My masala chai spice blend recipe is the perfect way to add bold, warm, aromatic flavors to just about anything. With just a few simple pantry ingredients, you can create a versatile chai spice blend for baking, desserts, and spiced chai lattes.
What Is Masala Chai?
Masala chai was first a tea from India before it was known as a spice blend. "Masala" means spice, and "chai" simply means tea.
Traditionally, it's a drink made by simmering tea leaves with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, fennel seeds, and black pepper, then adding milk and sweetener for a rich, warming beverage.
However, over the years spiced masala chai has evolved beyond just tea. Now, it's a signature spice blend. Classic Indian chai recipe spices have found their way into everything from lattes and ice cream to pancakes and baked goods.
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Why You'll Love Chai Spice
I’m a huge fan of anything chai flavor! There’s just something about those warm, spiced flavors that I can’t get enough of. The depth it adds is unbeatable, and homemade chai spice is pure magic, full of fresh spiced flavor.
But this masala chai spice blend recipe isn’t just for brewing tea (though it makes a killer chai latte spice mix). You can stir it into shakes, blend it into smoothies, and, of course, I love adding it to baked goods. Imagine chai-spiced muffins, cakes, or even waffles.
What’s even better is that when you make your own chai spice, you get to customize it exactly how you like it. You can increase the warmth and spice or make a milder version.
Ingredients Needed
Cinnamon: This is the base of the masala chai spice blend, bringing a sweet, warm, and slightly spicy note. Any type of ground cinnamon will work but I love using Vietnamese cinnamon.
Cardamom: Made from green cardamom pods, this is one of my favorite spices in masala chai. Ground cardamom adds a sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy aroma.
Ginger: Ground ginger brings a spicy, zesty kick to the blend. It adds warmth and a little sharpness, cutting through the sweetness.
Black Pepper: I know ground black pepper may seem odd, but it’s what gives this chai spices mix its subtle, lingering heat. It also helps to elevate the other spices without overpowering them.
Nutmeg: Ground nutmeg adds a warm, nutty flavor that rounds out the sweetness with just a hint of bitterness.
Cloves: Ground cloves add an intense, slightly peppery flavor that’s essential. A little goes a long way.
How To Make Chai Spice Blend
Making a chai spice recipe authentic in flavor is really easy. All you need is a few minutes and some basic ground spices found at any local shop.
To begin, I grab a bowl and add the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves. Once everything’s in the bowl, I use a whisk to mix everything together until fully combined.
Next, I transfer the spice mix to an airtight jar or container and store it in a cool, dry place. And that's it! Your homemade chai spices blend will stay fresh for about 6 months.
✏️ Recipe Card! Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full chai spice recipe and exact ingredient amounts.
Expert Tips
- Freshness is key: For the most flavorful blend, use fresh ground chai mix spices. If you have the time and tools, consider grinding whole spices just before mixing. It makes a big difference in the intensity of the flavors.
- Adjust to taste: One of the perks of making your own spice blend is being able to tweak it. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding more or less of any of the chai masala spices.
- Shake it up: After storing your homemade chai masala spice blend for a while, give the jar a quick shake before using it. Spices can settle, and this helps redistribute the flavors evenly.
How to Use Masala Chai Spice
This chai spice powder is incredibly versatile, and once you have it on hand, you’ll find endless ways to use it. Here are some of my favorites:
- Make Chai Tea: Use it as a masala chai tea spice mix. Just add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of the spice blend to black tea, simmer it with plant-based milk, and sweeten it to your liking. You can use black tea bags.
- Baking: I love using chai spice blend for baking. Add a teaspoon or two to cakes, cookies, muffins, or pancakes. It pairs especially well with my vegan apple bread, vegan pecan pumpkin muffins, and maple pecan granola.
- Smoothies: Toss a pinch into your morning smoothie for a hint of spice that complements bananas, almond butter, or vanilla flavors.
- Lattes: Stir the spice blend into steamed milk or your coffee for an easy homemade chai latte. Sprinkle a bit on top of the foam for that extra touch.
- Oatmeal or Overnight Oats: Mix it into your oatmeal or overnight oats to give your breakfast a cozy, chai spiced twist.
- Ice Cream or Yogurt: Stir it into plain or vanilla yogurt or ice cream for a boost of aromatic flavor.
- Savory Dishes: You can even use this masala chai spice mix recipe for curries, soups, or marinades. Just use a small amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
When stored properly in an airtight container, your homemade chai spice blend can stay fresh for about 6 months. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from heat and light, to preserve the flavor for as long as possible.
Yes! Whole spices will give you an even fresher, more intense flavor. You can grind them yourself using a spice grinder. It does have this recipe for chai spice blend take a little more effort, but the payoff is worth it.
Generally, you can start with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the chai masala powder in your baking recipes. It’s always a good idea to start with less and add more.
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⭐️ One Last Thing! If you make my masala chai spice blend please leave a review and rating to let me know how you liked it! Doing so helps other readers and me too! Your feedback makes a difference.
Masala Chai Spice Blend Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, black pepper, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir well to blend the spices evenly.
- Transfer the masala chai spice blend into an airtight jar or spice container.
- Store in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. It will keep for about 6 months.
Notes
- Properly measure the spices for the best chai masala mix with well rounded flavor.
- Adjust the spice ratios to suit your personal taste—feel free to add more ginger for a bolder kick or more cinnamon for a sweeter flavor.
- Keep your chai masala spice mix fresh by storing it in an airtight container away from heat and light.
Jenny says
OMG I love chai spice. I didn't realize you could make it yourself. Do I have to add the pepper?
Ryan says
So full of flavor. If I wanted to add star of anise how could I add it? Grind or?
Kim Grimmett says
Hi! If you have a spice ginder you can grind 1 to 2 pods and mix into the powder. I'd start with less and add more if you want. I love the flavor of star of anise, but not everyone is a fan. Thanks for the feedback.