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 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:

This dairy-free blend is also very good:

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

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

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

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.

Carrot king

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

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

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

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.

Caked on

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

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

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:

Tapiochai

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.