Buttermilk Cinnamon Bars

Buttermilk Cinnamon Bars (Adapted from Saco)

For the bars

1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup dry buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup cinnamon chips

For the frosting

5 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 - 3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

To make the bars

Preheat oven to 350

In a large mixing bowl, add the sugars, flours, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, dry buttermilk, softened butter, egg, water and vanilla. Mix for 30 seconds on low - scrape the bowl from the bottom up. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Fold in coconut and cinnamon chips.

Scoop batter into a 9 x 13" baking dish coated with nonstick spray. Bake until the center springs back when lightly touched in the center or a toothpick comes out mostly clean when placed near the center - about 30 to 40 minutes. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the frosting

In large mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar. Beat in vanilla and enough milk until the mixture is smooth - continue beating on low until creamy. Scoop onto the cooled bars and use an off-set spatula to spread evenly over the bars.

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