A Sweet Memory in Every Bite
There are certain flavors that instantly transport us back to childhood, and for me, the warm scent of cinnamon sugar is one of them. Growing up, Saturday mornings meant waking up to my mom making cinnamon toast, her way of turning simple pantry ingredients into something magical. A buttery slice of toast, generously sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, was always the perfect start to the day.
As I got older, I wanted to recreate that nostalgic treat but in a way that felt even more indulgent—something soft, buttery, and packed with cinnamon goodness in every bite. That’s when I discovered Cinnamon Toast Bars. They take everything we love about classic cinnamon toast and transform it into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dessert bar, complete with a golden cake-like base and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping.
Whether you’re making these for an afternoon snack, a cozy dessert, or a special brunch treat, these bars bring all the comfort and warmth of childhood in a delightful new form. They’re simple, easy to make, and impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Toast Bars
1. Classic Cinnamon Flavor with a Buttery Twist
If you love cinnamon rolls, snickerdoodles, or churros, these bars will be your new favorite. They deliver the same warm, sweet spice but with less effort and no yeast required.
2. Soft, Tender Cake Meets Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar
Unlike traditional cinnamon toast, these bars have a soft, cake-like base topped with a crisp, buttery cinnamon sugar crust, creating the perfect contrast of textures.
3. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
No need for fancy ingredients—this recipe comes together with pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
These bars work for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. Serve them with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for the ultimate cozy treat.
5. Quick and Easy to Make
You don’t need to be a professional baker to make these. They come together in one bowl with minimal prep, making them a great go-to recipe when you need something delicious in a hurry.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
For the Cake Layer:
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cups whole or 2% milk
- 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Make These Irresistible Bars (Directions)
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Add the Cinnamon Topping: While the cake is still warm, brush the melted butter over the top, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over it.
- Cool and Slice: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing into bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.
A Sweet Bite: Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 11g (Saturated: 6g)
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Toast Bars
Use the Right Flour for a Light Texture
All-purpose flour works perfectly, but for an extra light and delicate crumb, you can substitute cake flour for a more tender bite.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
To keep the bars soft and fluffy, mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
Brush the Butter on While the Cake is Warm
For the perfect cinnamon sugar topping, make sure to brush the melted butter on right after baking, so it absorbs into the bars before the sugar layer is added.
Let the Cinnamon Sugar Set Before Cutting
Allow the bars to cool slightly before slicing. This helps the topping stick properly and ensures clean, even slices.
Enhance the Flavor with a Dash of Nutmeg
For an extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar topping. It adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors settle.
2. How Should I Store Cinnamon Toast Bars?
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days and warm them slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
3. Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
4. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Them?
For a freshly baked taste, warm the bars in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, or heat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
5. Can I Add a Glaze Instead of Cinnamon Sugar?
Yes! Instead of the traditional cinnamon sugar topping, try drizzling a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for an extra decadent touch.
6. Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
If you’d like to make these bars with less refined sugar, you can use:
- Coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar
- Maple syrup or honey in the batter (reduce the milk slightly to compensate for the extra liquid)
7. Can I Turn This Into a Layered Dessert?
For a fun variation, you can layer the bars with:
- A thin layer of cream cheese frosting
- Apple pie filling between two layers of batter
- A crumble topping instead of cinnamon sugar
8. What Can I Serve With These Bars?
These bars pair beautifully with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh berries for a refreshing contrast
Why These Cinnamon Toast Bars Belong in Your Recipe Collection
Some desserts are just pure comfort, and these Cinnamon Toast Bars fit the bill perfectly. They take everything we love about classic cinnamon toast and turn it into a soft, buttery, perfectly spiced treat that’s great for any occasion.
They’re simple enough for a casual snack, yet special enough to bring to a brunch gathering or holiday breakfast. Best of all, they require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor, making them an ideal recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
So, the next time you’re craving something warm, nostalgic, and effortlessly delicious, give these Cinnamon Toast Bars a try. One bite, and you’ll be hooked on their buttery cinnamon goodness!
Happy baking!
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Cinnamon Toast Bars: A Nostalgic Treat with a Buttery Twist
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
Description
These Cinnamon Toast Bars take everything you love about classic cinnamon toast and turn it into a soft, buttery, perfectly spiced treat. With a tender cake-like base and a crispy cinnamon sugar topping, these bars are a comforting and nostalgic delight for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer:
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cups whole or 2% milk
- 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cake Layer: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the Cinnamon Topping: While the cake is still warm, brush the melted butter over the top, ensuring even coverage. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the bars.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing into bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the cinnamon topping.
- Let the bars cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting to prevent the topping from falling off.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar topping for an extra depth of flavor.
- These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American