Name: Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488833H36M18S
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/3 cup Greek yogurt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup light brown sugar (or coconut sugar); 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1-2 teaspoons milk

Jump to Recipe

If you love the cozy warmth of fall flavors wrapped up in a sweet, tender loaf, you’re going to adore this Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread. Imagine the rich, earthy notes of pumpkin blending perfectly with a symphony of chai spices—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, and cloves—balanced by the natural sweetness of maple syrup. This bread is not only a comforting treat but also a surefire way to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this loaf brings a special kind of joy that keeps everyone reaching for another slice.

Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread are wonderfully simple yet thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, moisture, and texture. Each one plays an essential role—from the creamy Greek yogurt adding moisture and tang, to the delicate blend of spices creating that signature chai warmth, and of course, the maple syrup tying everything together with a subtle sweetness.

Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Provides richness and helps keep the bread tender.
Pumpkin puree (1 cup): Adds moisture, a lovely orange hue, and the unmistakable taste of fall.
Greek yogurt (1/3 cup): Keeps the bread moist and adds a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.
Large eggs (2): Help bind the ingredients and contribute to a light texture.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup) or coconut sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness with subtle complexity.
Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Infuses the bread with natural sweetness and signature maple flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, floral aroma.
All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The base structure of the bread, giving it that perfect crumb.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise and stay light.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda to improve leavening.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Essential chai spice adding warmth and depth.
Ground cardamom (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an aromatic, slightly citrusy note.
Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a lively bite that brightens the spice mix.
Ground allspice (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the chai flavor with its complex mix of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg-like notes.
Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, deeply spicy touch that’s signature to chai blends.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): For a sweet, delicate glaze.
Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Used again to sweeten and flavor the glaze.
Milk (1-2 teaspoons): Adjusts glaze consistency to a perfect drizzle.

How to Make Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides so it’s easier to lift the bread out later. This simple prep helps avoid sticking and ensures your loaf comes out clean and beautiful.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, eggs, light brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. This combination is what gives your bread that moist, tender crumb and heavenly flavor with every bite.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the star chai spices—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Mixing these separately ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the loaf.

Step 4: Fold and Mix the Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing can make the bread dense, so stop as soon as there are no more visible flour patches. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy—that’s perfect!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before glazing—it’ll keep everything neat and allow the flavors to set.

Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with maple syrup and just enough milk to create a glaze that’s smooth and drizzles easily without running off the bread entirely. Spread or drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled loaf, then let it stand for about 10 minutes to slightly set before slicing.

How to Serve Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of extra ground cinnamon or a few crushed toasted pecans on top of the glaze to add a little crunch and a visual pop. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also look like a gentle hint of frost, inviting your guests to dig in.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee to enhance the spice notes. For a more indulgent treat, serve it alongside creamy mascarpone cheese or a smear of lightly salted butter that melts beautifully into each slice.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your loaf into an adorable gift by slicing it, wrapping each piece individually in parchment paper, and tying with rustic twine—perfect for potlucks and hostess gifts. Or, toast slices lightly and use them as a base for dollops of whipped cream and fresh autumn fruits for a festive brunch sensation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled and glazed, wrap your Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps nicely at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days, staying moist and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this delicious bread over a longer time, slice it first and freeze individual pieces separated by parchment paper in a sealed freezer bag. This way, you can grab a slice whenever the craving hits. Wrapped properly, it can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, simply toast frozen slices or warm them in the oven at 325°F for 10 to 15 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave for 20 seconds also works in a pinch and makes the glaze lovely and melty again.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this bread?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient and perfect choice that maintains the moist texture and vibrant flavor of the bread.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use plain yogurt or even sour cream if Greek yogurt isn’t on hand. Both will keep the bread moist and tender, though the flavor might be slightly different.

What if I don’t have all the chai spices?

No worries! You can use a store-bought chai spice mix or simply increase the cinnamon and ginger for a slightly simplified but still delicious flavor profile.

Can I make this bread vegan?

With a few tweaks like using flax eggs and a plant-based yogurt, plus a vegan butter substitute, it’s possible to veganize this recipe, though texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How long does the glaze stay fresh?

The maple glaze is best enjoyed fresh but will keep well for up to 24 hours at room temperature without becoming sticky or runny.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread is a true celebration of cozy flavors that never fail to comfort and delight. It’s straightforward to make, filled with aromatic spices, and sweetened just right with maple syrup, making it an effortless star at any table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new favorite fall treat!

Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf infused with warm chai spices and natural sweetness from maple syrup. Perfect for fall or any cozy occasion, this bread combines pumpkin puree, aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, and a delightful maple glaze topping for a comforting treat.

Instructions

Prep the pan and oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bread out later. Set the prepared pan aside.
Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, eggs, light brown sugar (or coconut sugar), maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, cardamom, ground ginger, allspice, and ground cloves. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix to keep the bread tender.
Pour and smooth batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to gently smooth the top for an even surface.
Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool completely on a wire cooling rack.
Prepare the maple glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of milk initially. Add more milk as needed, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, drizzling consistency suitable for pouring over the bread.
Glaze and serve: Once the pumpkin bread is fully cooled, pour the maple glaze evenly over the top and let it set for about 10 minutes to firm up. Slice and serve this delicious, spiced pumpkin bread as a perfect treat with tea or coffee. Enjoy!

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with coconut oil and use a non-dairy yogurt alternative.
Ensure the pumpkin puree is not too watery to maintain the right bread consistency.
You can substitute maple syrup in the batter with honey, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
The glaze thickness can be adjusted by varying the amount of milk to achieve desired drizzle.
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
This bread can also be frozen unglazed for up to 3 months; glaze after thawing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Baked Goods, Bread, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American