Description

These Soft Cinnamon Roll Bars with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate treat for cinnamon lovers. Imagine soft, chewy bars packed with warm cinnamon flavor, topped with a rich and creamy vanilla bean frosting. They’re everything you love about cinnamon rolls but without the hassle of rolling and rising dough. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these bars will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.

Ingredients

For the 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

For the 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)
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

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Instructions

Prepare the Cinnamon Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. The batter will be thick.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Make the Vanilla-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add the vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) and ground cinnamon, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Frost and Serve

Once the cinnamon bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Dust with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar, if desired.
Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
Slice into squares or rectangles and serve immediately.

Notes

Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest frosting and softest bars, ensure your cream cheese, butter, and egg are at room temperature.
Make Ahead: You can bake the bars a day in advance and store them unfrosted at room temperature. Add the frosting just before serving.
Frosting Alternatives: For a lighter topping, use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Storage: Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American