Zesty Chai Signature Banana Bread

This Zesty Chai Signature Banana Bread is deeply spiced, incredibly moist, and layered with cozy warmth in every bite. Strong brewed chai tea, molasses, and classic chai spices bring richness and depth, while dark chocolate, candied ginger, and walnuts add texture and contrast. Designed as a two-loaf recipe, this vegan banana bread is perfect for sharing, gifting, or freezing for later. At Nourish Wise, recipes are meant to feel grounding and intentional — familiar enough to comfort, elevated enough to feel special.

Ingredients

The Base (Wet)

  • 4½ overripe bananas, mashed

  • 1½ tbsp ground flaxseed + 4½ tbsp water (mix and rest 5 minutes)

  • 6 tbsp strong brewed chai tea, cooled

  • 1⅛ cups light brown sugar

  • 1½ tbsp molasses

  • ¾ cup neutral oil

  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract

The Structure (Dry)

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1½ tsp baking soda

  • ¾ tsp salt

The Spice Rail

  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

  • ¾ tsp ground ginger

  • ½ tsp ground cardamom

  • ¼ tsp ground cloves

The Gourmet Fold-Ins

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips

  • ¼ cup candied ginger, finely diced (tossed with 1 tsp flour)

  • ¾ cup chopped walnuts

The Zesty Glaze

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tbsp almond milk

  • ½ tsp molasses

  • Dash of vanilla extract

  • ½ tsp fresh lemon juice

  • Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon), for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 8.5 × 4.5-inch loaf pans.

  2. Prepare flax egg by mixing ground flaxseed with water; set aside for 5 minutes.

  3. Whisk all wet ingredients together, including mashed bananas, flax egg, and cooled chai, until smooth.

  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.

  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

  6. Fold in chocolate chips, floured candied ginger, and walnuts.

  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

  8. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

  9. Cool completely before glazing.

  10. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over loaves and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Storage Tip

This banana bread is exceptionally moist thanks to the bananas and molasses. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze with parchment paper between slices for easy toasting later.