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Easy Cinnamon Roll Bars with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

A single, square portion of soft cinnamon roll bars topped generously with thick cream cheese frosting.
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Make soft, gooey cinnamon roll bars that slice cleanly, topped with a thick, rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe simplifies the classic roll into a convenient, make-ahead sheet pan dessert or breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1/2 cup milk, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Reserve the remaining one-third of the dough.
  5. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a thick paste forms. Spread this cinnamon filling evenly over the dough layer in the pan.
  6. Take the reserved one-third of the dough and crumble it evenly over the cinnamon layer to create a swirled effect.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  8. Prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
  9. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the thick icing evenly over the top. Cut into squares for serving.

Notes

  • For easier slicing, chill the cooled bars for 30 minutes before frosting and cutting.
  • These cinnamon bars freeze well. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
  • Reheat individual bars briefly in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) to restore the gooey texture before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/cinnamon-roll-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/