Chai Tea Cheesecake Bars

Chai Tea Cheesecake Bars. These bars combine the warm and comforting flavors of chai tea with a creamy cheesecake filling, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Chai Tea Layer:

• 2 heaping teaspoons Inland Iced Chai
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. In a small bowl, steep the chai tea bags in the hot water for 5-7 minutes, then remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.

4. Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.

5. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it's smooth and creamy.

6. Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, and beat until well combined.

7. Divide the cream cheese mixture into two equal portions.

8. In one portion, add the cooled chai tea and all the spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg). Mix until the spices are evenly distributed.

9. Pour the chai-flavored cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust in the baking pan.

10. Carefully spoon the remaining plain cream cheese mixture on top of the chai layer.

11. Use a butter knife or a toothpick to create a marbled effect by swirling the two layers together.

12. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.

13. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the cheesecake bars are well-chilled.

14. Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars.

15. Serve your Chai Tea Cheesecake Bars and enjoy!

These bars are a lovely way to bring the flavors of tea into your holiday dessert. They are sure to be a hit at your next festive gathering.