The scent of autumn always brings back a flood of memories: crisp leaves crunching underfoot, the first hint of woodsmoke in the air, and my grandmother’s kitchen overflowing with the aroma of spiced baked goods. She always had something warm and comforting emerging from h
er oven. This Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread is my attempt to capture that feeling – that perfect blend of cozy and delicious – and share it with you. It’s a celebration of fall flavors, combining the classic warmth of pumpkin bread with the intriguing depth of chai spices and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup. Trust me, this isn’t your average pumpkin bread!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another pumpkin bread recipe. Here’s what makes it truly special:
- Unique Flavor Profile: The chai spices – cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper – elevate the traditional pumpkin bread into something truly memorable. They add warmth and complexity you won’t find anywhere else.
- Naturally Sweetened: We’re using maple syrup as the primary sweetener, offering a more nuanced and less refined sweetness than traditional sugar. It also adds a beautiful moisture.
- Super Moist & Tender: The combination of pumpkin puree, oil, and maple syrup ensures a wonderfully moist and tender crumb that stays soft for days.
- Easy to Make: Despite the complex flavor, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Even beginner bakers can achieve fantastic results.
- Perfect for Fall & Beyond: It’s ideal for cozy autumn mornings, Thanksgiving gatherings, or simply as a comforting treat any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread. I’ve included both US and metric measurements to make life easier.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (trust me on this!)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (177ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- ¾ cup (180g) maple syrup (use pure maple syrup for the best flavor!)
- 1 cup (240ml) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped pecans or walnuts (for added texture!)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) maple syrup (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to bake? Let’s break it down into simple steps.
1. Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5 inch (23x13cm) loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of the spices.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the oil, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet & Dry:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can result in a tough bread.
5. Add Optional Nuts:
- If using nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
6. Pour & Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs). Start checking at 50 minutes – ovens vary.
7. Cool & Enjoy:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- (Optional) While still warm, brush the top with the additional tablespoon of maple syrup. This gives it a lovely sheen.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas to customize your Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread and enjoy it to the fullest:
Tips for Baking Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs come to room temperature for a better emulsion and a lighter crumb.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking leads to dry bread. Keep a close eye on it during the last 15 minutes.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust the spices to your liking! If you love ginger, add a little more. If cardamom isn’t your thing, use less.
- Measuring Flour: Use the “spoon and level” method for measuring flour. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. This prevents packing and ensures accurate measurement.
Variations to Try:
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of dark chocolate chips for a richer treat.
- Dried Cranberries: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries for a festive touch.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, swirl a mixture of softened cream cheese, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt into the batter.
- Spiced Glaze: While the bread is still warm, drizzle it with a glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a dash of chai spice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with Butter: A classic pairing!
- With Coffee or Tea: This bread is incredibly comforting with a warm beverage.
- As Part of a Brunch Spread: It’s a perfect addition to a weekend brunch.
- Gift it!: Wrap a slice or a whole loaf in parchment paper and ribbon – it makes a lovely homemade gift.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice)
*Calories: 280-320
*Fat: 12-15g
*Carbohydrates: 40-45g
*Protein: 4-5g
*Fiber: 2-3g
Please note that these are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Embrace the Autumn Flavors!
Making this Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread is more than just baking; it’s about creating a moment of warmth, comfort, and deliciousness. Don’t be intimidated by the spice blend – it’s easier than you think and the results are worth it! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Now, go bake something delicious!
