Description
Warm chai spices elevate these irresistible chewy bars, blending aromatic cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger into a delightful dessert. Rich buttercream frosting and a tender crumb invite you to savor each delectable bite of comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients and Extras:
- ⅔ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 teaspoon reserved spice mixture
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for effortless removal.
- Create a fragrant spice blend by combining all designated spices in a compact mixing bowl, setting it aside for later use.
- In a separate medium bowl, thoroughly integrate the flour, baking powder, and baking soda, creating a uniform dry foundation.
- Melt the butter and whisk it together with brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate large bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Reserve one teaspoon of the prepared spice mixture, then fold the remaining spices into the flour mixture.
- Gently merge the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until no flour streaks remain, maintaining a consistent texture.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared parchment-lined pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform distribution.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes, monitoring carefully to achieve a golden exterior while maintaining a soft, slightly underbaked center.
- While bars are still warm, prepare the topping by melting additional butter and mixing with granulated sugar and the reserved teaspoon of spice blend.
- Delicately brush the warm topping over the freshly baked bars, allowing the flavors to meld and create a glossy, aromatic finish.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then slice into squares and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Spice Blend Preparation: Create a fragrant mix of warm chai spices beforehand to enhance the depth of flavor and ensure even distribution throughout the bars.
- Mixing Technique: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together until just combined to maintain a tender, chewy texture without overmixing.
- Baking Precision: Watch bars closely around 25-minute mark, aiming for a soft center and golden edges for the perfect textural balance.
- Topping Application: Brush warm sugar-spice butter glaze immediately after baking to help it absorb and create a delightful crisp-sweet exterior.
- Storage Tip: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them moist and preserving their rich chai essence.
- Customization Option: Experiment with different spice ratios to personalize the chai flavor profile, making each batch uniquely delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 287 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg