Indulge in a Sweet Treat: Cinnamon Coffee Bars Recipe
Welcome to my coffee bar recipe! As a barista, I know how much we all love a good cup of joe. But what if I told you that you could take that love and turn it into something even better? Something sweet and decadent? That’s right, I’m talking about cinnamon coffee bars.
Now, I know what you might be thinking. “But Dan, isn’t coffee just supposed to be a drink?” Well, yes and no. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through your kitchen. But what if you could capture that same delicious flavor and put it into a scrumptious dessert?
That’s where my recipe comes in. These coffee bars are the perfect blend of rich cinnamon and strong coffee flavors. They’re moist and decadent, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth without being overpowering. Trust me when I say, once you try them, you won’t be able to stop eating them!
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and let’s get started on making some delicious cinnamon coffee bars!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you someone who can’t function without their daily caffeine fix? Or, are you a cinnamon lover who enjoys the aroma of the spice first thing in the morning? Well, then you’re in luck because this recipe for Cinnamon Coffee Bars is just what you need to start your day off right.
Not only do these bars have the delicious taste of cinnamon and coffee, but they are also incredibly moist and have the perfect sugary crunch with every bite. This unique combination of flavors makes them a perfect treat to have with a cup of hot coffee or tea for breakfast. Trust me; it’s like having two of your favorite things put together in one heavenly creation.
Moreover, these bars are quick and easy to prepare, requiring simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. In less than an hour, you can whip up this delightful treat to soothe your sweet tooth or impress your breakfast guests effortlessly.
So, if you’re looking for an irresistible way to indulge in your love for coffee and cinnamon, give these Cinnamon Coffee Bars a try. They are sure to become your new morning addiction!
Ingredient List
Before making cinnamon coffee bars, it is important to have all the necessary ingredients ready. This recipe requires a combination of several dry and wet ingredients, like all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, egg, butter, raisins, and instant coffee. Here’s the complete list of ingredients you will need to make cinnamon coffee bars:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup of softened butter or margarine
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of instant coffee dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup of raisins
Note: If you don’t have margarine, you can use butter instead. Similarly, if you don’t have raisins on hand, try substituting with chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients mentioned in the list, it’s time to start creating these delicious Cinnamon Coffee Bars.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C degree.
Step 2: Prepare the streusel topping
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Then cut in to this mixture 1/4 cup of cold butter with a pastry blender, until it becomes crumbly.
Step 3: Mix the batter
In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in one large egg, then add one teaspoon of vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, one teaspoon of baking soda, and one teaspoon of salt. Add this dry mixture alternately with 1 cup of hot and strong brewed coffee, a little at a time, beating just until blended.
Step 4: Layering and Baking
Pour half of the batter into a greased and floured 9 x13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel on top of the batter. Repeat layer with remaining batter; sprinkle the rest of the streusel on top.
Using a knife or spatula, swirl streusel through batter.
Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until Cinnamon Coffee Bars are done.
Step 5: Let it cool and serve
Take out from the oven and let it cool down to room temperature before serving. These bars can be enjoyed on their own but also pair well with a hot cup of coffee.
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s talk about substitutions and variations for this scrumptious recipe of Cinnamon Coffee Bars. While the original recipe is amazing as it is, there are some variations and substitutions that you can do to make it even better, depending on your personal preferences and ingredients available.
Firstly, if you don’t have raisins, you can switch them with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots. You can also opt out of using any dried fruits altogether.
If you want a healthier version of this recipe, you can replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also use honey instead of brown sugar to sweeten up the bar, or add in some fiber by using bran instead of raisins.
For a chocolate twist on this recipe, try adding in some melted chocolate chips into the cake batter, or spreading a layer of chocolate fudge on top of the bars before sprinkling on the cinnamon sugar topping.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some apple pieces with cinnamon to create a unique flavor profile. Alternatively, swap out the coffee for apple cider and make an Apple Cinnamon Cake recipe!
For those who are dairy-conscious or vegan, swap out the butter for margarine or coconut oil. And if instant coffee isn’t your preferred choice of caffeine source, use 2 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee instead.
