Cinnamon Roll Bars

Thanksgiving! It’s soon! Do all the things!! Today I made a list of all the food I’m making. Then I made a grocery list. Then I made myself a schedule to reference the day of so that I know when I need to prep and cook everything. Overthinking things? Yes. Unnecessary? Very likely. I make a lot of things complicated that don’t need to be. It’s in my nature. BUT: these Cinnamon Roll Bars are quick, easy, and not at all fussy!

I was just going to call these babies “cinnamon bars,” but they reminded me too much of my [Mom’s Cinnamon Rolls]! These Cinnamon Roll Bars are chewy, super cinnamony (it’s a word), and slathered in vanilla-cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

This recipe requires no special equipment–not even a mixer! The only “special” ingredient is a bit of vanilla bean paste in the frosting. You know I can’t help myself when it comes to vanilla bean paste! It has fantastic flavor, and leaves gorgeous flecks of vanilla in the frosting. <3 If you’re looking to buy vanilla bean paste, you can find it [here]. If you prefer to substitute, just add vanilla extract instead.

So when I said these bars are “slathered” in frosting, I meant it. It’s pretty much a 1:1 ratio. Don’t question it, just enjoy. It’s Thanksgiving and stretchy pants are a must.

So, while you’re running around doing all the things, remember that dessert doesn’t have to be time-consuming to be incredible! 🙂

Other posts you may like:

Mom’s Cinnamon Rolls

Honey Pecan Bars

Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Honey Scones

Recipes for Beginner Bakers

Funfetti Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe adapted from Buns in My Oven (link here).

Cinnamon Roll Bars

Amee

These Cinnamon Roll Bars taste just like your favorite cinnamon roll--slathered in vanilla-cinnamon cream cheese frosting--but bake up in a fraction of the time!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dessert

Cuisine Bars

Servings 16 bars

Ingredients

  

Cinnamon Bars:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• pinch salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Vanilla-Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1½ tsp vanilla bean paste (see note)
• ¾ tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

 

For Bars:

• Preheat oven to 350° F. Line an 8"x 8" pan with foil that overhangs the sides (so you can use as a handle to remove the bars later). Grease the foil and the pan. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, cinnamon, and salt). Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly combined.
• Add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Scrape mixture into the prepared pan.
• Press the mixture evenly into the pan with damp fingertips. Bake 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow bars to cool completely on a wire rack.

For Frosting:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine cream cheese and butter. Beat until thoroughly combined and smooth.
• Add vanilla bean paste (see note) and cinnamon. Mix to combine.
• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Pipe or spread frosting on top of cooled bars, adding sprinkles if you desire.

  Enjoy!

Notes

Note on vanilla bean paste: You know I can't help myself when it comes to vanilla bean paste! It has fantastic flavor, and leaves gorgeous flecks of vanilla in the frosting. <3 If you're looking to buy vanilla bean paste, you can find it [here]. If you prefer to substitute, just add vanilla extract instead.

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