Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares: A Decadent Dessert

Indulge your sweet tooth with these irresistible Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares. Offering the perfect blend of texture and flavor, these squares feature a crunchy cinnamon sugar crumble topping and a gooey, sweet cinnamon core. The enticing aroma of these decadent dessert bars will leave you wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares combine the best elements of snickerdoodles and blondies. The bars aren’t overly sweet, instead offering a delightful balance of flavors that works perfectly for dessert or a snack. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and simple, making it an excellent choice for both baking novices and experienced dessert-makers alike.

A Closer Look at Cinnamon Squares

The name “cinnamon squares” primarily refers to this dessert, not the aromatic spice itself. Originating from the inner bark of trees in the genus Cinnamomum, cinnamon lends a distinct flavor to a variety of sweet and savory dishes worldwide.

Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares Ingredients

• Vanilla Extract: While organic vanilla extract is the go-to choice for this recipe, feel free to swap it for the almond extract to give your dessert a slightly nuttier flavor.
• Flour: This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but if you’re on a gluten-free or low-carb diet, you could substitute coconut flour instead.
• Cinnamon: Interestingly, there are numerous varieties of cinnamon, including types from Indonesia, Ceylon, China (tung hing and cassia), and Vietnam (Saigon). Cassia cinnamon, which is commonly available in stores, works great in this recipe due to its sweet flavor profile.

How To Make Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides. Grease the foil with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
2. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Melt the brown sugar and 2/3 cup of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool down.
4. Whisk the brown sugar and butter together, then add the eggs and vanilla.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk until a smooth batter forms. Take care not to overmix.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Combine sugar, the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the top of the bars.
8. Lift the bars from the pan using the overhanging foil as handles and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Squares

• Avoid overmixing the batter. Gently fold the ingredients together after adding the brown sugar and butter.
• Make removing the squares from the pan a breeze by lining the pan with foil and leaving an overhang on the sides.
• Change up the filling for a fun twist. Try buttercream or cream cheese icing, or drizzle with melted chocolate or chocolate ganache.
• Let the cinnamon bars cool completely before cutting them for the best texture.

What to Serve with Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares

Serve your cinnamon squares with a variety of complementary flavors. A hot cup of coffee or refreshing orange juice pairs well, or even homemade granola for a contrast in textures. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup can also enhance the dessert’s overall taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try Other Joanna Gaines Dessert Recipes:

• Joanna Gaines Tiramisu Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Blueberry Puff
• Joanna Gaines Pecan Bars

Joanna Gaines Cinnamon Squares Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 294
• Total Fat 17g
• Saturated Fat 8.2g
• Cholesterol 3.3mg
• Sodium 198mg
• Potassium 66mg
• Total Carbohydrate 32g
• Dietary Fiber 0.8g
• Sugars 17g
• Protein 2.9g
• Vitamin A 0%
• Vitamin C 0.3%
• Calcium 9.2%
• Iron 4.9%