Chewy Chai Snack Bars

There’s something about the warm, spicy aroma of chai that feels like a cozy hug on a busy day. These Chewy Chai Snack Bars are a household favorite, and I can’t wait to share them with you! It all started one chilly afternoon when I was searching for a quick treat to satisfy my family’s sweet tooth while sneaking in the delightful flavors of chai. One bite of these bars, and my kids were hooked—my youngest even declared them “the best thing ever!” Since then, these snack bars have become our go-to for school lunches, afternoon snacks, and even casual gatherings with friends.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a professional baker or have a pantry full of exotic ingredients. The blend of warming spices, buttery richness, and chewy texture is simply irresistible. The best part? These bars are incredibly versatile! You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste—add nuts, drizzle them with icing, or even pair them with your morning coffee for a delightful treat.

Every time I make these bars, the smell wafts through the house, and it feels like a little celebration. My husband often grabs a bar before it even cools down, and my kids love helping me measure out the spices. These bars have become more than just a recipe; they’re a tradition. I’m so excited for you to try them—your family will adore them as much as mine does!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use pre-made chai spice instead of mixing my own?
Absolutely! A good-quality chai spice mix works just as well. Just make sure it has the flavors you love.

Are these bars gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour to make them gluten-free.

How do I store these snack bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, just replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips if you’re adding them.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can, but it may slightly alter the texture. Try cutting the sugar by a quarter and see how it turns out.

What You Need to Make Chewy Chai Snack Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Tools:

Mixing bowls

Whisk

9×13-inch baking pan

Parchment paper

Spatula

How to Make Chewy Chai Snack Bars

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.

Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom.

Bring It Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the nuts and chocolate chips if using.

Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and serve!

Tips for Making the Best Chewy Chai Snack Bars

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother texture.

Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to add dried fruits, dark chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel on top.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bars tough, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Cool Completely: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, letting the bars cool ensures they’ll hold their shape when sliced.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were a hit at my book club! Everyone loved the chai flavor.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious, but next time I’ll add more cinnamon for an extra kick.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy mornings! My kids grab one on the way out the door.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good flavor, but they were a bit too sweet for my taste. Will reduce sugar next time.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Amazing texture and flavor. I added dark chocolate chips, and it was fantastic!”

Printable Recipe

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