Pumpkin Chai Bread Recipe

If you want your kitchen to smell like a cozy autumn afternoon, you absolutely have to try Pumpkin Chai Bread. Imagine a perfectly tender loaf bursting with warm chai spices, hints of pumpkin, and a sweet, aromatic crust—this quick bread is as close as you’ll get to fall in a slice. Whether you’re sharing it for brunch or stashing a thick piece for your morning coffee, this recipe is both comfort and celebration in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Chai Bread has a starring role. From the toasty spices to the creamy pumpkin puree, each element brings something unique to the table—flavor, moisture, or just that golden, crave-worthy crumb we all love. Let’s break down what you’ll need (and why!) to make this loaf the tastiest part of your day.

• Neutral oil: Adds moisture for a soft, tender loaf without overpowering the chai-pumpkin flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps give that slight golden-brown color to the crust.
• Brown sugar: Infuses a subtle caramel note and extra moisture for an irresistibly rich crumb.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and keep the loaf springy instead of crumbly.
• Pumpkin puree: The heart of the recipe—velvety, rich, and it guarantees every bite is moist.
• Chai tea latte concentrate: Brings in all those warm spices and a little hint of black tea for depth.
• Baking soda: Ensures the bread rises well and has a lovely, light texture.
• Baking powder: Works with the baking soda to make the loaf taller and fluffier.
• Ground cinnamon: Warms up the flavors and pairs perfectly with both pumpkin and chai.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Adds a fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—no shortcuts on spiciness here.
• Kosher salt: Balances all the sweetness and makes each spice pop a little more.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, holding all that flavor and moisture together.

How to Make Pumpkin Chai Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

As with any cozy baking project, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or, for a super-easy cleanup, line it with parchment paper. This gives your Pumpkin Chai Bread that lovely rise without sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the neutral oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. They should look glossy and well blended by the time you’re done—think of this as the sweet, rich base of your bread.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating each one in until fully incorporated. This step is crucial for ensuring the crumb is even and the bread holds its shape perfectly when sliced.

Step 4: Incorporate Pumpkin and Chai

Scoop in your pumpkin puree and pour in the chai tea latte concentrate. Mix until you’ve got a smooth, spice-scented batter that looks downright delicious already.

Step 5: Add the Spices and Leaveners

Now for the fragrant part: stir in the baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Make sure each one is evenly distributed so every bite of your Pumpkin Chai Bread is consistently spiced.

Step 6: Fold in the Flour

Add the flour gradually, mixing until just combined. Resist the urge to over-mix—stopping at the point where no streaks of flour remain is your secret to that lush, soft crumb.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. For extra crunch and sparkle, sprinkle a little turbinado sugar on top. Bake for 60–70 minutes until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Let your gorgeous loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Pumpkin Chai Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your Pumpkin Chai Bread with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of simple glaze, or even a few toasted pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch and a lovely contrast in color.

Side Dishes

This spiced loaf is wonderful alongside a steaming mug of chai or bold coffee, but it’s just as delicious paired with creamy vanilla yogurt, fresh fruit, or a swirl of whipped cream cheese for breakfast or snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching brunch display, slice the Pumpkin Chai Bread thick and serve as French toast, or cube it for a sweet bread pudding. You can also toast slices and spread on spiced butter for a delightful afternoon treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Chai Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the second-day slices even better!

Freezing

Pumpkin Chai Bread freezes beautifully: simply wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) in plastic, then foil, and tuck into a freezer bag. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months—perfect for make-ahead treats or surprise guests.

Reheating

If you’ve stashed some in the freezer, let the bread thaw at room temperature. For that just-baked bliss, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 10–20 seconds before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chai concentrate instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade chai concentrate creates a richer, more personalized flavor profile—just be sure it’s sweetened to match the store-bought version, or adjust the sugar slightly to taste.

Can I make this bread vegan?

Yes, you can swap the eggs for flax eggs and choose plant-based chai concentrate. The loaf will be just as moist and delicious—your vegan friends will thank you.

Why is my bread dense and not rising?

Heavy or dense bread often means the batter was overmixed or your leavening agents (baking soda/powder) were expired. Always mix until just combined and use fresh baking soda and powder for a light, fluffy loaf.

What’s the best way to add extra crunch?

Try sprinkling turbinado sugar or chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) on top before baking. This not only adds texture but makes every slice extra special.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Just bake in two pans and watch the time—the loaves may need a few extra minutes if your oven is crowded, but you’ll have twice as much Pumpkin Chai Bread to share or freeze.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Chai Bread is one of those magical bakes that manages to be simple, comforting, and totally showstopping at the same time. I hope you give this recipe a spot in your baking routine—it’s impossible not to fall in love with every spiced, pumpkin-y bite!

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