Cinnamon Roll Bars
Cinnamon Roll Bars bake into soft brown sugar cinnamon dessert squares topped with creamy vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. They are a cozy bake for brunch trays, dessert bars, sweet breakfast treats, and make-ahead family sharing.
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Hand Mixer
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon for the bar base
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon for the frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk the flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl until evenly combined.
- Stir the melted butter and packed brown sugar together in a mixing bowl until glossy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter looks smooth and thick.
- Fold in the flour mixture just until combined, then spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges look set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool the bars completely in the pan, then lift them out using the parchment handles.
- Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth, then mix in vanilla bean paste, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and sifted powdered sugar.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars, chill briefly if desired, and slice into 12 bars.
Notes
Storage: Store frosted Cinnamon Roll Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days because of the cream cheese frosting.
Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and slicing.
Best Tips: Do not frost warm bars. Cooling fully keeps the topping creamy and prevents it from sliding into the crumb.
Texture Tips: For soft bars, measure flour with the spoon and level method and stop baking when the center has just set.
Frosting Tips: Sift the powdered sugar before mixing so the cream cheese frosting stays smooth and spreads neatly.
Variations: Add chopped pecans, a maple note, or a light cinnamon dusting over the frosting for a bakery-style finish.