If you love the warm, spiced flavor of a cinnamon roll but crave something a little simpler to make, these Cinnamon Roll Bars are the answer. With a soft, chewy texture and a swirl of cinnamon, these bars capture everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls in a convenient bar form. Topped with a rich vanilla bean cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want a cozy treat. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these bars will become a favorite in your baking rotation!
Ingredients
Cinnamon Bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract, if unavailable)
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
For the Cinnamon Bars:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease the paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be slightly golden and the bars set. Let them cool fully in the pan before adding the frosting.
For the Vanilla-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Cinnamon: Add the vanilla bean paste and ground cinnamon, mixing until well combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once incorporated, increase the speed and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. For a touch of extra elegance, dust a little cinnamon over the frosting if desired.
- Slice and Serve: Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and slice them into squares. Serve right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Bars offer all the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll with a fraction of the effort. The soft, chewy base pairs perfectly with the creamy vanilla bean and cinnamon frosting, making them an irresistible treat. Ideal for any gathering or simply as a sweet snack at home, these bars are sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the taste of cinnamon rolls in a new, easy-to-make way!