Indulge your senses with the delightful Swirled Chocolate Chai Streusel Bread—a treat that harmoniously blends rich chocolate with the warm, aromatic spices of chai. This scrumptious loaf is not just a feast for the eyes with its beautiful marbled design, but it also promises to wrap you in cozy flavors that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a unique breakfast option, a sweet afternoon snack, or a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Ready to discover the secrets to baking this heavenly bread? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chai spice mix
- 1/2 cup streusel topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation.
- Gradually mix in the milk, stirring until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Divide the batter into two separate bowls. In one bowl, fold in the cocoa powder, creating a chocolate batter.
- In the other bowl, mix in the chai spice blend, creating a spiced vanilla batter.
- Alternately layer the chocolate and chai batters into the prepared loaf pan, creating a marbled effect by gently swirling with a knife.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top of the batter, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve at room temperature, enjoying the rich swirled chocolate and aromatic chai flavors.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth batter and improves the texture of your bread.
- Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt not only removes lumps but also aerates the mixture, resulting in a lighter loaf.
- Perfect Swirls: When layering the batters, use a knife or skewer to gently swirl them together. Avoid over-mixing; you want to maintain distinct chocolate and chai flavors.
- Streusel Topping: For added crunch and flavor, consider adding nuts or spices to your streusel topping. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the taste even further!
- Testing for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze slices for a quick treat later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
