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This aromatic loaf puts a cozy twist on classic banana bread by infusing it with warm chai spices and topping it off with a sweet, silky maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a relaxed dessert, it’s sure to fill your kitchen with irresistible scents and comforting vibes.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for the glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (for the glaze)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas, milk, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the chai-inspired spices—cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined; overmixing can make the bread tough.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.
To make the maple glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk for a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled bread, letting it set for a few minutes before slicing.
This chai-spiced banana bread is a delightful treat for cool mornings or anytime you crave something comforting. The spices are warm and aromatic, while the sweet maple glaze adds just the right amount of indulgence. It’s great for anyone looking to jazz up their usual banana bread, and you can easily adapt it with whole wheat or gluten-free flour. Enjoy a slice on its own, or pair it with a chai latte for double the cozy factor.
