Name: Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp cinnamon; Pinch of salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 egg, at room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature; 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste; ¾ tsp cinnamon; 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe because it takes the beloved flavors of a classic cinnamon roll and transforms them into an easy-to-make, irresistibly tender bar. I find these bars to be the perfect sweet treat when I want something cozy, cinnamony, and creamy without all the work of rolling dough. Each bite melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of cinnamon spice, buttery richness, and luscious cream cheese frosting, making it one of my all-time favorite desserts to whip up for friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe

What really excites me about this Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe is the flavor. The cinnamon and brown sugar blend perfectly to create that warm, nostalgic taste I crave, while the soft, crumbly texture feels like a cozy hug in dessert form. The cream cheese frosting on top elevates it to a whole new level of indulgence by adding tangy sweetness that keeps me reaching for “just one more” bite. Honestly, it tastes like a cinnamon roll, but without any of the fuss of rolling and cutting dough!

Besides the delicious flavor, I appreciate how simple and approachable the recipe is. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, I can have these bars ready in under 40 minutes. They’re ideal for busy mornings, impromptu get-togethers, or whenever I want to impress guests without much hassle. What sets this recipe apart for me is how it combines convenience with that authentic cinnamon roll experience—it’s a winner every time I make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square brown cake layer with a rough texture lies flat on a rose gold cooling rack over a white marbled surface. In the center of the cake, there is a thick dollop of light beige frosting with visible specks, showing a smooth and creamy texture with swirled peaks. To the bottom left of the cake, a metal spatula with a wooden handle rests on the cooling rack. Near the bottom right corner, there is a small white bowl filled with colorful round and stick sprinkles in shades of orange, pink, purple, and gold. The top right holds a small bundle of cinnamon sticks, and in the top left corner, a stack of five white plates is slightly visible. A checkered cloth with orange and white lines is placed on the bottom right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that all play an essential role in the flavor and texture of the bars. Each component contributes to the perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and spice that make these bars so addictive.

1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the bars, providing structure and softness without weighing them down.
2 tsp cinnamon: Gives that signature spicy warmth that defines the cinnamon roll flavor.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Offers deep, caramel notes and sweetness that complement the cinnamon beautifully.
1 egg, at room temperature: Binds everything together and makes the bars light but sturdy.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic sweetness that harmonizes the flavors.
8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature: Creates the luscious, tangy base for the frosting.
5 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature: Makes the frosting silky smooth and rich.
1½ tsp vanilla bean paste: Gives the frosting an intensified vanilla flavor and tiny flecks that look beautiful.
¾ tsp cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice kick right into the frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8″x8″ baking pan with foil, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the bars out easily later. Be sure to grease both the foil and the pan well so nothing sticks.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly. Set this mixture aside for now.

Step 3: In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the batter looks glossy and combined.

Step 4: Add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—this keeps the bars tender. Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and press it evenly with damp fingers to form a smooth surface.

Step 5: Bake the bars for about 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely before adding the frosting.

Step 6: For the frosting, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and room temperature butter together until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla bean paste and cinnamon, mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 7: Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and beat on low speed until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. When the bars have cooled, spread or pipe the frosting evenly over the top. If you like, add sprinkles or cinnamon dusting for an extra festive touch.

Step 8: Store the finished Cinnamon Roll Bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Enjoy them within a week for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

This Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe yields about 16 generous servings—perfect for sharing or keeping a sweet stash at home. The prep time is short, just around 10 minutes, which makes it ideal for quick baking sessions. Baking takes about 22 minutes, plus you’ll want to allow the bars to cool completely before frosting, which can take around 15 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 37 minutes from start to finish, with resting time included. It’s a wonderfully efficient way to bake a cinnamon treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve This Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe

The image shows a square-shaped dessert bar on a copper cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has two visible layers: a light brown base layer, and on top, a thick, creamy off-white frosting spread unevenly with swirled texture. The frosting is decorated with colorful sprinkles in pink, purple, gold, and brown, plus small round candy pearls in similar colors scattered across the top. Nearby, there is a white bowl filled with more sprinkles, three cinnamon sticks to the top right, a plaid cloth to the bottom right, a spatula with a wooden handle resting on the rack, and a stack of white plates in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature—they’re perfect either way. When fresh from the fridge, the cream cheese frosting sets up nicely, creating a cool, creamy contrast to the soft, buttery bars underneath. If I want to recreate that warm cinnamon roll feel, I’ll let the bars sit out for about 30 minutes before serving or give individual portions a quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds. Serve them on a pretty plate, cut into squares that are easy to hold for casual sharing.

