Save It This warmly spiced chai spice muffin loaf brings the soul of Indian chai to your home kitchen. Every bite is laced with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger for a cozy, moist quick bread that makes breakfast or afternoon snack time feel really special. Whether you love classic chai or just crave a comforting treat with your tea, this loaf is a one bowl wonder for all seasons.
This loaf filled my kitchen with the most inviting aroma the first time I made it. Even my spice wary family quickly became fans and now request it for our Sunday tea breaks.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: gives the loaf its tender crumb and structure choose unbleached for the best flavor and texture
- Granulated sugar: sweetens and keeps everything moist use fine white sugar for a soft crumb
- Baking powder: lifts the loaf for added lightness check the date for freshness
- Baking soda: helps with browning and blends with the buttermilk flavor elements even when using regular milk
- Salt: enhances the spices and balances the sweetness a fine sea salt works well here
- Ground cinnamon: delivers iconic chai warmth choose Saigon or Ceylon for extra fragrance
- Ground cardamom: adds delicate floral notes use fresh or high quality pre ground for best results
- Ground ginger: provides gentle heat and classic chai depth
- Ground cloves: tie everything together with a hint of boldness a little goes a long way
- Ground nutmeg: adds complexity grate it fresh if possible for brighter flavor
- Ground black pepper: brings authentic Chai bite and intensifies the spices use freshly ground for a bolder kick
- Eggs: bind the loaf adding moisture and structure choose large, room temp eggs for best mixing
- Whole milk: ensures a soft and rich crumb but you can use almond or oat milk for a dairy free loaf
- Vegetable oil: offers lasting moisture and a tender texture a neutral oil like sunflower or canola is perfect
- Pure vanilla extract: smooths and sweetens the spice profile look for real vanilla not imitation
- Turbinado sugar: gives a golden crunch on top sprinkle generously for bakery style finish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit which is one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius. Grease a nine by five inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper leaving overhang so you can easily lift the loaf out later.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the chai spices in a large mixing bowl. Whisk extremely well for at least twenty seconds to ensure the spices are evenly distributed which gives you a consistent flavor in every bite.
- Blend the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate medium bowl whisk together the eggs, whole milk, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Bringing the mixture to room temperature will help the loaf bake evenly.
- Combine and Fold:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredient bowl. Using a gentle folding motion with a spatula mix just until no streaks of flour remain. This helps keep the loaf delightfully soft. Overmixing will make it dense.
- Pan and Top:
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula so the loaf bakes evenly and sprinkle turbinado sugar evenly for that signature crunch.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake for forty three to forty eight minutes until the top is domed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The kitchen will smell incredible.
- Cool and Slice:
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for ten minutes which helps it set and makes it easier to handle. Carefully lift the loaf onto a wire rack to cool fully before slicing for perfect clean cuts.
Save It Cardamom is my favorite ingredient in this loaf because it brings such a uniquely cozy and uplifting aroma. I will never forget the first morning my kids woke to the scent of this bread baking and tumbled out of bed asking for warm slices right away.
Storage Tips
Once completely cool wrap the slices tightly in plastic or an airtight container. The loaf will stay moist at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage freeze individual slices and reheat in a toaster or microwave for a just baked taste.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
If you do not have all the spices on hand substitute two and a half teaspoons of your favorite chai tea mix. Almond milk or oat milk work well for dairy free needs and melted coconut oil is a great option for a different flavor. Feel free to stir in half a cup of toasted walnuts for crunch.
Ways to Serve This Loaf
Enjoy slices warm with a pat of salted butter or spread with whipped cream cheese for an extra treat. It also pairs wonderfully with honey or a drizzle of simple glaze. For a real Café at home moment serve with hot Masala chai or even a glass of lightly sweet Moscato.
Chai Bread Through the Seasons
This bread leans into autumn and winter with its spice blend but you can switch it up for spring and summer. Add zest of an orange or lemon for brightness or fold in diced dried apricots for extra sweetness.
Save It Bake this loaf for a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. Every slice brings chai spice warmth right to your kitchen.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do I achieve a moist texture?
Use whole milk, eggs, and oil to ensure the loaf remains soft. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to dryness.
- → Can I make this loaf dairy-free?
Yes, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Ensure all other ingredients are suitable for your dietary needs.
- → What nuts can be added for crunch?
Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the batter to enhance texture and add flavor.
- → Is it possible to add a topping?
Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top before baking for a subtle crunch and sweet finish.
- → What pairs well with this loaf?
Serve it with spiced chai tea, lightly sweet Moscato, or a dollop of whipped cream cheese for a delightful experience.
- → How do I know when it's baked through?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Bake for 43–48 minutes at 350°F for best results.