Dive into the comforting embrace of our Ultimate Cinnamon Temptation Bars, where every bite is a warm hug of cinnamon and sweetness. These bars feature a soft, buttery base infused with the aromatic warmth of cinnamon, topped with a rich cinnamon sugar layer, and finished with a smooth cream cheese icing. It's a celebration of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly irresistible dessert.
Why You'll Love This: For those who cherish the spicy sweetness of cinnamon, these bars are a dream come true. The combination of a moist, flavorful base with the crunchy cinnamon topping, all rounded off with the creamy tanginess of the icing, makes for a multi-layered dessert that delights with every bite. It's a perfect balance of flavors that appeals to both the young and the young at heart.
Perfect Occasion: These Cinnamon Temptation Bars are versatile enough to grace any occasion. From cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties, they're bound to be a crowd-pleaser. They also make for an excellent treat for bake sales or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and loved ones, ensuring you leave a lasting impression.
Decoration Tips: While these bars are delicious on their own, a few simple decorative touches can elevate their presentation. A light sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar right before serving adds a delightful visual contrast. For special occasions, consider piping the cream cheese icing in decorative patterns or adding edible gold leaf flakes for a touch of elegance.
Ingredients:
- Bars:
- 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/4 cups Unsalted Butter (browned or melted)
- 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon Butter Extract (or Vanilla Extract)
- 1/2 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- Cinnamon Topping:
- 8 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 4 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- Icing:
- 3 ounces Cream Cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3-4 tablespoons Milk
Directions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper.
- Mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a larger bowl, cream the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Integrate the eggs and both extracts, beating until the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Spread this batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- For the topping, blend the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Scatter this mixture over the batter, creating a cinnamon swirl if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean from the center. Avoid overbaking.
- Allow the bars to cool for at least 15 minutes. Then, cut into squares for serving.
- For the icing, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until it reaches a smooth consistency. Drizzle this icing over the bars right before serving.
Indulge in the Ultimate Cinnamon Temptation Bars, a dessert that promises a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Enjoy the warmth of cinnamon coupled with the creaminess of the icing in every delicious bite. Enjoy!