Soft Cinnamon Roll Bars with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something magical about the warm, cozy aroma of cinnamon filling your home. It instantly wraps you in a sense of comfort and nostalgia, taking you back to the joy of freshly baked treats. If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls but want something simpler to make, these Soft Cinnamon Roll Bars with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting are about to become your new favorite indulgence. They have all the flavors you love—sweet cinnamon, rich cream cheese frosting, and a buttery softness—in a bar form that’s easy to slice and share.

Imagine biting into a soft, slightly chewy cinnamon bar topped with creamy, vanilla-scented frosting. This dessert is perfect for holidays, weekend baking projects, or even as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible bars at home.

Why You’ll Love These Soft Cinnamon Roll Bars

These cinnamon roll bars are more than just a dessert—they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:

• Cinnamon Lovers’ Dream: Packed with warm cinnamon flavor, these bars taste just like your favorite cinnamon rolls.
• Easy to Make: Skip the hassle of rolling dough and waiting for it to rise—these bars are quick and simple.
• Perfect Texture: Soft and buttery with a slight chew, these bars are a delight in every bite.
• Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: The vanilla bean cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the bars and frost them later, making them perfect for planning ahead.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

For the Cinnamon Bars:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Ground cinnamon	2 teaspoons
Salt	Pinch
Unsalted butter, melted	½ cup (1 stick)
Packed brown sugar	1 cup
Large egg, at room temperature	1
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

For the Vanilla-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream cheese, at room temperature	8 oz (1 block)
Unsalted butter, at room temperature	5 tablespoons
Vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)	1½ teaspoons
Ground cinnamon	¾ teaspoon
Powdered sugar, sifted	2 cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper for added assurance.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This ensures the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
2. Set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and packed brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture should look glossy and well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the bars soft and tender.
2. The batter will be thick, almost like cookie dough.

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Bars

1. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Smooth the top for an even bake.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be golden, and the center should look set.
3. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting them.

Step 6: Make the Vanilla-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) and ground cinnamon, mixing until well combined.
3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

1. Once the cinnamon bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
2. For a touch of elegance, dust the frosting lightly with ground cinnamon or add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar if desired.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

1. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a cutting board.
2. Slice into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bars

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: For both the bars and the frosting, room-temperature ingredients ensure smooth mixing and the best texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. Overbaking can make them dry—aim for slightly underdone for the softest texture.
• Frosting Alternatives: If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla works beautifully.
• Make Ahead: The bars can be baked a day in advance and stored unfrosted at room temperature. Add the frosting just before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Bars)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	280
Total Fat	14 g
Saturated Fat	8 g
Carbohydrates	36 g
Sugar	28 g
Protein	3 g

FAQs About Soft Cinnamon Roll Bars with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

2. What can I use instead of vanilla bean paste?

Vanilla extract works perfectly as a substitute. If you want those little vanilla bean flecks, use the seeds from a vanilla pod.

3. Can I freeze the bars?

Yes, the bars (without frosting) freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly (add about 5 minutes).

5. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. The edges should be golden, but the center should not look dry.

6. What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You can make a simple buttercream frosting with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk.

Final Thoughts

These Soft Cinnamon Roll Bars with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls. They’re easier to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are guaranteed to impress.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to the heavenly aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your kitchen. You deserve this deliciousness!

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