Description
Homemade chai bars deliver warm spices and comforting sweetness in each delectable square. Chai-infused ingredients blend perfectly, creating a dessert that invites you to savor rich, aromatic flavors with every memorable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups brown sugar
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp reserved spice mixture
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for seamless extraction.
- Spice Fusion: Craft a robust spice blend by combining all designated spices, setting aside a teaspoon for the final topping.
- Dry Ingredient Harmony: Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry foundation. Integrate the majority of the spice mixture into these dry ingredients.
- Wet Ingredient Symphony: Melt butter and whisk energetically with brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Batter Fusion: Gently fold wet ingredients into the spiced dry mixture, stirring until no flour streaks remain, maintaining a consistent, velvety texture.
- Baking Performance: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25-28 minutes, targeting a golden exterior with a tender, slightly underbaked center.
- Aromatic Finishing: While bars are still warm, create a glaze by melting butter and mixing with granulated sugar and reserved spice blend. Brush delicately over the surface, allowing flavors to meld and create a glossy, fragrant finish.
- Serving Ritual: Cool completely in the pan, then slice into elegant squares, serving at room temperature to maximize flavor complexity.
Notes
- Spice Precision: Use fresh, high-quality chai spices for maximum flavor depth and aromatic intensity.
- Texture Mastery: Avoid overmixing batter to maintain the signature chewy, tender bar texture.
- Baking Timing: Check bars at 25 minutes to prevent overcooking; a slightly underbaked center ensures ultimate softness.
- Topping Technique: Brush warm spiced butter while bars are still hot to maximize flavor absorption and create a glossy, irresistible finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg