Description
These Cinnamon Chai Spice Granola Bars are a delicious and healthy snack, packed with warm chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Made with rolled oats, nuts, and a touch of honey and almond butter, they’re perfect for breakfast or an energy boost anytime. The bars bake into a lightly golden, chewy texture topped optionally with chocolate chips or dried fruit for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, chopped pecans, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and salt for a well-spiced, nutty base.
- Warm the wet ingredients: In a small saucepan set over low heat, gently warm the honey and almond butter, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor depth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the warmed honey and almond butter mixture over the dry oat mixture. Stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the sticky mixture.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press firmly to create an even layer. Pressing firmly helps achieve the perfect chewy texture.
- Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating the bars are set and flavorful.
- Cool and slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 bars. This cooling step ensures they hold together well.
- Add toppings (optional): Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or dried fruit over the bars after baking, if desired, for extra sweetness and texture.
Notes
- Press the mixture firmly before baking and allow the bars to cool completely for a chewier texture.
- Store granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Feel free to swap the nuts or seeds with your preferred alternatives to customize the flavor and texture.
- Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free, suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
