Chai Spiced Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp Watkins Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla®
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Watkins Chai Spice Blend:

• 1 ½ tsp Watkins Pure Ground Cinnamon
• ½ tsp Watkins Organic Ground Cardamom
• ¼ tsp Watkins Organic Ground Ginger
• ¼ tsp Watkins Organic Ground Cloves

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup chocolate chips or dried fruit

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork or potato masher. Stir in melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and Watkins spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clove).
• Fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
• If using, stir in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
• Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Optional: sprinkle a little brown sugar or extra cinnamon on top for a crunchy crust.
• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.
• Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Makes: 1 loaf

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 55–65 minutes