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

Scale

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