Cozy and Sweet Honey Cinnamon Dessert
Indulge in the heartwarming embrace of these Honey Cinnamon Delight Bars, a dessert that perfectly balances sweet honey and aromatic cinnamon. These bars boast a soft, chewy texture with a delightful crunch from the cinnamon-sugar topping, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Simple to prepare yet profoundly satisfying, they evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia with every bite.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
22-25 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 40 minutes active time, plus 1 hour cooling
Servings
12 squares
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Delivers a perfect balance of sweet honey and warm cinnamon in every bite.
- Incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Creates a wonderfully soft, chewy texture with a delightful crunchy topping.
- Perfect for a cozy evening treat or a delightful addition to any dessert spread.
- Uses common pantry ingredients for a budget-friendly indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 113 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) high-quality honey
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
- 120 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 200 grams (1 cup) light brown sugar, packed
- 2.5 milliliters (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon, divided
- 45 grams (3 tablespoons) granulated sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare your oven and baking pan by preheating the oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease an 20×20 cm (8×8-inch) baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on two sides for easy removal later. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well integrated and smooth, ensuring no lumps of sugar remain.
- Add the large egg, honey, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to whisk vigorously until all the wet ingredients are completely combined and the mixture is light and uniform in color and texture.
- Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and half of the ground cinnamon (2.5 ml or 1/2 teaspoon) into the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon and mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as overdeveloping the gluten can lead to a tough texture. A few streaks of flour are acceptable.
- Carefully pour the prepared batter into the greased or parchment-lined baking pan, spreading it evenly to reach all corners. In a small separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the remaining 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture generously and evenly over the top of the batter in the pan.
- Place the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the bars; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to maintain a wonderfully soft and chewy texture.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is a crucial step; allowing the bars to cool fully before attempting to cut them will ensure they set properly and maintain their shape, making for clean, perfect squares.
Tools You’ll Need
- 20×20 cm (8×8-inch) baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Wire cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons (or kitchen scale)
- Toothpicks
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your unsalted butter is melted but cooled slightly before adding to the sugar to prevent "scrambling" the egg later.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added; overmixing develops gluten, which can result in tough, dense bars instead of soft ones.
- Pack the brown sugar firmly into your measuring cup to ensure you have the correct quantity, contributing to the bars' rich flavor and moist texture.
- For clean cuts, chill the completely cooled bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing.
- Use a good quality honey and fresh cinnamon for the best flavor profile in the finished dish.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Elevate the flavor profile by using browned butter instead of just melted butter. Simply melt the butter and continue cooking it over medium heat until it turns a nutty brown and smells fragrant, then cool slightly before using. This adds a depth of caramel notes.
- For an extra layer of texture, consider adding 50 grams (1/4 cup) of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter along with the dry ingredients.
- To achieve ultra-crisp edges while maintaining a chewy center, bake the bars in a metal pan rather than glass, as metal conducts heat more efficiently.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover Honey Cinnamon Delight Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, cut into squares and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Variation: For a hint of citrus, add 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of orange zest to the batter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
While unsalted butter is preferred for better control over the salt content, you can use salted butter. If you do, omit the 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) of added salt from the recipe. Taste the batter before adding the extra salt, if you choose to include it.
How can I tell if the bars are overbaked?
Overbaked bars will appear very dry on top and the toothpick inserted will come out completely clean without any crumbs. They may also have hard, crunchy edges. To avoid this, watch them closely and remove them from the oven as soon as the toothpick test indicates doneness.
What kind of honey is best for these bars?
Any good quality liquid honey will work well. Lighter honeys like clover or alfalfa will offer a more subtle sweetness, while darker honeys like buckwheat or wildflower can add a richer, more complex flavor to the bars. Choose your favorite!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Estimated per serving (1 of 12 squares): Calories: 250, Total Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 40mg, Sodium: 100mg, Total Carbohydrates: 35g, Dietary Fiber: 0.5g, Total Sugars: 28g, Protein: 2g.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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