Description
Delicious Cinnamon Roll Bars with a soft, buttery base topped with a creamy cinnamon-spiced frosting, perfect for an easy-to-make sweet treat that captures the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a convenient bar form.
Ingredients
For Bars
- 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
For Frosting
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line an 8″ x 8″ baking pan with foil, making sure the foil overhangs the sides to create handles for easy removal later. Grease both the foil and the pan to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together and set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Make the Bar Batter: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Transfer this batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Form the Base: Using damp fingertips, press the batter evenly into the pan to create a smooth, uniform layer. This will form the base of your cinnamon roll bars.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cream cheese and softened butter. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Add the vanilla bean paste and cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until evenly incorporated.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the frosting mixture, beating continuously until a smooth and spreadable frosting forms.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting evenly over the top. Optionally, add sprinkles or other decorations as desired.
- Storage: Store the frosted cinnamon roll bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to one week. Enjoy your sweet treat!
Notes
- Using foil with overhang makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan after baking.
- Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth batter and frosting.
- Vanilla bean paste adds a richer vanilla flavor than extract, but you can substitute with vanilla extract if needed.
- Pressing the batter with damp fingertips prevents it from sticking to your fingers and helps achieve an even layer.
- Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store leftover bars refrigerated to maintain freshness and texture.
