Chef Mitchell preparing Cinnamon Roll Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Cinnamon Roll Bars when I wanted a quick and easy treat that captured the essence of cinnamon rolls. After many attempts, I perfected this recipe to create a deliciously fluffy and sweet dessert. It has become a family favorite at gatherings, and I love sharing it with friends. Each bite brings back fond memories of baking with my grandmother."

With over a decade of experience in culinary arts, I specialize in American cuisine, particularly desserts. My passion for baking is evident in the countless recipes I've developed, each crafted with love and attention to detail. I believe that desserts should not only taste amazing but also create joyful experiences.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Cinnamon Roll Bars served on a plate

Why This Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe Works

This recipe for Cinnamon Roll Bars stands out due to its simplicity and incredible flavor. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. These bars are soft and tender, making them a perfect hand-held treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

By mixing wet and dry ingredients separately, we ensure a well-blended batter without overmixing. The result is a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with a creamy icing, these bars are not only delightful but also visually appealing, making them a great dessert for celebrations.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor and texture, use room temperature eggs and milk. This allows the ingredients to combine more easily and creates a smoother batter. Additionally, for a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make Cinnamon Roll Bars ahead of time. Bake and cool the bars, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy them warm again.

If you don't have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but reduce the salt in the recipe by half. Alternatively, you can substitute with margarine or vegetable oil, but the flavor may vary slightly. Choose a high-quality substitute for the best results.

To check if the Cinnamon Roll Bars are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be slightly golden but not burnt. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so start checking a few minutes before the recommended time.

Absolutely! You can freeze Cinnamon Roll Bars. Allow them to cool completely, then cut into squares and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and reheat if desired.

Cinnamon Roll Bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be served with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Additionally, a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the flavor even further.

Cinnamon Roll Bars can last in the fridge for about 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Ensure they are completely cooled before refrigerating to maintain their texture. If you notice any signs of spoilage or they dry out, it's best to discard them.

Yes, you can make these bars in advance. Prepare and bake them, then let them cool completely before storing. If making more than one day ahead, it's recommended to freeze them to maintain freshness. Just thaw and icing before serving.

To reheat Cinnamon Roll Bars, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm them through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your Cinnamon Roll Bars are coming out too dry, it may be due to overmixing the batter or baking too long.

Solution: To prevent dryness, mix the batter until just combined and check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. Using room temperature ingredients also helps retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the edges of your bars are not crispy enough, it may be because they were not baked long enough.

Solution: Bake them a few minutes longer next time, but be careful not to overbake the center. You can also try using a metal pan instead of glass for a crisper edge.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If your bars are overcooked, they may turn out dry and crumbly.

Prevention: To prevent this, keep a close eye on the baking time and perform the toothpick test to check for doneness early on.

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Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center may cause the bars to collapse or not set properly.

Recovery: If you find your bars are undercooked, return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently until done.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can happen if the oven temperature is too high or the pans are not positioned correctly.

Prevention: To avoid this, ensure your oven is calibrated correctly and rotate the pans halfway through baking. Consider using parchment paper to line the baking dish.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, consider reducing the sugar slightly in future batches or adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Too Salty: If they taste too salty, check your ingredient measurements, especially if using salted butter.

Bland: To enhance bland bars, you can add more cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract for more flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Bars

Essential Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Bars

The key ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Bars include all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Using high-quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture. Fresh eggs contribute to a richer taste, while good butter enhances the overall richness of the bars.

It's important to measure your ingredients accurately, especially flour, as too much can lead to dense bars. Using real vanilla extract instead of imitation can also elevate the flavor significantly.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Using all-purpose flour is essential for the structure of the bars. Make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy. Too much flour can make the bars dry and dense.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor to the bars. When measuring, pack it tightly into the cup to ensure you get the right amount. This is crucial for achieving that soft, chewy texture.
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star of this recipe. Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best flavor. Storing your spices in a cool, dark place can help maintain their potency and prevent them from going stale.
Cooking process for Cinnamon Roll Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Baking Cinnamon Roll Bars is a straightforward process. Start by preparing your ingredients and mixing them in the right order. This will help ensure an even distribution of flavors and a smooth texture throughout the bars.

Be sure to monitor the baking time closely. Each oven is different, so check for doneness to achieve that perfect, soft center with slightly crispy edges. With a little practice, you'll master the art of making these delightful bars.

Key Technique for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bars

The key to perfect Cinnamon Roll Bars lies in the mixing technique. Combine wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing them together. This helps prevent overmixing, which can lead to dense bars. Stir until just combined for a soft, fluffy texture.

Cinnamon Roll Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
    Sifted
  • 2 tablespoons milk
    More if needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Pure vanilla recommended
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    For flavor

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    For the base
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
    For moisture
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    For richness
  • 3 large eggs
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup milk
    Whole milk preferred
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    For leavening
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    Balancing flavor

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.

  4. Combine Mixtures

    Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

  5. Bake the Bars

    Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  6. Prepare the Icing

    In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.

  7. Cool and Frost

    Allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling the icing on top.

  8. Serve

    Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your Cinnamon Roll Bars!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store your Cinnamon Roll Bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Roll Bars are best served warm, drizzled with icing. Pair them with a side of fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They're perfect for brunch or as an after-dinner treat.

Recipe Variations

You can customize these Cinnamon Roll Bars by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits. For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter in the batter. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.