As the sun dipped below the horizon in a small Indian village, the air filled with the sweet aroma of chai spices mingling with the scent of coconut. The vibrant colors of the local markets, with their stalls overflowing with spices and tropical fruits, inspired me to create a dessert that embodies the warmth and richness of this beautiful culture. These Coconut-Chai Blondie Bars are a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport you straight to those bustling markets, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Fold in the shredded coconut and white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Once baked, remove the blondies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment overhang and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and serve. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a coconut glaze if desired.

These Coconut-Chai Blondie Bars are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with the tropical taste of coconut complementing the warm chai spices. Each bite is a journey through the colorful streets of India, reminding you of the rich culture and culinary traditions that inspired them. Enjoy these delightful treats with a cup of chai or share them with friends to spread the joy of international flavors!