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These brown sugar cinnamon crumb bars take the concept of a classic pop tart and morph it with a rich buttery oatmeal bar. An oat layer, topped with a cinnamon brown sugar layer and then topped with remaining oat crumble and baked to perfection. They are finally topped off with a cinnamon icing drizzle. These are a treat that will wow everyone you make them for!
I was originally trying to take my favorite Apple Crumble Bars recipe and make a sort of cinnamon roll version, but it ended up shifting more into a brown sugar cinnamon pop tart version and I could honestly not be any happier.
These buttery oat bars with a brown sugar cinnamon filling and then topped with a simple cinnamon icing drizzle are about to be your new favorite treat, oh wait, there’s oats in these bars, so does that make them technically breakfast??
Why We Love These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oat Bars
The brown sugar cinnamon pop tart is my all time favorite flavor. Morphing a simple oatmeal crumble bar with the pop tart flavor was literally so meant to be. Warm cozy spices, soft buttery oat texture, this dessert recipe is going to WOW your friends, family and everyone you share it with!
These brown sugar cinnamon crumb bars:
- include pantry staples and ingredients I always have on hand
- have the perfect balance of warm cozy flavor with all the buttery oat crumbs–it’s an absolute experience!
- can be a perfect dessert recipe for many occasions, but also would be great on a fun brunch spread
- are easily made gluten free
Love all things cinnamon? Try these other favorites as well: Cinnamon Banana Bread, Buttermilk Cinnamon Rolls, Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats, Apple Dump Cake or these Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls!
Ingredient Notes
- I prefer using quick cooking oats over rolled oats in these brown sugar cinnamon oat bars, but either will work. The texture will just be slightly different between the two.
- To make these bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 all purpose gluten-free baking flour and you are set! They come out great this way!
- The ingredient list may look long, but there are many repeat ingredients across the recipe–so don’t be intimidated, this one is so easy!
Ways To Vary This Recipe
- add a hint of maple: you can stir in some maple in the brown sugar cinnamon layer or add some to the icing to get another layer of flavor
- add more warm spices: you can use pumpkin spice, a pinch of nutmeg, some cloves, etc.
- vary the way you serve them: serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream over top, crumble up the bars over ice cream, or in a yogurt bowl, serve them chilled, warmed, you pick!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar cinnamon filling ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the oat mixture and stir until combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly greasy. You can start with 14 tablespoons of butter and add in the other 2 as desired. You have some wiggle room in the ingredients for this recipe.
Step 3: In an 8×8 in. pan, lined with parchment, press ⅔ of the oat mixture firmly into the pan (just over 2 cups approx.).
Step 4: Add the brown sugar cinnamon filling and gently press to make it even.
Step 5: Sprinkle over the remaining oat mixture and press gently into the brown sugar cinnamon layer.
Step 6: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown.
Step 7: Allow the bars to cool for about 10 minutes and then whisk together the cinnamon icing ingredients together.
Step 8: Drizzle the icing over top of bars. Allow to set and then enjoy!
Recipe Tips
These can be a bit messy when cutting especially if still warm. For easier and cleaner cut bars, refrigerate for several hours to help them become a bit more solid. Then slice with a VERY sharp knife. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Storage
Store these bars at room temperature for 3-4 days. They will keep for about 6-7 days in the refrigerator. To freeze, allow them to cool completely and then freeze in a single layer for one hour before layering between parchment in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
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Brown Sugar Cinnamon Crumb Bars
Ingredients
For Oat Base and Crumble Topping
- 1 ½ cup quick oats, regular or gluten free
- 1 ½ cup flour, spooned and leveled
- 14-16 Tbsp unsalted butter , melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp sea salt
- optional: 1 tsp cinnamon
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1½ Tbsp flour
- 1½ Tbsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp butter , melted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- optional pinch of sea salt
Cinnamon Icing Drizzle
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 Tbsp half and half or milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar cinnamon filling ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oat mixture and stir until combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly greasy. You can start with 14 tablespoons of butter and add in the other 2 as desired. You have some wiggle room in the ingredients for this recipe.
- In an 8×8 in. pan, lined with parchment, press ⅔ of the oat mixture firmly into the pan (just over 2 cups approx.). Add the brown sugar cinnamon filling and gently press to make it even. Sprinkle over the remaining oat mixture and press gently into the brown sugar cinnamon layer.
- Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for about 10 minutes and then whisk together the cinnamon icing and drizzle over top.
- These will be the easiest to slice once cooled, but they can most certainly be eaten warm, they will just fall apart a bit more.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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