For a lovely breakfast or brunch option, I like pairing these bars with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, which complements the cinnamon and cream cheese notes beautifully. For gatherings or parties, they work wonderfully alongside a simple fruit salad or yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness. If you want to make a dessert spread extra special, I sometimes garnish each bar with a sprinkle of crushed pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a few fresh berries on the side to add both texture and color.

These bars truly shine at any occasion, from relaxed family get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Their portability and individual portion size mean they’re crowd-pleasers that are easy to share and enjoy anywhere—not to mention, they pair well with sparkling cider, sweet white wine, or even a creamy latte for an indulgent twist.

Variations

I find this Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe wonderfully versatile and love experimenting with different twists. For example, if you want to switch up the spice, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cardamom to the flour mixture for a new dimension of warmth. If you prefer a chocolatey treat, sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking or swirl some melted chocolate on top of the frosting for an extra layer of richness.

If you’re baking for dietary needs, I’ve had success using gluten-free flour blends in place of all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free without sacrificing texture. For a vegan version, swapping the butter with vegan butter and using a flax or chia egg substitute works well—just be sure to use vegan cream cheese for the frosting. The result is still deliciously creamy and satisfying.

For a bit of fun texture, I sometimes incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the base batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting before it sets. Another approach is to change up the frosting entirely—try a maple cream cheese frosting or even a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter finish. Plus, if you want to experiment with cooking methods, these bars can also be baked in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized cinnamon roll bites that are perfect for parties and lunches.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon roll bars keep best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to keep them covered tightly to prevent the frosting from drying out or picking up fridge odors. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to one week, which gives plenty of time to enjoy them as a sweet snack or dessert.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! I usually cut the bars into individual squares before freezing, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to freeze individually for about 2 hours. Once frozen, I transfer the bars to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment or wax paper, so they don’t stick together. Frozen cinnamon roll bars will keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this treat whenever a cinnamon craving strikes.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy leftover or thawed bars, I recommend reheating them gently to restore that freshly baked feeling. A quick 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave works wonders for loosening the frosting and warming the bars slightly without making them soggy. Avoid overheating, which can dry the bars out or melt the frosting too much. Alternatively, you can let frozen bars thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Yes, absolutely! While vanilla bean paste adds those pretty specks and a more intense vanilla flavor, regular vanilla extract works perfectly well in this recipe. Just use the same amount as called for, and you’ll still get delicious results.

Is it necessary to sift the powdered sugar for the frosting?

Sifting powdered sugar helps prevent lumps and ensures your frosting is silky smooth, which makes spreading or piping much easier. If you don’t have a sifter, you can also whisk the sugar vigorously, but sifting is my preferred method for the best texture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Definitely! These bars are great for making a day or two in advance. Just keep them refrigerated in an airtight container, and frost them right before serving to keep the frosting fresh, or frost in advance if preferred—just know the frosting will firm up in the fridge.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with white granulated sugar mixed with a teaspoon of molasses per cup for a similar flavor. However, the texture and richness might be slightly different, but still tasty.

Are these bars kid-friendly?

Absolutely! I often make these bars for family gatherings and kids love them because of the sweet cream cheese frosting and gentle cinnamon spice. Plus, the bars are easy to hold and eat, making them a favorite treat for all ages.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe a try—it’s one of those magical recipes that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking a piece for yourself, these bars are sure to become a cherished favorite. Warm, cinnamony, creamy, and oh-so-easy to make, they’re the perfect way to brighten any day or celebration. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them again and again!