Ingredients
For the Bars:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, though the texture will be denser.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. Make sure it’s fresh to ensure the bars rise properly.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon. Adjust to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger cinnamon flavor.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon. Helps balance sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted. If using salted butter, reduce added salt slightly.
- Eggs: 2 large. Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup. Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this provides a smooth finish.
- Milk: 2 tablespoons. Any dairy or plant-based milk will work, including almond or oat milk.
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon. Rounds out the glaze with a touch of sweetness.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- A handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture.
- A pinch of nutmeg to add warmth.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. A light coating of butter or nonstick spray works well. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures an even distribution and prevents clumps later on.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and allow it to cool slightly before adding. Pour it into the dry mixture and stir until partially combined.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the bars stay soft and tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. The batter will be thick, so take your time to smooth it out.
- If you want a cinnamon swirl topping, mix a couple of tablespoons of melted butter with some sugar and cinnamon until crumbly, then sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter. This adds a little texture and extra flavor.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so start checking around the 25-minute mark.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. This helps them set and makes slicing cleaner and easier.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk. If too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars using a spoon or fork. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Measure ingredients carefully. Baking is a science, and even small deviations can affect the outcome. Use measuring cups for dry ingredients and a liquid measuring cup for milk and melted butter.
- Don’t skip preheating the oven. Baking in a cold oven can alter the texture and baking time.
- Room temperature eggs blend better into the batter. If you forget to take them out early, place them in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for a few minutes.
- Check doneness with a toothpick. It should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- If the edges are browning too fast, loosely cover the dish with foil halfway through baking.
- For an extra indulgent twist, top the bars with a cream cheese frosting instead of glaze. Just blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Want to add a bit of protein or a more filling option? Serve with a side of scrambled eggs or grilled chicken strips for a balanced brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes