Chef Mitchell preparing Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars during my early baking days while experimenting with flavors in my kitchen. After several attempts to perfect the recipe, I finally found the right balance of sweetness and spice. These bars quickly became a family favorite, and now I love sharing them with friends and fellow baking enthusiasts."

I have a deep passion for American cuisine, especially desserts. With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, I have mastered various techniques and recipes, making sweet treats my specialty. My journey in baking has allowed me to explore classic desserts and innovate them for modern tastes.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars served on a plate

Why This Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars Recipe Works

This recipe works beautifully because it combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a rich, flavorful dessert. The balance of sweet and spicy flavors makes these bars irresistible, while the creamy icing elevates them to a new level of indulgence. Each bite offers a delightful combination of texture and taste.

Using ground cinnamon not only adds warmth but also complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly. Baking them to a soft, chewy consistency ensures that they remain moist and melt in your mouth. The icing provides a lovely gloss and an extra touch of sweetness that makes them ideal for sharing.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This will help to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in fluffier bars. Additionally, don't overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; this will keep the texture light and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just bake them, allow them to cool completely, and then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to serve, ice them and enjoy. They hold up well in the fridge for a couple of days.

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. Both will give the bars a nice flavor and texture. Just ensure that the substitute is in solid form when you start mixing to achieve the desired consistency.

You can tell the bars are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be cautious not to overbake, as this can dry out the bars.

Yes, these bars freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.

These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee or tea also complements the spiced flavor perfectly. For a festive touch, consider serving with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

When stored properly in an airtight container, these bars can last up to a week in the fridge. It's best to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.

Certainly! These bars can be made in advance, making them a great option for parties or gatherings. Just bake, cool, and store them as suggested earlier. Ice them right before serving to keep the icing fresh.

To reheat, place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F) for a few minutes. This will help to revive their soft texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your bars turn out too dry, it may be due to overbaking or incorrect measurements.

Solution: Make sure to check the bars a few minutes before the recommended baking time is up. You can also add a little more butter or an extra egg next time to enhance moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the bars lack crispness, they may not have been baked long enough.

Solution: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly and consider extending the baking time slightly, watching closely to avoid burning the edges.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked bars can become hard and unpleasantly chewy.

Prevention: To prevent this, always perform the toothpick test and start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the bars is undercooked, they may sink or have a gooey texture.

Recovery: Make sure to bake until the edges are firm and the center is just set. You can cover the top loosely with foil if the edges are browning too quickly.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior may occur due to too high an oven temperature or placing the pan too close to the heat source.

Prevention: Always use the middle rack for even baking and check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, consider reducing the sugar slightly next time or adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If they taste too salty, be cautious with salt measurements in future batches.

Bland: To enhance flavor, add a touch more cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract next time.

Fresh ingredients for Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars

The essential ingredients for Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and, of course, cinnamon. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in contributing to the flavor and texture of the bars. The combination of granulated and brown sugar adds depth of flavor, while the butter ensures a rich, moist result.

Using high-quality ingredients, especially fresh spices, will significantly enhance the overall taste of your bars. Freshly ground cinnamon can make a notable difference, bringing a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground options. Always opt for the best quality butter and eggs you can find for superior results.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Using all-purpose flour allows for a balanced structure in your bars. Make sure to measure accurately; fluffing the flour before scooping can prevent using too much.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Opt for fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for maximum flavor. If possible, grind your own from cinnamon sticks for a more intense aroma and taste.
  • Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your recipe. Ensure it's at room temperature for easier mixing and a fluffy texture.
Cooking process for Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars is straightforward, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. Mixing the ingredients in the right order is key to achieving the perfect texture.

By following the steps carefully and measuring accurately, you will achieve delightful bars that are moist, flavorful, and topped with a delicious icing. Patience while baking is essential; allow them to cool before cutting for the best results.

Key Technique for Perfect Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars

The key technique for achieving the perfect Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars lies in the creaming method. This involves beating the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, which incorporates air and leads to a tender crumb. Additionally, ensure you don't overmix once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a light texture.

Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
    Sifted
  • 2 tablespoons milk
    For desired consistency
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    For icing

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For structure
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    For moisture
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
    Softened
  • 2 large eggs
    Room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    For taste
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    For rising
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    Helps with rising
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    Enhances flavor

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

  3. Cream Butter and Sugars

    In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

  5. Combine Mixtures

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

  6. Bake the Bars

    Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  7. Prepare Icing

    In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.

  8. Icing the Bars

    Once the bars are cool, pour the icing over the top and spread evenly.

  9. Slice and Serve

    Allow the icing to set before slicing the bars into squares and serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life by a few days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cinnamon Iced Delight Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can enhance both flavor and presentation.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch, or incorporating dried fruits for added sweetness. You can also swap out some of the cinnamon for other spices like nutmeg for a different flavor profile.