This Chai banana bread recipe is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, incorporating the warm and aromatic flavors of chai. This recipe is made with freshly brewed Chai, instead of adding spices, which is then added to the batter to enhance the flavor. Whip out this beauty at your tea parties or when you just want to enjoy a cup of tea by yourself, and I am sure you are going to want more of it. Paired with Chai, Chai Banana Bread will make your evening tea time much better. Some recipes may also include nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and richness. The result is a moist and flavorful banana bread with the warmth and complexity of chai spices. Although using a spice mix can be convenient, using brewed chai relies on natural ingredients such as tea leaves, spices, and ginger.
Why brewed Chai Banana Bread?
Snacks like biscuits, pakodas, and rusk are common edibles during tea time in India. People love to pair their evening chai with dishes like Kohlrabi Fritters, Potato Papdi Chaat or Gulab Jamun Cake. One such popular tea-time dish is rusk which is often flavored. Rusk manufacturers sometimes incorporate cardamom flavoring to create a variation that appeals to those who enjoy the distinct taste of elaichi. These rusks may have a subtle cardamom aroma and flavor, offering a fusion of traditional rusk texture with the added twist of a popular spice. Because of the strong spice flavour, rusks often taste like chai-flavoured biscuits. After seeing many chai banana bread recipes using dry chai spice mixes, I wanted to include brewed chai in the recipe. So, I decided to use brewed chai in the batter to give the bread a richer and more authentic chai flavor. Check here on how to make a perfectly brewed Masala chai.
Ingredients and Substitutes for Vegan Chai Banana Bread
Ingredients:
Ripe bananas Vegan butter or neutral oil Sugar Vanilla extract Brewed vegan chai (Plant-based milk plus masala made with crushed cloves, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, ginger and fennel seeds) Fresh ginger All-purpose flour (or gluten-free option for those with gluten sensitivities) Baking soda Baking powder Ground cardamom Cinnamon Salt Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts
Substitutes:
Vegan butter: Use neutral oil as an alternative or sub half of it with applesauce for a lighter version. All-purpose flour: Opt for a gluten-free option if needed. Brewed vegan chai: Ensure a strong brew made with plant-based milk and double the amount of tea leaves for a rich chai flavor. Optional add-ins: Customize the banana bread by adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to enhance flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the bananas: We will need ripe bananas to make this recipe. If you do not have overripe bananas, preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Place unpeeled bananas on the prepared sheet. Bake until the banana skins turn entirely black, typically taking around 15 to 20 minutes. Allow them to cool thoroughly, and once cooled, scoop out the banana pulp from the peel and mash it.
Prepare the masala for the tea by grinding cloves, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, ginger and fennel seeds in a pestle and mortar.
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk with ground masala Heat the milk over low heat until steaming, then remove from heat and let the tea steep for 10 minutes. Discard the tea bags and allow the milk to cool to room temperature.
To a blender, add the bananas. Add 2/3 cup of brown sugar and 1/3 cup of melted butter, the cooled chai-infused milk and blend until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Top the batter with split bananas. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the chai banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious chai-infused banana bread!
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Snacks that you can enjoy with your cup of tea
