Name: Chewy Chai Snack Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: Dry:; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt; Wet:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Mix-Ins:; 1 cup rolled oats (not quick oats); 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds); 1/2 cup dried fruit (chopped raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates)

Chewy Chai Snack Bars

Craving a cozy treat that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than these delectable Chai Spice Snack Bars! Bursting with warm chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, these chewy bars are perfect for a satisfying snack or afternoon pick-me-up.

This recipe is a breeze to follow, requiring only basic pantry staples. We use a combination of all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and chopped nuts for a delightful textural contrast. The sweetness comes from light brown sugar, perfectly complemented by the warm chai spices. Feel free to customize the mix-ins with your favorite dried fruits or chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost.

These bars are not only delicious but also portable, making them ideal for lunchboxes, road trips, or anytime you need a quick energy boost. They store well at room temperature for up to 5 days, so you can whip up a batch and enjoy them throughout the week.

So ditch the store-bought snacks and try this recipe for homemade Chai Spice Snack Bars. With their warm flavors and chewy texture, they’re sure to become a new favorite!

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best in this recipe, but you could try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if needed. However, the texture of the bars might be slightly different.

What if I don’t have nuts?
You can omit the nuts entirely or substitute them with another 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruit, seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, or even shredded coconut.

Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Honey can be substituted for the brown sugar, but use ¾ cup as honey is sweeter. You might also need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the bars.

How can I make the bars softer or crispier?
Baking for a shorter time will result in softer bars, while baking for a few extra minutes will make them crispier.

What other spices could I add?
You can experiment with different chai spices like nutmeg or star anise, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.

How long will these bars stay fresh?
The bars will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

What you need to make Chewy Chai Snack Bars:

Dry:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-Ins:

1 cup rolled oats (not quick oats)

1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)

How to make it:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Fold in the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Tips:

For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter. To brown butter, melt it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.

If you don’t like nuts, you can omit them or substitute with another chopped dried fruit.

To make the bars even chewier, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit.

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Latest Reviews:

These Chai Spice Snack Bars are amazing! The warm spices are perfect for fall, and the chewy texture is addictive. They were so easy to make and a big hit with my family. I’ll definitely be making them again soon! Norma L.

I loved how customizable this recipe was! I used chopped dates and pecans, and the combination with the chai spices was delicious. These bars are perfect for a quick energy boost and so much healthier than store-bought snacks. Thanks! Theresa D.

This recipe is a keeper! The bars are perfectly sweet and have the perfect amount of spice. They’re so easy to throw together, and I love having them on hand for after-school snacks. My kids devoured them! Sally P.

Printable Recipe:

Yield: 16 bars