags?

Black tea provides the classic chai flavor, but you can experiment with chai tea bags or other strong black teas for different taste profiles.

Spiced Vanilla Chai Oatmeal Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 149 reviews

This Spiced Vanilla Chai Oatmeal combines comforting rolled oats with warm chai spices and black tea for a flavorful, aromatic breakfast. Infused with a homemade chai seasoning blend and enriched with vanilla extract, this cozy oatmeal is a delicious twist on the classic morning staple, perfect for chilly mornings or whenever you crave a soothing, spiced start to your day.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-inspired with Indian chai spices
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Chai Seasoning

1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon allspice

Chai Oatmeal

2 black tea bags
1 cup water
2 teaspoons chai seasoning
2 cups rolled oats
3 cups milk (of your choice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Chai Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground cardamom, and allspice until well combined. Store this spice blend in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Simmer the Tea and Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, milk, 2 teaspoons of the prepared chai seasoning, and the black tea bags. Heat over medium-high, whisking every 30 seconds to prevent the milk from scalding, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Steep the Tea: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the tea bags to steep fully. Then discard the tea bags.
Cook the Oats: Stir in the rolled oats and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the oatmeal thickens. For quick-cooking oats, reduce simmering time to 1-2 minutes to achieve the desired thickness.
Finish and Serve: Remove the oatmeal from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve the oatmeal immediately for the best texture and flavor, or allow it to cool and store it in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.

Notes

This chai seasoning blend can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
You can use any type of milk such as dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk based on your preference or dietary needs.
For a sweeter oatmeal, add honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener when stirring in the vanilla extract.
If you prefer a thinner oatmeal texture, add a little extra milk while cooking.
Quick-cooking oats reduce the cooking time significantly—keep an eye on the pot to avoid over-thickening.

Keywords: chai oatmeal, spiced oatmeal, vanilla oatmeal, breakfast recipe, chai spice blend, rolled oats, warm breakfast