Cinnamon Roll Bars: Quick and Easy Dessert Recipe
Introduction
Cinnamon Roll Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, offering all the cozy flavors in an easy-to-make, shareable dessert. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any day of the week, these bars combine a tender, cinnamon-spiced base with a creamy glaze on top.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Step 3: Add the eggs, sour cream, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Step 6: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon cinnamon and granulated sugar, then sprinkle this topping evenly over the batter.
- Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Step 10: For the frosting, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth, then spread evenly over the cooled bars.
Tips & Variations
- Use light brown sugar for a milder molasses flavor or dark brown sugar for a richer taste.
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist and added protein.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk in the frosting.
Storage
Store cinnamon roll bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat individual bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they can be baked a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated. Add the frosting just before serving to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze cinnamon roll bars?
Absolutely. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Bars: Quick and Easy Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Bars combine the delicious flavors of a classic cinnamon roll into an easy, quick-to-make dessert bar. With a tender, moist cake base swirled with a cinnamon-sugar topping and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, they make the perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
For the Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the bars do not stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, creating a perfect base for your batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bars tough.
- Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch pan using a spatula for an even layer.
- Add Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the topping cinnamon and granulated sugar, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter to create the signature cinnamon roll swirl effect.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting and Ice: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a creamy glaze. Spread this evenly over the cooled bars for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure the sour cream and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
- For a deeper cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the cinnamon in the topping to 1.5 tablespoons.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, reduce the milk slightly until you reach your desired consistency.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon roll bars, quick dessert, easy cinnamon roll recipe, cinnamon bars, baked cinnamon dessert, sweet bar dessert