Overall, there are many substitutions and variations you can make to adjust this recipe to your preference or dietary needs. Experimenting with different ingredients can bring about exciting results and unexpected flavor combinations. Give them a try and see what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
These cinnamon coffee bars are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm and cozy flavors of cinnamon and coffee can be complemented with a nice glass of milk or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
For a sweeter twist, try drizzling some maple syrup or honey over the bars. They also pair well with fruits such as sliced bananas, berries, or even baked apples on the side.
If you’re feeling indulgent, try serving them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. The possibilities are endless!
These coffee bars can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, making them perfect for meal prepping or taking on-the-go as a quick breakfast option.
Overall, these cinnamon coffee bars are versatile and delicious and can be served in many ways depending on your mood and preference.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These cinnamon coffee bars are a perfect make-ahead treat. You can prepare the bars up to two days in advance, which is perfect if you’re planning to serve these at a gathering or have them for breakfast during a busy weekday. I highly recommend storing them in an airtight container once they have cooled down completely. You’ll want to keep them at room temperature, away from any direct sunlight or heat.
If you’re storing them for a longer duration, it’s best to refrigerate the bars. They will remain fresh and moist for up to five days in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can also freeze the bars if you want to store them for an even longer duration. When freezing, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them into an airtight container, ensuring there’s no extra space inside.
When it’s time to reheat the cinnamon coffee bars, you can either do it in the microwave or oven. For the microwave option, simply remove one bar from its packaging and heat it up for around 30 seconds until it is warm and soft. For the oven option, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and place the bars onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them warm up for approximately 8-10 minutes.
Overall, these cinnamon coffee bars are remarkably resilient and can be stored and reheated with ease without losing their flavor or texture. Plus, they make an excellent addition to any meal of the day!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making delicious cinnamon coffee bars, there are a few tips to keep in mind that will guarantee perfect results every time. Here are some of my tried-and-true tricks for making the most out of this scrumptious recipe.
First and foremost, make sure to measure all your ingredients accurately. Even a slight variation can affect the texture and taste of your cinnamon coffee bars. Use measuring cups for dry ingredients and a kitchen scale for liquid ones.
Secondly, choose the right type of coffee. I recommend using instant coffee mixed with hot water, but you can also substitute it with strong brewed coffee or espresso. Just make sure to adjust the amount accordingly based on how strong you want the coffee flavor in your bars.
When adding raisins to the batter, toss them in a bit of flour before folding them in. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking and distribute them evenly throughout the bars.
To achieve the perfect texture, make sure not to overmix the batter. Mix until all ingredients are combined, then stop. Overmixing can lead to tough and dry coffee bars instead of moist and fluffy ones.
For those who want extra indulgence in their cinnamon coffee bars, try adding a chocolate drizzle or streusel topping sprinkled with cinnamon sugar before baking. You can also swap out the raisins for chopped apples for a fruity twist on this classic dessert.
Lastly, bake your cinnamon coffee bars at precisely 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let them cool completely before cutting them into squares and serving with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to whip up perfectly sweet and spiced cinnamon coffee bars that your family and friends will love. Enjoy every bite!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are a coffee lover and a dessert enthusiast, then this Cinnamon Coffee Bars recipe is definitely worth trying. The unique blend of flavors from the instant coffee and ground cinnamon makes for a delectable treat that you can enjoy any time of day.
With its ease of preparation and versatility in substitutions and variations, this recipe is ideal for both novice and experienced bakers who are looking for a quick and easy dessert solution.
So why not give these coffee bars a try? Whether you choose to serve them at your next potluck, enjoy them with your morning cup of coffee, or gift them to your family and friends, I’m sure they will become a beloved staple in your recipe book.
Lastly, don’t forget to experiment with different serving suggestions and pairing options such as powdered sugar dusting or vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!
Cinnamon Coffee Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup butter or 1/3 cup margarine, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons instant coffee (dry)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 -5 teaspoons strong coffee
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together brown sugar, butter, and egg until blended.
- Mix together instant coffee with water until dissolved; stir into mixture in bowl.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
- Stir into bowl a little at a time, stirring, until batter is smooth.
- Fold in raisins and nuts.
- Spread batter in prepared baking pan and bake in preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or until top springs back when touched in center.
- Meanwhile, prepare glaze: mix powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, in a small bowl, adding enough coffee to make a glaze of pouring consistency.
- When bars are removed from oven, drizzle them with glaze while warm, and allow to cool before cutting into serving pieces.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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