Chai Bread with Orange Zest and Spiced Glaze Recipe

There is something truly magical about a warm slice of chai bread brightened with the fresh zing of orange zest and finished with a silky, fragrant spiced glaze. This Chai Bread with Orange Zest and Spiced Glaze Recipe combines the rich, comforting flavors of chai spices with the citrusy brightness of freshly grated orange, creating a loaf that is as fragrant as it is irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a special breakfast treat, this bread embraces you with its tender crumb and aromatic warmth, inviting smiles and second helpings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the list intimidate you—this recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the fragrant chai tea to the vibrant orange zest, every item adds depth of flavor, moisture, and texture that make this bread utterly memorable.

• Loose chai (25 g): The heart of the bread, infusing it with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Water (120 ml freshly boiled): Used for steeping the chai to extract all those beautiful flavors.
• Soy milk (160 ml): Creates a silky buttermilk effect with a vegan twist when mixed with vinegar.
• Apple cider vinegar (1 teaspoon): Reacts with the baking powder to help the bread rise light and fluffy.
• All-purpose flour (270 g): Provides the structure needed for a tender yet sturdy loaf.
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon): The essential leavening agent for a perfect rise.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm sweetness integral to chai flavor.
• Ground cardamom (½ teaspoon): Gives a slightly citrusy, floral note that elevates the spice blend.
• Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle peppery kick for complexity.
• Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Enhances the earthiness and aroma of the spices.
• Ground cloves (¼ teaspoon): Brings a deep, slightly sweet heat to the mix.
• Sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances and heightens all the flavors.
• Light brown sugar (120 g): Adds moisture and a rich caramel undertone.
• Maple syrup (120 ml): Infuses gentle sweetness and a subtle woodsy flavor.
• Vegan Greek-style yogurt (120 g): Or applesauce for tenderness and moisture, lending a creamy texture.
• Olive oil (80 ml): Keeps the bread moist and adds a lovely silky finish.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Or vanilla bean paste, enhances the depth of flavor and aroma.
• Orange zest (1 tablespoon freshly grated): The bright star that cuts through the spices with fresh citrus notes.
• Powdered sugar (180 g): For the dreamy spiced glaze coating this loaf.
• Vegan Greek-style yogurt or orange juice (1 tablespoon): Creates the ideal consistency for the glaze.
• Non-dairy milk or extra orange juice (1 tablespoon or more): Adjusts the glaze’s thickness to your preference.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): For a final fragrant touch to the glaze.
• Star anise (optional): For an elegant garnish and a hint of licorice flavor.
• Fresh orange slices (optional): Adds visual appeal and a pop of fresh citrus on top.

How to Make Chai Bread with Orange Zest and Spiced Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Essentials

Start by heating the oven to fan-forced 160°C or conventional 180°C, the perfect temperature for slow, even baking. Don’t forget to lightly grease your loaf pan with oil and line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the bread out effortlessly later. This tiny detail makes all the difference for a perfect loaf.

Step 2: Brew the Chai Tea

Steep your loose chai in freshly boiled water for 10 to 15 minutes. Cover the tea to trap steam, allowing all those warming spices to infuse fully. This is the flavor foundation of your bread, so let it steep patiently and deeply.

Step 3: Create Your Vegan Buttermilk Blend

Whisk the soy milk and apple cider vinegar together, then pour this mixture into your chai tea and let it steep an additional five minutes. This blend simulates buttermilk, adding a subtle tang that activates the baking powder to give your loaf a tender crumb.

Step 4: Strain the Chai Mixture

Using a fine-mesh sieve, gently press to extract a concentrated milky chai liquid. Don’t worry if it looks curdled; that’s just the milk reacting with vinegar. You should end up with about 220 ml, which will give the bread its signature moist texture and fragrant spice.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and salt into a bowl. Whisk them well to create an even spice distribution that ensures every bite bursts with chai goodness.

Step 6: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar, maple syrup, vegan yogurt (or applesauce), olive oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth. Slowly whisk in the buttermilk chai mixture you just prepared, blending everything into a beautifully aromatic batter.

Step 7: Create the Batter

Add your dry ingredients to the wet in two parts, folding gently after each addition. The goal here is a tender bread, so mix just until you see no streaks of flour—don’t overwork the batter or it risks becoming heavy.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, but start testing for doneness after 45 minutes by poking with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your chai bread is ready to cool. Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a rack to cool fully.

Step 9: Whip Up the Spiced Glaze

Mix the powdered sugar, vegan yogurt (or orange juice), non-dairy milk (or extra orange juice), and vanilla extract until you have a smooth glaze. Once the bread is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top generously. Feel free to adjust the thickness to your liking, then garnish with star anise and fresh orange slices for a picture-perfect finish.

How to Serve Chai Bread with Orange Zest and Spiced Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

A slice of this chai bread is lovely on its own, but garnishing with star anise not only adds an elegant look but also heightens the aromatic experience. Fresh orange slices on the side provide a juicy, bright contrast that makes every bite feel fresh and festive.

Side Dishes

Pair your chai bread with a hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee to mirror and amplify those warm spices in liquid form. For breakfast or brunch, a dollop of vegan yogurt or nut butter makes a luscious complement, while a fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, slice the bread thinly and serve it on a wooden board surrounded by candied ginger pieces and a small bowl of spiced glaze for dipping. Alternatively, toast slices lightly and spread with vegan cream cheese topped with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to surprise your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover chai bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the spices tend to deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully. Slice it first, then layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chai bread will keep up to 2 months. Defrost slices at room temperature or toast them straight from the freezer for a quick treat.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster or oven at low heat (around 150°C/300°F) for 5 to 8 minutes, just enough to revive the glaze and awaken the spices without drying the bread. Avoid the microwave for reheating, which can sometimes toughen the texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of soy milk?

Absolutely! Regular milk works well too, but using soy milk keeps this recipe vegan and adds a subtle creaminess that pairs beautifully with the chai spices.

How strong should the chai tea flavor be?

Let the loose chai steep for at least 10 to 15 minutes to get a rich, concentrated flavor. A well-steeped tea will shine through every bite without overpowering the delicate balance of spices and orange zest.

Can I substitute the vegan yogurt with something else?

If you don’t have vegan Greek-style yogurt, unsweetened applesauce is a fantastic substitute that keeps the bread moist and tender while maintaining the moisture balance.

Is there a way to make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Yes! To thicken, add more powdered sugar a little at a time. To thin the glaze, stir in extra non-dairy milk or orange juice drop by drop until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use other citrus zest besides orange?

Definitely! Lemon or lime zest works well too, but orange zest pairs best with chai spices because of its sweet, aromatic qualities. Feel free to experiment for your perfect flavor combo.

Final Thoughts

This Chai Bread with Orange Zest and Spiced Glaze Recipe is a warm hug in loaf form, perfect for any occasion where comfort and flavor are your goals. I encourage you to try it soon—the melding of spices, citrus, and that luscious glaze will make it a beloved staple on your baking roster. Happy baking and even happier slicing!

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