Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, isn’t there? These Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect way to enjoy that warm, inviting aroma without the fuss of rolling out dough or kneading. Imagine soft, gooey bars that capture all the deliciousness of a cinnamon roll, topped with a rich and creamy frosting. Perfect for brunch, snacks, or even dessert, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home!

Reasons to Love Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful twist on the traditional cinnamon roll. Here are just a few reasons to love them:

• Quick and Easy: No complicated rolling or cutting required, making these bars a breeze to whip up.
• Soft and Chewy: The bars have a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Deliciously Decadent: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich layer of flavor that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
• Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat.
• Make Ahead: These bars can easily be prepared in advance, making them perfect for gatherings.

Ingredient Checklist

To make these scrumptious Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, you will 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
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened (lite okay)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Cinnamon, for garnishing

Gear Checklist

Before you dive into baking, make sure you have the following gear handy:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer: To beat the egg and mix the batter thoroughly.
• 9×13 Baking Pan: Perfect size for these cinnamon roll bars.
• Spatula: For spreading the batter and frosting evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure perfect results.

How to Prepare Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Now that you have your ingredients and gear ready, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake perfectly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully blended.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, add the cinnamon, flour, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Spread the Batter

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bars are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until creamy and well combined.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Once the bars are baked, allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the bars.

Step 9: Garnish

Finally, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for that extra touch of flavor and presentation.

How to Make It Lighter

If you’re looking to lighten up these Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, consider the following tweaks:

• Use lite cream cheese to reduce fat content.
• Substitute half of the unsalted butter with unsweetened applesauce.
• Reduce the amount of frosting by half for a lighter option.
• Use a sugar substitute in place of brown sugar if desired.

Chef’s Rationale

Creating the perfect Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting is all about balance. The butter provides rich flavor and moisture, while the brown sugar gives depth and a hint of caramel. The cinnamon is the star of the show, providing that classic warm spice we love. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bars.

• Using melted butter rather than softened keeps the texture soft and chewy.
• Whisking the wet ingredients well ensures a smooth batter without lumps.
• Allowing the bars to cool before frosting prevents the cream cheese from melting into a gooey mess.

Make-Ahead & Storage

These Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are fantastic for meal prep. You can make them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.

• Make Ahead: Prepare the bars a day in advance and frost them just before serving.
• Storage: Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze un-frosted bars for up to 3 months. Just thaw and frost when ready to serve.

Ask & Learn

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a good balance.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become dry.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans, as well as chocolate chips, can add a delightful texture and flavor to the bars. Just fold them in gently before spreading the batter in the pan.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use a store-bought frosting like chocolate buttercream frosting or make a simple vanilla buttercream as an alternative.

Once you’ve enjoyed these Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, consider trying your hand at these delicious treats:

Bring It to the Table

These Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch gathering, a cozy family breakfast, or a simple afternoon snack, they bring a delightful warmth that feels like a hug.

Now, gather your ingredients and bake up a batch of these bars. You’ll love the way they fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of cinnamon and sugar, and the creamy frosting will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy every delicious bite!