Description
Soft, pillowy bars swirled with cinnamon and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then stir in melted butter to form a paste.
- Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the base batter, then spread remaining batter on top.
- Using a knife, swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth; mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, adding milk as needed.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes
These bars can be made a day in advance and taste even better the next day. Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll, dessert bars, cream cheese frosting, baking, sweet treats