Homemade Chai Spice Mix
This homemade Chai Spice Mix is filled with the warming flavors of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. It adds rich spice flavor to quick breads, pancakes and waffles, oatmeal, and so much more!

I created this Homemade Chai Spice Mix years ago for my chai overnight oats, and that has been one of my most popular recipes ever since.
I truly enjoy creating my own spice blends so that I can customize them exactly the way I want them, and this is my simple interpretation of the classic.
I know some chai spice mixtures typically include black pepper and even allspice and nutmeg, and if you like these spices in your chai you can easily add them to the mix too.
The bottom line is that this chai spice blend is something you need in your life. These flavors will make you feel all warm and cozy inside, so it’s perfect for fall and winter. 🙂
Why you’ll love this recipe
- This cozy spice blend is made with just four basic spices you likely have on hand already.
- You get to control the ingredients and customize this recipe to suit your personal flavor preferences.
- You can easily scale this recipe up and give as a gift around the holidays.
Recipe ingredients
You need just four basic spices to make this comforting chai spice mixture, but additional spices may be added for more depth of flavor.
- Ground cinnamon. Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
- Ground ginger. Imparts a strong, spicy-yet-sweet flavor.
- Ground cardamom. Has a unique flavor that’s slightly sweet, slightly spicy, and slightly smoky.
- Ground cloves. Boasts a very warm flavor that’s slightly sweet.
- Optional additions: Classic chai spice blends typically include black pepper, allspice and nutmeg. You can certainly customize this blend to include them as desired.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
How to make this chai spice blend
It’s so easy to prepare your own chai spice mixture that you’ll never have to purchase it again! All you need is a small bowl, a spoon and a couple of minutes.
Pro tip: This recipe is an interpretation of chai spice and can be customized as you see fit with more or less of each ingredient. Black pepper, allspice and nutmeg are also common additions.
See the recipe card below for full instructions.
- Add all of the spices to a bowl.
- Stir to combine, then transfer to an airtight container.
Recipe FAQs
Since this recipe uses ground spices, you’ll want to reserve the chai spice mix for adding to baked goods, flavoring your morning oatmeal, sprinkling over drinks, and so forth.
If you’re craving an actual chai tea latte, you’ll need to purchase chai tea bags at the grocery store.
If stored in an airtight container, the chai spice blend will last up to 3 months. I suggest storing it in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life.
Very easily! You can scale this recipe up as much as needed. Simply double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredients and whisk well to combine.
Serving suggestions
This simple chai spice recipe is perfect for adding a warm, spicy flavor to your favorite baked goods, drinks, and more.
- Stir a few pinches into a hearty bowl of oatmeal or banana chia pudding.
- Use it to flavor your favorite almond flour pancakes and crispy oat flour waffles.
- Infuse quick breads like banana nut bread and chocolate chip pumpkin bread with spicy chai flavor.
- It’s used in this maple pumpkin pie for a delicious twist on the classic.
- Sprinkle some over your morning latte for added flavor.
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: This recipe is an interpretation of chai spice and can be customized as you see fit with more or less of each ingredient. Black pepper, allspice and nutmeg are also common additions.
- This recipe can easily be halved or doubled depending on how much you need.
- The spice mix will last up to 3 months if stored in an airtight container, so make a big batch now to enjoy throughout the fall and winter!
More homemade spice blends you’ll love
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
Homemade Chai Spice Mix
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Place all spices into a small bowl and stir to combine.4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Place in an airtight container and store in a cool dry place.
Notes
- Pro tip: This recipe is an interpretation of chai spice and can be customized as you see fit with more or less of each ingredient. Black pepper, allspice and nutmeg are also common additions.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you find yourself going through it quickly!
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Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
24 Comments on “Homemade Chai Spice Mix”
perfect.
Thank you Francine. ❤️
Thank you Sarah!
This may sound stupid, but how much do I use to make a cup of hot Chai Tea? Do I make a cup of hot tea and then add a teaspoon of the spice or do I brew it with black tea?
Hi Kimberly! This spice mix is for baking or oatmeal…I wouldn’t recommend it for tea. You should definitely pick up a package of chai tea bags for that as this would be ultra messy!
How much of this spice mix would you substitute into the overnight chai oats in place of the listed spices? Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Elizabeth! I would add about 2 teaspoons, taste, and go from there. I hope you enjoy them!
I LOVE making my own chai spice! I literally add it to so many things when I’m baking, it’s crazy! And yes, totally bring on fall! It’s still a little too warm in Wisconsin for my liking and I’m ready for those fall temps already!
I can’t stop adding it to everything either! I hope you’re getting those cooler temps, Sarah — we most certainly are not! 🙁
There is nothing like a homemade spice. I make my own chai spice, so next time I will make sure to try your version. Lovely share, Marcie.
Thank you, Anu!
Thanks, Heather, and I’m saying my prayers too! 🙂
I am ready for fall now, too! The heat has been too much and I can’t wait for fall foods like soups and chilis!
I love making my own spice mixes! It’s much more convenient than buying a bunch of them at the grocery store and then running out right when you need them. 😉
I’m so thankful it’s cooled off quite a bit so I can get to making a new chili recipe! Thanks, Kristine!
This looks dleicious and sooo much healthier than the chia concentrate you get in coffee shops- plus, it’s so much more versatile. I’d love this in oatmeal for sure 🙂
I never order chai tea at coffee shops — that’s the funny thing. I’ve heard it’s concentrate and that threw me! Thanks, Medha, and this is really versatile!
this looks like a great mix to have no hand, so versatile!
Thank you, Manali — I want to add it to everything!
I’m ready for the fall, too! It’s been cooling off during the nights here in Reno, but it’s still super toasty during the day. Bring on the chilly breeze and cozy Chai everything! I’ve been meaning to make my own Chai spice for yeeeeears, so this post is definitely lighting a fire under my booty. Now I’m craving all things Chai!
It’s cooled off here some thank goodness, and I hope you get some cooler temps too! Thanks, Julia, and Happy Fall!
I have yet to make my own chai mix, but I definitely need to because it’s my favorite combination of spices! My drink of choice from Starbucks are chai lattes, so I can only imagine how delicious a homemade mix tastes. And I love that there are so many ways to use this, too!
Thank you, Gayle! This is the best time of year for these flavors! 🙂
Chai is basically my middle name 😉 I love making a big batch of tea for the week. All the different ways you listed to try this spice mix have me going chai baking crazy! So glad you posted this!
Thank you, Megan! I pretty much want to add this to everything!