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Spiced Chai Bread

This fragrant bread infuses classic chai spices into a soft, chewy loaf through kneading and proofing, resulting in a warm, aromatic crust. The final bread features a tender crumb speckled with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, offering a cozy, inviting appearance and a comforting flavor profile. Perfect for mornings or teatime, it combines the tactile joy of baking with the fragrant allure of chai.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Western
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup warm milk about 38°C (100°F)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast fresher is better
  • 1 teaspoon sugar to activate yeast
  • 3 cups bread flour for chewy texture
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar adds moisture and caramel flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons chai spice blend cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves
  • 1/4 cup melted butter or neutral oil

Equipment

  • Loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Dough scraper
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Pour the warm milk into a mixing bowl and sprinkle the yeast and sugar on top. Let sit for about 5-8 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, signaling the yeast is active.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, brown sugar, salt, and chai spice blend until evenly combined, creating a fragrant dry mixture.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the frothy yeast mixture along with the melted butter. Use a spatula to stir until a shaggy dough begins to form.
  4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. Feel the dough resist when stretched and develop a soft, springy texture.
  5. Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until it doubles in size and feels puffy when gently pressed.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough to release excess air, then shape it into a loaf by tucking the edges underneath. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  7. Cover the loaf with a clean towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until visibly puffy and slightly domed on top.
  8. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, with a firm crust.
  9. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool slightly to set the crumb before slicing.
  10. Slice the bread once cooled and enjoy the warm, aromatic flavor of chai in every tender, chewy piece. Serve plain or with a smear of butter for extra richness.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, toast your chai spices lightly before adding. Feel free to add chopped nuts or dried fruits into the dough before shaping for extra texture.