There’s nothing like the combination of fall flavors, and Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread is the epitome of seasonal baking at its finest. Soft, fluffy, and packed with the warming spices of chai, this pumpkin bread also boasts a subtle sweetness from maple syrup, making it the perfect addition to your fall recipe collection. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack, this bread is sure to become a favorite. Plus, the maple glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite irresistible!

Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread is the ultimate fall baking experience, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin with the cozy spices of chai. The soft texture, sweet maple syrup, and spicy warmth will envelop you with every bite. It’s easy to make and even easier to devour. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, and it only gets better the longer it sits. Paired with a maple glaze, this bread is an indulgent yet comforting treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Tip: you’ll find full ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

For the Bread:

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

For the Maple Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1-2 teaspoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the sides for easy removal later. Set the pan aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, eggs, light brown sugar (or coconut sugar), maple syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices—cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, and cloves.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth batter with some lumps.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and gently smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes at 350°F, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If necessary, cover the top loosely with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.

Step 6: Cool the Bread

Let the bread cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing it from the pan. This helps the bread hold its shape and ensures it slices well.

Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze

While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve a drizzling consistency.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this sweet, spiced, and utterly delicious treat!

Variations

Add-ins: If you like, mix in some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or even chocolate chips for an extra bit of texture and flavor.
Vegan Version: Substitute the butter for vegan butter, use plant-based yogurt, and swap in flax eggs for the regular eggs to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Heating and Storage

This bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin works great in this recipe! Just make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, this bread actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. It’s perfect for making ahead!

Can I add nuts to this bread?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

Can I use a different sweetener?

You can substitute the light brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a more natural, unrefined sweetener.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

You can substitute regular yogurt or sour cream if you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand. For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt.

Can I make this recipe as muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, you can make this recipe into muffins. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How can I adjust the spices?

Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences. Add a bit more cinnamon or ginger if you like those flavors stronger.

Can I skip the glaze?

While the maple glaze adds a delicious finishing touch, you can definitely skip it if you prefer a less sweet bread or want a more traditional pumpkin loaf.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is done when it is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, you can freeze the bread before or after glazing. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

Chai Spice Maple Pumpkin Bread is the perfect cozy treat to enjoy this fall. With its soft texture, warm spices, and sweet maple glaze, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing with friends and family, it’s a simple yet indulgent way to enjoy all the flavors of the season. Grab your ingredients and get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

For the Bread:

For the Maple Glaze:

Instructions