Description
These Crispy Cinnamon Ribbon Bars are a delightful baked dessert featuring a tender buttery dough layered with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with a unique ribbon effect crust. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a crispy texture and warm cinnamon flavor, these bars are easy to prepare and ideal for American home baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients & Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Ribbon Layer
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing, creating the dough.
- Form base layer: Press half of the dough evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base of the bars.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar layer: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, and chopped nuts if using, creating the sweet cinnamon ribbon filling.
- Layer cinnamon mixture: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly and generously over the dough layer in the pan.
- Create ribbon topping: Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the cinnamon layer, aiming to create a distinctive “ribbon” or patchwork effect for an attractive topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the bars feel set to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares or bars for serving.
Notes
- For extra warm flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar layer.
- You can substitute pecans or walnuts for the chopped nuts to vary the texture and taste.
- Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
