Print

Vanilla Cardamom Magic Bars

Vanilla Cardamom Magic Bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These Vanilla Cardamom Magic Bars feature a buttery oat topping infused with warm vanilla and fragrant cardamom, creating a cozy and nostalgic dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped toasted almonds or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy bar removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cardamom, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Pour melted unsalted butter into the oat mixture and stir until crumbly but holds together when pressed.
  4. Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even layer.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in nuts and shredded coconut if using.
  6. Pour the filling evenly over the pressed oat base.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the filling without pressing down.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling bubbles at the edges.
  9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour.
  10. Cut into bars using a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Press the base firmly to prevent crumbly bars. Use freshly ground cardamom for best flavor. Metal pans yield a crisper edge. Bars firm up after chilling; warm bars can be sticky. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use vegan condensed milk. Variations include adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or swapping nuts for seeds or dried fruit.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla cardamom magic bars, oat topping, easy dessert, buttery bars, cardamom dessert, homemade magic bars, gluten-free option, vegan adaptation

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/vanilla-cardamom-magic-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-buttery-oat-topping/