Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Bars (Print Version)

Buttery bars with cinnamon swirl and crumbly streusel, ideal for breakfast or pairing with coffee.

# Components:

→ Streusel Topping

01 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Cinnamon Swirl

06 - 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
07 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

→ Cake Batter

08 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
09 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
14 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
15 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
16 - 2/3 cup sour cream, at room temperature
17 - 1/4 cup milk, at room temperature

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides.
02 - In a small bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
03 - In a separate bowl, blend brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside for layering.
04 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
05 - In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
06 - Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until combined.
07 - Mix in sour cream and milk on low speed until just incorporated.
08 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix the batter.
09 - Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
10 - Dollop the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and gently spread. It does not have to be perfectly even.
11 - Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface of the batter.
12 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
13 - Allow to cool completely in the pan, then use the parchment overhang to lift out and slice into bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses only everyday pantry ingredients
  • Ready from start to finish in under one hour
  • Stays moist for days thanks to sour cream in the batter
  • Irresistible layers of cinnamon crumb and tender cake in every bite
02 -
  • High in comfort flavor yet still simple to make at home
  • Moist crumb stays delicious for several days making them great ahead
  • Perfect for freezing in individual bars for a ready anytime treat
03 -
  • Measure flour with the spoon and level method for the lightest texture
  • Do not overmix once you add dry ingredients that is key for a tender result
  • Rotate the pan once halfway through baking for even browning especially if your oven has hot spots

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