Chai Bars

Chai Bars

These chai bars are 100% whole wheat and made with the same spices from Masala Chai beverage. These chai bars are moist and delicious. Enjoy them for a quick snack, afternoon tea and they are not too sweet for a quick breakfast on the run.

2 cups whole wheat flour (9.0 ounces)
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons groiund ginger
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground fennel
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened (8 ounces or 2 sticks)
1 cup packed light brown sugar (7.0 ounces)
1/4 cup organic evaporated cane juice (1.7 ounces)
2 large eggs (3.6 ounces)
2 tablespoons mild molasses (1.5 ounces)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Position oven rack to the center of the oven. Grease a 9 by 13-inch size baking pan with nonstick baking spray. (I use ungreased Analon brand 9 by 13-inch size baking pan).

In medium-size bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, cloves, fennel, black pepper, baking soda and salt. Using a small whisk, stir everything together until combine. Set aside.

Combine the butter, brown sugar and evaporated cane juice in the mixing bowl of an electric mixer. Using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Add the molasses and vanilla and mix on medium speed just until combined. On low speed, add the flour mixture in 3 additions, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Continue to mix on medium speed just until blended.

Using a rubber spatula, give the batter a good folding to incorporate any dry flour mixture at the bottom of the mixing bowl, if any. Transfer batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread the batter evenly over the bottom of the pan with an offset spatula.

Bake bars for about 21 to 25 minutes or until nicely browned and firm when lightly touched. Cool completely. Cut into 16 squares.

Yields 16 bars
Each bar is approximately 200 calories