Chai Chip Banana Bread is a delightful twist on a beloved classic that combines the warmth of chai spices with the sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a treat that's perfect for any occasion. Who doesn't love the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen? Now, imagine infusing that classic recipe with the aromatic spices of chai to get a moist, delicious treat perfect for any time of day!
If you're looking for other delicious chai spiced recipes, you may enjoy my Dirty Chai Cake or my Coconut Chai Cookies!
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What is Chai?
Chai means tea in Hindi and is extremely popular across India. Masala chai is the most common and is comprised of black tea with spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and pepper. Chai tea can be found in most grocery stores in a variety of forms. You can find chai tea bags or a chai tea concentrate. You can even find chai spice syrup to make a dirty chai tea latte at home. Over the years, chai has became more and more popular and is now commonly incorporated into baked goods!
Why You'll Love This Banana Bread
If you're a spice lover then you are sure to love this bread! Chai spice is one of my absolute favorite flavors and it is packed into every bite of this banana bread! Here are a few of my highlights of why you'll absolutely love this delicious treat!
- It's the perfect blend of flavors! The chai spices adds a depth of flavor that takes traditional banana bread to a whole new level. Each slice is infused with the essence of chai, making it truly indulgent!
- The bread is super moist! This has to be one of the most moist banana bread recipes you will find!
- It will leave your house smelling amazing! Who doesn't love the smell of freshly baked spice goods?
- It is perfect for any occasion! Enjoy it as a cozy breakfast option alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or coffee. Serve it as a delightful afternoon snack to share with friends or family. Or dress it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert! However, you choose to enjoy it, chai chip banana bread is guaranteed to warm your soul and make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients
For the Chai Chips
Coconut Oil: I like to use melted coconut oil when I make homemade chai chips but you can also substitute vegetable shortening if you prefer.
Granulated Sugar: Use this to balance out the spice. There is quite a bit of spice in the chai chips so feel free to adjust if you want a little more sweet.
Chai Spice: This is made up of cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. I included the breakdown of each spice in the recipe card but you can also use 3 tablespoons of chai spice!
Maple Syrup: This helps with the sweetness level and texture. Feel free to substitute honey or corn syrup if preferred.
Vanilla Extract: I recommend using pure vanilla extract but you can also use vanilla bean paste.
For the Banana Bread
Bananas: Use two extra ripe bananas so the banana flavor is prevalent in the bread.
Eggs: Let your eggs come to room temperature and use large eggs.
Vegetable Oil: You can use vegetable oil or canola oil for this recipe.
Maple Syrup: I like the flavor of maple with chai so I recommend using maple syrup. However, you can also substitute honey if needed.
Vanilla Extract: Once again, you can use pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
Brown Sugar: I used light brown sugar when making this recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: You can use bleached or unbleached flour with this recipe. Be sure that you don't pack your measuring cup!
Baking Soda: Because all banana breads need a leavener to help them rise!
Steps to Make Chai Chip Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 225℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Melt the 2 tablespoons coconut oil in the microwave in 15 second increments until it is completely melted. Mix ⅔ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cloves, 3 teaspoons ginger, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until completely combined.
Step 3: Dump the mixture onto the parchment lined baking sheet and press into an even, flay layer about ¼ inch thick. Place in the oven to bake for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into small chips. Keep in mind that when you first pull it out of the oven, it may still be slightly runny. It should solidify as it cools down. While it is cooling, get started on the banana bread.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Grease and flour a bread pan.
Step 5: Add the two bananas to a mixing bowl and mash them with a fork. Whisk in the 2 eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, ⅓ cup maple syrup, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ½ cup brown sugar until well combined. Next, add the 1 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon salt. Continue to mix until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in the chai chips, reserving about ⅓ cup. Pour the batter into the pan and sprinkle with the ⅓ cup of chai chips that you saved. Bake the bread for approximately 1 hour until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before removing from the pan.
Tips and Tricks for Success
I tried to make this recipe as straightforward as possible but here are a few tips and tricks to help you be as successful as possible!
- Measuring the Flour: It's important to never pack a measuring cup with flour. This results in there being too much flour in your batter and the banana bread will end up being dry and heavy.
- Ingredient Temperatures: Allowing ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing your batter helps them mix easier and become fully incorporated. This will ensure an even texture throughout your bread.
- Mashing the Bananas: Thoroughly mash your bananas with the back of a fork so that there aren't any chunks left. Once again, this ensures an even texture throughout the bread. You can also use a food processor to mash the bananas.
Frequently Asked Questions
I wait until my bananas are mostly brown so that I can get a more intense banana flavor. You can use the bananas until they are completely brown but don't let them sit long once they reach that stage. If you don't have time to make the banana bread once they reach this stage, you can freeze the bananas until you are ready to use them.
Store the banana bread at room temperature for up to 4 days, in the refrigerator for a week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil when you store it.
Yes! If you want to skip making the chai chips, you can simply add the chai spice to the banana bread. I also recommend adding ¼ cup of brown sugar to the recipe to ensure it's still sweet enough!
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📖 Recipe
Chai Chip Banana Bread
Ingredients
For The Chai Chips
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- ⅔ c granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Banana Bread
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs room temperature
- ½ c vegetable oil
- ⅓ c maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ c brown sugar
- 1 ½ c all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
For the Chai Chips
- Preheat the oven to 225℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the coconut oil in the microwave in 15 second increments until it is completely melted. Mix all of the ingredients together in the mixing bowl until well combined.⅔ c granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 3 teaspoon ground ginger, 2 tablespoon maple syrup, 2 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dump the mixture onto the parchment lined baking sheet and press into an even, flay layer about ¼ inch thick. Place in the oven to bake for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into small chips. Keep in mind that when you first pull it out of the oven, it may still be slightly runny. It should solidify as it cools down. While it is cooling, get started on the banana bread.
For the Banana Bread
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Grease and flour a bread pan.
- Add the banana to a mixing bowl and mash it with a fork. Whisk in the eggs, vegetable oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until well combined. Next, add the flour, baking soda and salt. Continue to mix until just combined.1 ½ c all-purpose flour, ½ c brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 ripe bananas, 2 eggs, ½ c vegetable oil, ⅓ c maple syrup, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fold in the chai chips, reserving about ⅓ cup. Pour the batter into the pan and sprinkle with the ⅓ cup of chai chips that you saved. Bake the bread for approximately 1 hour until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before removing from the pan.
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