15 Chai-Spiced Recipes

Staple spice-rack spices create all the depth of classic chai tea in this luscious, carrot-packed, whole-grain dessert. It's a cross between a play on pumpkin pie and carrot cake: The texture and flavor are reminiscent of the former, and the layers—cream cheese mixture on the bottom, spiced carrot filling on top—are inspired by the latter. To get a big head start, you can make and freeze the crust up to a week ahead. A combination of butter and shortening in the crust is ideal—butter for its rich flavor, and shortening to create a flaky texture. We recommend Earth Balance shortening (found with the other shortenings in large supermarkets or health-focused stores) because, unlike most other shortenings, it contains no trans fats. 

The addition of turmeric boosts the Indian flavor and the antioxidants in chai tea. Our healthier version mixes fresh ginger, cardamom pods, and whole cloves in orange pekoe tea sweetened with honey.

You'll find all the delicious spices of Chai tea in one melt-in-your-mouth loaf of Chai Banana Bread.These spices work really well together and are a good contrast with the sweetness of the banana.

Give an instant boost to a cup of hot black tea on a gray day with this easy mix. Make more for holiday gifts and package in Mason jars, or spoon some into a clear cello bag and stuff into an oversized mug.

Named for a city the French inhabited in India from 1674 to 1956, this tart, shaken cocktail spikes French apple brandy with Indian spices.

The warming flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and allspice make this oatmeal dish immensely comforting. 

Cinnamon, ginger, and black tea combine for an enticing and unexpected blend of spices and flavors in our Chai Cream Pie. Serve with after-dinner coffee for a new dessert that is sure to become an instant favorite.

This sweet and creamy treat comes together in a snap with a little help from instant rice. You'll love the crunchy pistachio topping.

These healthy muffins get their unique flavor from chai tea blend and roasted chopped pistachios.

If you love the rich flavor of Mexican hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon, this dessert will delight you. These brownies are best served warm and gooey.

Shrimp brine in a fraction of the time it takes for large, tougher cuts of meat. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand. Purchase naan at a local Indian restaurant or gourmet market, or substitute pita bread.

Although it keeps several days in the fridge, this pudding is at its best warm. Add a touch of extra milk to reheat, and top with whipped topping, nuts, and rind just before serving.

Chai spices bring a new twist to this classic combination of apples, onions, and pork. Make the chutney a day or two ahead; store covered in the refrigerator. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and onions. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

You can substitute any slightly sweet white wine for late-harvest riesling. Heat the pound cake on a grill pan before serving to create attractive grill marks. Garnish with raw pear slices.

If you like Chai, the traditional Indian spiced tea, you'll love these cookies. Classic shortbread crunch meets fragrant cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper (yes, black pepper!) in an innocent-looking cookie with an invisibly scrumptious twist.