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Chai isn't just for drinking

Everyone knows that everything nice is heavily spiced. These chai recipes are proof in the (sometimes literal) pud.

Masala chai carrot cake

Masala chai carrot cake Source: Nik Sharma

For many, a morning and afternoon cup of chai is as essential as human contact. This is fitting considering that chai has been bringing people together for centuries. Even if the company is only your own.

Chai is Hindi for tea and 'secret' spice blends have been passed down from generation to generation. If you're not lucky enough to have a recipe then you can start here:
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Masala chai

This dairy-free blend is also very good:
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Rich coconut chai

Whatever recipe you choose as your starting point, experimenting to create your own signature spice blend is all part of the delights behind chai. Most blends will keep for about six months in a tightly lidded jar, somewhere cool and dark. 

No need to worry about the time frame, though. Once you realise that chai tastes good in everything, you'll be racing through your blend in weeks, not months.

Tarty chai

Chai-spiced custard tarts
You'll need a mug or two of chai to sip on as you quietly work your way through this recipe. Source: Alan Benson
Adding a chai custard and a chai syrup to a standard Portuguese
custard tart
is a work of genius. The softness of the meltingly-good pastry offsets the hit of chai spices beautifully. Note to self: add dried ginger pieces to the signature spice blend immediately.

Tea time

Chai scones
This chai infusion is combining teatime with scone time and we are here for it. Source: Armelle Habib
Chai-infused scones
are surely the most perfect thing to serve for afternoon tea, ever. Especially when the prime minister is coming...

Loaf it

Gluten-free sweet potato, coconut & chai loaf
This not-so-naughty spiced loaf is given a nutrient and moisture boost with sweet potato and coconut. Source: Lottie Hedley, The Great Australian Baking Book
Accompanying your scones might be this
nutritious gluten-free chai loaf
. It's brimming with enough goodness to make a slice for breakfast another option.
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Chai teacake with cinnamon dusting

Carrot king

Masala chai carrot cake
Simple to prepare, rather rustic and absolutely delicious. Source: Nik Sharma
Of course, the king of chai bakes has to be this
carrot cake
. Not least because it's smothered in a pistachio cream cheese frosting.

Have a ball

Masala chai rum balls
These delightful little snacks are like spiced cookie dough flecked with coconut and warmed by rum. Source: Camellia Aebischer
Rum balls might be for the festive season, but
masala chai rum balls
are forever.

Nicely popped

Honey chai almond crunch
This snack is sweet but slightly savoury too, just like a good chai should be. Source: Belinda So
Popcorn is such an underrated
sweet snack
- it soaks up chai flavours like a sponge, then crunches up nicely in the oven.

Even better

Ginger chai tiramisu
All the creaminess of tiramisu with an underlying taste of cardamom, ginger and tea plus added zing from the ginger. Source: Anjum’s Australian Spice Stories
It's hard to improve on a classic tiramisu, but this
ginger chai version
is really unbeatable. As you'd expect, well-spiced chai replaces the traditional espresso to soak into the biscuits. Plenty of ginger really makes it sing.
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Chai nougat bonanza

Caked on

Marsala chai Bundt cakes with honey drizzle icing
These cakes capture the true essence of an aromatic, soul-warming Indian masala chai. Source: Alan Benson
The enticing aromas of chai will infuse through your kitchen when you bake these lovely 
Bundt cakes
. A honey-drizzle icing brings added sweetness to really pick you up.

Surprise inside

Banana chai blondies
Substitute your own chai blend in this recipe to customise your blondies. Source: Chris Middleton
Blondies
made with chai, bananas and cannellini beans really shouldn't work, yet somehow it does. The result is a super-moist, flavoursome treat you'll want to share with others.

Warmed through

Chai-spiced bread and butter pudding
Bread and butter pudding is a classic for using up day-old bread (and chai spice blends!). Source: Michele Curtis
If your heart needs a little warming, a chai-spiced
bread and butter pudding
is just the thing. This recipe is super-easy to pull together and is utter perfection when served with a generous scoop of ice cream:
READ MORE

Chai ice cream

Tapiochai

Chai-spiced tapioca pudding
This rich and addictive tapioca custard will transport you to India with every mouthful. Source: Alan Benson
Tapioca custard
is such a crowd-pleaser, and the addition of chai makes them completely irresistible. What a way to end a curry feast.
Tea time

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A very British debate rages on: what comes first, tea or milk?

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SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
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SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Food
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3 min read
Published 11 March 2021 10:38am
Updated 19 March 2022 1:28am
By SBS Food bite-sized
Source: SBS

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