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