Chai Banana Bread

Ramp up your classic banana bread with the warming flavors of chai.  It will leave you with all the comfort feels.

 

Chai Banana Bread

I think everyone mastered the art of baking "banana bread" during the pandemic don't you?  Well banana bread is a classic for a reason, it's so darn good!  Let's take that basic bread and move it up a notch by adding some chai spice to the mix.  I love a good chai latte.  The flavors of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, just create the most magical spiced tea.  This spice blend is also wonderful in baked goods and is the perfect addition to banana bread.

This is a one bowl recipe and you don't need a mixer!  I just love that.  We always have overripe bananas left over from the week and they are perfect for banana bread, or muffins.  This is such an easy recipe that can be thrown together quickly with items from your pantry.  The baking time is a little long for such a dense quickbread so I would suggest making this on the weekend.  That way you can plan the baking time and will have this heavenly, incredibly delicious Chai Banana Bread all week long.  Perfect for breakfast, snacking, dessert, or with a cup of coffee or tea.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

• eggs 

• medium ripe bananas

• canola oil

• milk

• all purpose flour

• baking powder

• salt

• light brown sugar or sugar substitute

• chai spice blend (I use this one)

• walnuts

Substitutions and Variations

• Flour - want a healthy bread with a more nutty flavor? use 1 cup of white whole wheat flour and 1 cup all purpose flour

• Sugar - you can use regular granulated white sugar if you choose, or even dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor

• Sugar substitute - Use a substitute that is good for baking.  I like King Arthur  Baking Sugar Alternative for white sugars, and Splenda Magic Baker Brown Zero Calorie Sweetener for my brown sugars

• Nuts - Leave them out if you prefer or swap them for hazelnuts or pecans

• Add Ins - Along with the Chai Spice try adding in mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped fruit like pears or plums.  

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Long Baking time - you will need 50 - 60 minutes of baking time and about 30 prep time, so plan ahead.

• Chai Spice Blend sources:  
• Spice House Chai Spices - I use this one and it has a hint of vanilla in it.
• Amazon - Watkins Chai Powder - This does have a trace of tea in it and no vanilla.  If you want a vanilla hint add some to the muffin batter along with this spice.
• Amazon - Spicewalla Chai Masala - This Blend does not have any tea in it, nor does it have vanilla.  If you want a vanilla hint add some to the muffin batter along with this spice.
• Morton & Bassett Chai Spice - most major grocery stores carry this brand.  This does not contain vanilla.  If you want a vanilla hint add some to the  batter along with this spice.

• Do not overmix your batter - this will cause a dense tough product and no one wants that in a banana bread!  Just gently (Not vigorously ) mix until everything is just combined. A few streaks of flour is ok.  

More Banana Bread Recipes

• Chocolate Chip Ricotta Banana Bread

• Blueberry Coconut Banana Bread

• Brown Sugar Sour Cream Banana Bread

• Cinnamon Streusel Banana Bread

• Nutella Swirl Banana Bread

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Chai Banana Bread

yield: 1 loaf

2 eggs beaten
2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup canola oil
1/3 cup milk
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon chai spice blend (I use this one)
1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray a 9 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl add the eggs and bananas, mashing and combining together.  Add in the milk and oil and stir to combine.  Add in the flour, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, and chai spice blend.  Mix just until combined. (Do not overmix).  Fold in the chopped walnuts.

Pour batter in the prepared pan spreading evenly.  Bake 50-60 minutes , or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when tested in the center.  (cover the top of the bread if it starts to become too brown toward the end of baking)  Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 15 minutes and then invert and remove from the pan.  Place on a wire rack to cool completely.  Slice and serve.