Imagine a bread so aromatic and delicious that it transforms your kitchen into an exotic spice market, filling the air with warm, comforting notes of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. This Chai Spiced Quick Bread isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of India with just one bite. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a delightful dessert, this quick bread promises to become your new obsession, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cardamom, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. The eggs should be completely blended with no visible egg whites.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredient mixture into it. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until the batter is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough, dense bread.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
- Carefully turn out the bread onto a wire cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread maintain its structure and prevents crumbling.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. The bread can be enjoyed plain, or optionally topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Check for Freshness: Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor. If your spices are older than 6 months, consider replacing them.
- Pan Preparation: Grease your pan thoroughly and consider lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and prevent crumbling.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist for 3-4 days.
- Serving Suggestion: Enhance the flavor by serving with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg
