Imagine your kitchen filling with the cozy aroma of cinnamon, cardamom, and sweet banana as you pull a golden loaf from the oven—you’ve just made the ultimate Spiced Chai Banana Bread, and let me tell you, it’s like a warm hug in sliceable form. Whether you’re brewing tea for a friend or chasing toddlers around (been there!), this recipe brings the comfort and flavor with minimal fuss. Trust me, this is the loaf that disappears before it even cools completely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe was born on a cozy fall afternoon when my little one wanted to “help” in the kitchen, and I wanted something warm, forgiving, and full of spice. The result? A family favorite with a twist—chai spices take this banana bread to the next level.
- Cozy chai spiced flavor that tastes like fall in every bite.
- Super moist thanks to yogurt and ripe bananas.
- Easy to make with pantry staples—no fancy steps.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or gifting during the holidays.
- Freezer-friendly for those “just one more slice” moments weeks later.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 chai tea bags
- 1/4 cup hot water
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips
Pro Tips
- If your bananas aren’t quite ripe, you can roast them at 300°F for 15-20 mins.
- For dairy-free: use melted coconut oil and a plant-based yogurt or none at all.
- Want a deeper chai flavor? Use 1/3 cup strong brewed chai instead of water.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
- Steep the chai: Place both tea bags in 1/4 cup hot water. Steep 5 minutes, then remove bags and cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well. Stir in mashed bananas, yogurt, vanilla, and cooled chai infusion.
- Gently fold in the dry mix in 2 parts, stirring just until the batter comes together. Don’t overmix!
- Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate here.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs. Tent loosely with foil if it browns too quickly.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t skimp on the spices—they’re what set this bread apart!
- Room temperature eggs mix better and help with rise.
- Always mash bananas thoroughly so they’re evenly incorporated.
- Using yogurt adds tang and keeps the bread soft for days.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Gluten-free: Use GF flour blend and 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum if needed.
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of black pepper for a little chai kick.
- Nut-free: Skip the nuts and opt for chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- Morning twist: Toast a slice and slather with cinnamon butter—yes, please!
FAQs
Can I make this as muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Divide batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Do I need the yogurt?
Nope! It adds extra moisture, but you can leave it out if needed. Just don’t skip the bananas—they’re the heart of this recipe!
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or reheat slices gently in the oven or toaster.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 chai tea bags + 1/4 cup hot water
- Optional: 1/2 cup nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×5 loaf pan.
- Steep tea bags in hot water for 5 mins. Discard bags and let liquid cool.
- Whisk dry ingredients (flour, leaveners, spices, salt) in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix butter and sugars. Add eggs, mashed banana, yogurt, vanilla, and chai tea.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Stir in optional nuts or chocolate.
- Pour into loaf pan and bake 55–65 mins. Cool and enjoy!
Nutrition: ~220 calories per slice
Craving more cozy bakes? If you make this Spiced Chai Banana Bread, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest. Happy baking, friend!
