Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

When you think of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, you might envision hours spent in the kitchen kneading dough and waiting for it to rise. But what if I told you that you could capture all those delightful flavors in a simple, quick-to-make dessert? Enter Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting—a scrumptious treat that blends the familiar comfort of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a bar cookie. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why I Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a game-changer. They take the classic cinnamon roll flavors and transform them into a delightful, easy-to-serve dessert. No rolling dough, no fuss, just pure deliciousness! The rich and creamy frosting perfectly complements the warm cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a heavenly bite every time. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—serve them warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, and they’re always a hit.

What Goes In

To make these mouthwatering Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 teaspoons cinnamon (I use 3 but reduce to taste if you’re sensitive to cinnamon)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened (lite okay)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Cinnamon for garnishing

What’s in the Gear List

Before you start baking, gather your kitchen essentials:

• Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Whisk: To ensure everything mixes together smoothly.
• Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan works perfectly for these bars.
• Spatula: For spreading the frosting evenly.
• Measurement cups and spoons: Accuracy is key in baking!

The Method for Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these delightful bars.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, egg, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

In the same bowl, add the cinnamon, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want your bars to be soft and tender.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost the Bars

Once the bars are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the warm bars. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon for a beautiful touch.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Healthier Substitutions

If you’re looking to make these Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting a bit healthier, consider these substitutions:

• Whole wheat flour: Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Low-fat cream cheese: Use low-fat cream cheese in the frosting to cut down on calories.
• Natural sweeteners: Substitute light brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative.
• Applesauce: Replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option.

Method to the Madness

Creating these Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just about following a recipe; it’s about embracing the process. The warm aromas of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen are intoxicating, making the wait worthwhile. Here are some tips to enhance your baking experience:

• Use fresh spices: Fresh cinnamon will give your bars a more robust flavor, so consider purchasing whole cinnamon sticks and grinding them yourself.
• Customize your frosting: Add a splash of maple syrup or a hint of almond extract to the frosting for a unique twist.
• Top it off: Consider adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

To keep your Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh, follow these storage tips:

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked goodness!

Ask & Learn

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just frost them when you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use mascarpone cheese or even a vegan cream cheese alternative for a different twist!

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready!

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes! You can use brown sugar, coconut sugar, or even a sweetener like stevia, just keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Keep Cooking

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love these:

• Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Icing Ingredients for a quick icing option.
• Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls for a savory treat.
• Easy Cream Cheese Chicken for a delicious dinner idea.

Let’s Eat

Baking these Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is an experience filled with warmth, fragrance, and comfort. The combination of soft, spiced bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible. Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, they are sure to bring smiles to your table. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking! Enjoy every delicious bite!