Ingredients
Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, blending well until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid over-mixing which could make the bars tough.
- Spread batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add cinnamon sugar topping: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and sprinkle this evenly over the batter for a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before adding the frosting.
- Prepare and spread frosting: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugars.
- Do not over-mix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bars tender.
- Allow bars to cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
- You can substitute the milk in the frosting with cream or a dairy-free alternative if desired.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian