Save A bold and unique fusion of Southern sweet tea, spicy chili, savory garlic, and classic pancake bars, topped with a fluffy cake-like texture and a monster swirl of sweet and spicy glaze. Perfect for adventurous brunches or creative dessert tables.
I first baked these Sweet Tea Chili Garlic Monster Cake Pancake Bars as a quirky treat for my weekend brunch club. Everyone loved the bold flavors and fun swirled topping, and now they’re a requested favorite for every gathering.
Ingredients
- Pancake Bar Base: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups strong brewed sweet tea (cooled), 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled), 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chili Garlic Swirl: 3 tbsp chili garlic sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- Monster Cake Topping: 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 large egg, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sweet tea, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add Wet to Dry:
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour Batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Chili Garlic Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix together chili garlic sauce, honey, and melted butter. Dollop this mixture over the batter and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Monster Cake Topping:
- In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, vanilla, and green food coloring (if using) until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and swirl lightly for a monster look.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Save My kids love helping with the monster swirl part and always try to guess what flavor twist is coming next. These bars have become a fun way for us to experiment and share new kitchen adventures together.
Required Tools
9x13-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (for topping), parchment paper, knife (for swirling)
Notes
For a milder spice, reduce the chili garlic sauce or substitute with sweet chili sauce. Adding mini chocolate chips or roasted nuts elevates the texture.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 240, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 4 g (per serving)
Save Serve these pancake bars chilled or at room temperature for maximum flavor. They’re even better the next day!
Recipe FAQs
- → What flavors do these bars combine?
They feature sweet tea notes, a spicy chili garlic swirl, and a creamy, cake-like topping for balanced boldness.
- → Can I reduce the spice level?
Yes, use less chili garlic sauce or switch to sweet chili sauce for a milder heat.
- → What is the monster effect in the topping?
Green food coloring creates a vivid swirl, lending a playful monster-like look to the creamy glaze.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
All ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for a meat-free diet.
- → What can I serve with these bars?
Enjoy with iced sweet tea, spicy chai, or pair with nuts and chocolate chips for extra texture.
- → Are there common allergens present?
Contains eggs, dairy, gluten, and possibly soy from the chili garlic sauce. Check product labels.