Description
This Chai Spiced Apple Butter Muffin Bread blends the warm, aromatic spices of chai with the sweetness of apple butter and cream cheese swirls for a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. The whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt add a tender crumb, while the honeycrisp apple pieces provide a fresh, fruity contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Chai Spice Mix
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon all-spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Main Batter
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup apple butter
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat or all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, very thinly sliced or chopped
Cream Cheese Swirl & Topping
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature or melted
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Make the Chai Spice: In a shallow bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, all-spice, cloves, and black pepper to create the chai spice blend.
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 inch bread pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the loaf.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, Greek yogurt, apple butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the flour, 1 tablespoon of the prepared chai spice blend, baking powder, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Toss and Add Apples: Toss the sliced or chopped honeycrisp apple with 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 2 teaspoons chai spice. Gently fold the apples into the batter ensuring even distribution.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Dollop the cream cheese over the batter and give it a gentle stir to create little pockets of cream cheese, being careful not to over-mix.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare and Add the Swirl Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, dark brown sugar, flour, and 1 to 2 teaspoons chai spice to form clumps. Distribute these clumps evenly over the batter in the pan to create the swirl topping.
- Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil about halfway through baking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan before slicing. Serve with butter or enjoy plain.
Notes
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, or all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother swirl.
- If you don’t have apple butter, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce plus a little cinnamon.
- For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based yogurt and butter alternatives.
- Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chai spice, apple butter, muffin bread, breakfast bread, cream cheese swirl, fall recipe, cinnamon, spiced bread, honeycrisp apple
