Cinnamon Coffee Bars Recipe

Name: Cinnamon Coffee Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 0.25 cup shortening, softened; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 egg; 0.5 cup hot coffee; 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon baking soda; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup raisins; 0.25 cup chopped nuts

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

cup shortening, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
cup hot coffee
1 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
teaspoon baking soda
teaspoon salt
cup raisins
cup chopped nuts

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the shortening and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the egg to the shortening-sugar mixture and blend well.

Step 4: Pour in the hot coffee and stir until fully combined.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

Step 6: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Gently fold in the raisins and chopped nuts.

Step 8: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, they're ready.

Step 10: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 123
Total Fat: 4g (5% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 1g (5% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 9mg (3% Daily Value)
Sodium: 91mg (4% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 22g (8% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 14g
Protein: 2g (3% Daily Value)
Calcium: 29mg (2% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
Potassium: 65mg (1% Daily Value)

Recipe by: Debbie Borsick

History of Cinnamon Coffee Bars

The origin of cinnamon coffee bars can be traced back to classic American baking traditions, where the fusion of warm spices like cinnamon and coffee was a common flavor combination. While the exact moment of its invention remains unclear, bar cookies such as these gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in American households during the 1950s and 1960s. At the time, quick and easy desserts were in high demand, and these bars offered a perfect solution with minimal preparation and baking time. The pairing of cinnamon and coffee adds a delightful, aromatic depth to these simple yet comforting treats.

Regional Variations

Cinnamon coffee bars have various regional interpretations depending on local tastes and available ingredients. For example, in the Midwest, people might add nuts or raisins, as seen in this recipe, to enhance texture and flavor. In other parts of the United States, variations may include substituting the raisins for other dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, or using different types of nuts like walnuts or pecans. Some versions also increase the amount of coffee for a stronger flavor, while others might add a layer of frosting on top to create a richer dessert.

How Cinnamon Coffee Bars Differ From Similar Desserts

While similar in structure to many other bar cookies, cinnamon coffee bars stand out due to their distinct flavor profile. Unlike traditional chocolate chip cookies or brownies, these bars emphasize the bold, warming taste of cinnamon and the deep richness of coffee. The addition of coffee, particularly when used in the batter itself, gives a unique depth to the sweetness of the bars. This combination sets them apart from other coffee-flavored desserts, such as tiramisu or coffee cakes, which usually involve different textures or complex layering techniques.

Where Cinnamon Coffee Bars Are Typically Served

Cinnamon coffee bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. They are a popular choice for afternoon snacks, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. These bars are often served at casual gatherings, such as family picnics, birthday parties, or bake sales, due to their easy-to-serve and shareable format. Additionally, they make a great breakfast treat when paired with a glass of milk or a strong cup of coffee. Their simple and comforting nature makes them an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Fun Facts About Cinnamon Coffee Bars

The recipe for cinnamon coffee bars is highly adaptable, allowing bakers to experiment with different spices, nuts, and even sweeteners to create their own unique version.
Despite their name, cinnamon coffee bars don't always have to contain coffee. For those who prefer a non-caffeinated version, the coffee can be replaced with milk or fruit juice, allowing for a milder flavor.
These bars are an excellent source of comfort food, often bringing back fond memories of home-baked goods made by grandmothers or mothers.
Many bakers recommend serving these bars slightly warm, as it enhances the aromas of cinnamon and coffee and adds to the overall indulgence of the dessert.

FAQ about Cinnamon Coffee Bars Recipe

To store Cinnamon Coffee Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Yes, you can freeze Cinnamon Coffee Bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a few seconds.

Yes, you can substitute shortening with butter in this recipe. However, the texture might change slightly, as shortening makes the bars a bit softer. If you prefer a more buttery flavor, feel free to use butter instead of shortening.

If you don’t like raisins or want to try something different, you can substitute them with dried cranberries, currants, or chopped dates. You could also skip them entirely and add extra nuts for crunch.

If you don’t have hot coffee, you can substitute it with hot water or brewed tea for a different flavor profile. The coffee adds richness and depth to the bars, so if you're using water, consider adding a bit more cinnamon or other spices to enhance the flavor.

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the amount of brown sugar. If you want them less sweet, cut back on the sugar by 1/4 cup. Alternatively, you can try using a sugar substitute, but this might affect the texture slightly.

Yes, you can double the recipe. However, keep in mind that the baking time might increase slightly, especially if you're using a larger baking dish. It's best to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bars and ensuring it comes out clean.

The bars are done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should also be lightly golden. Keep an eye on them after 18 minutes of baking to avoid overbaking.

Absolutely! You can experiment by adding more spices like nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to complement the cinnamon. Just be mindful not to overpower the flavors, as cinnamon is the main spice in this recipe.

Comments

Jessica Miller

06/26/2023 03:37:39 AM

I've made these bars twice in the last six days, and they are fantastic! I reduced the brown sugar to 1/2 cup and substituted white whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. I also added a teaspoon of vanilla and baked them in a 9 x 9" pan. The dense texture is just perfect. Thank you, Debbie Borsick, for sharing this wonderful recipe!

Thomas Collins

09/29/2023 07:49:57 AM

The final result turned out to be quite dry. I had hoped for a texture similar to brownies/blondies, but even for a fruit and nut bar, it felt too dry. This was essentially what it turned out to be, as I omitted the raisins and didn't miss them. Perhaps in my next attempt, I will add an extra egg or egg yolk. I upped the cinnamon quantity threefold, resulting in a delightful cinnamon flavor. However, I should have also increased the amount of coffee used, as the desired bitterness was lacking (despite using French Roast coffee). Nevertheless, it was a good starting point!

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