Name: Chai Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489529H58M43S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 3 ripe, spotty Bananas; 1/3 cup (70 grams) Butter, salted (or unsalted with a pinch of salt); 1 Large Egg (or 1 flaxseed egg as a substitute); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1/3 cup (75 grams) Greek Yogurt (can substitute with coconut yogurt); 1/2 cup (85 grams) Soft Light Brown Sugar; 1 1/2 cups (165 grams) Plain All Purpose Flour; 1/2 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda; 1 3/4 tsp Chai Masala (store-bought or DIY blend)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 26 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, aromatic twist on a classic treat, look no further than this Chai Banana Bread Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of ripe bananas and warm chai spices that create a loaf bursting with comforting flavors and a soft, tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet companion to your favorite cup of tea, this bread brings together simple ingredients in an utterly delicious way that will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds several unmixed ingredients arranged separately inside. There is one raw egg with a bright orange yolk, a dollop of thick white cream or yogurt, a mound of light brown sugar, and a pool of golden syrup or melted butter. The base seems to contain a mashed yellowish mixture, likely mashed banana. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards baking your perfect Chai Banana Bread Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, from the natural sweetness of the bananas to the fragrant warmth of chai masala, making the flavor and texture truly unforgettable.

3 Bananas (ripe + spotty): The riper, the better for natural sweetness and moisture in your bread.
1/3 cup/ 70 grams Butter: Adds richness and helps keep the bread tender; salted butter is preferable for enhanced flavor.
1 Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together; use a flaxseed egg as a vegan alternative.
1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances and deepens the overall flavor profile.
1/3 cup/ 75 grams Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and slight tang; can substitute with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
1/2 cup/ 85 grams Soft Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens and provides a slight caramel note that complements the chai spices.
1 1/2 cups/ 165 grams Plain All Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure to your bread.
1/2 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda: Helps the loaf rise nicely with a tender crumb.
1 3/4 tsp Chai Masala: The star spice blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and more, infusing authentic chai warmth.

How to Make Chai Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a 1lb loaf tin with baking paper and grease it lightly to ensure your banana bread doesn’t stick. Setting this foundation early keeps things smooth and easy.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Peel your ripe bananas and toss them into a large mixing bowl. Mash them with a fork or use a blender if you want a perfectly smooth batter. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, essential for that flawless bread texture.

Step 3: Melt Butter and Combine Wet Ingredients

Melt your butter gently on the stovetop or microwave, then pour it over the mashed bananas. Add the egg, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, and soft light brown sugar to the bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and evenly mixed.

Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Incorporate the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and chai masala into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together just until combined, making sure to avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and light.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf tin and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The intoxicating aroma of chai spices filling your kitchen is a sure sign it’s almost done.

How to Serve Chai Banana Bread Recipe

The image shows a loaf of banana bread with two long slices of banana baked into the top, creating a curved, natural pattern with yellow and brown tones. The bread itself is light brown with a dense, moist texture, and the inside reveals small dark specks from mashed bananas. The loaf is sliced into three pieces, with one slice slightly slid forward, showing its soft crumb. The banana bread sits on a piece of light brown parchment paper on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a clear glass cup with brown liquid, possibly tea or coffee, and a few green cardamom pods scattered near the bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, dust the loaf’s top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also slather on some softened butter or a smear of cream cheese to enhance the indulgence.

Side Dishes

This banana bread shines alongside a warm cup of masala chai or chai latte, creating a harmonious flavor pairing. Add fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt to round out a breakfast or snack spread with vibrant freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your chai banana bread thick for rustic charm or thin for dainty tea-time bites. You might also transform it into French toast, dipped and fried to golden glory for a new spin on this classic favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep it moist. Stored at room temperature, it stays fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to preserve your loaf longer, slice it and freeze individual pieces wrapped in foil or parchment paper. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or toast them straight from frozen for a quick treat.

Reheating

Rewarm slices in a toaster or microwave just until warm to restore that freshly baked feel. Adding a bit of butter or your favorite spread after reheating elevates the experience.

FAQs

Can I use instant chai powder instead of chai masala?

Absolutely! Instant chai powder can substitute chai masala, though chai masala’s fresh, complex spice mix gives a more authentic and nuanced flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg, use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, and swap butter for a plant-based alternative to keep the texture and flavor delightful.

Why is my banana bread dense?

If your bread feels dense, you might have overmixed the batter or used bananas that weren’t ripe enough. Gentle folding and very ripe bananas help achieve the perfect light crumb.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

For extra texture and flavor, folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries pairs wonderfully with the chai spices without overwhelming the bread.

How do I make my own chai masala for this recipe?

A simple DIY chai masala can be made by mixing ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Adjust spice quantities to your personal taste for a fresh homemade blend.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Banana Bread Recipe is a comforting hug in loaf form that you’ll love baking and sharing. Its inviting aroma and perfect balance of spices make it an irresistible treat any time of day. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your cherished favorites too!