Craving the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls but short on time? Look no further! These Cinnamon Roll Bars offer all the delightful flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a fraction of the time and effort. Forget about yeast, kneading, and endless rising – this recipe delivers soft, buttery bars swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar and finished with a dreamy vanilla glaze, all ready to enjoy in under an hour.
These bars are truly a game-changer for anyone who loves homemade treats but needs a quick solution. Whether it's for a busy weekend breakfast, a potluck dessert, or simply to satisfy a sudden sweet tooth, their simplicity and irresistible taste make them a household favorite. The aroma alone as they bake is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen!
What sets these Cinnamon Roll Bars apart is their incredible ease. With a few common pantry staples, you can create a dessert that tastes like it took hours, but in reality, comes together with minimal fuss. They’re perfect for new bakers looking for a win or seasoned pros needing a quick fix. If you're a fan of convenient, delicious bar recipes, you might also enjoy our delightful Cherry Rhubarb Coffee Bars with Cardamom and Anise or the vibrant Blueberry Lemon Mole Bars with Meringue.
Why You'll Adore These Cinnamon Roll Bars
- No Yeast Required: This means no waiting for dough to rise, significantly cutting down on prep time.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, you can have these bars ready and cooling in about 45 minutes.
- Perfectly Soft Texture: The base is wonderfully tender and buttery, providing the ideal contrast to the cinnamon swirl.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with additions like nuts or a hint of citrus zest.
Ready to bake a batch of pure joy? Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to these amazing bars. Most of these are likely already in your pantry!
For the Buttery Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our soft bars.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For a touch of sweetness in the dough.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Gives the bars a slight lift and tenderness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for a rich, tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
For the Irresistible Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep, caramel notes to the swirl.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these bars their signature taste.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Helps create that gorgeous, gooey swirl texture.
For the Sweet Vanilla Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, pourable glaze.
- 1-2 tbsp milk: Use to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla makes the glaze irresistible.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Bars
Follow these simple steps to create your new favorite dessert!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature for even baking. Next, take an 8x8-inch baking pan and either grease it thoroughly or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cutting a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Bar Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the base: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well combined. Then, add the softened unsalted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture with a spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. It will be slightly sticky. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared 8x8-inch pan, using your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer.
Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a separate small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted unsalted butter. Stir thoroughly until you have a thick, fragrant cinnamon-sugar paste. This mixture is what gives the bars their classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 4: Swirl the Cinnamon into the Dough
Evenly drizzle and spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough in the pan. Now, for the fun part: take a knife or a toothpick and gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the dough. Don't overmix; the goal is to create beautiful marbled patterns rather than fully incorporating it. Leave some of the cinnamon mixture visible on top for that iconic look.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary. For more baking tips and techniques, check out resources like Food Network's baking guides.
Step 6: Whisk Up the Vanilla Glaze
While the bars are baking, prepare your glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired drizzly consistency. Set aside.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle
Once baked, remove the cinnamon roll bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them set. Then, carefully lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the bars are completely cool, generously drizzle the prepared vanilla glaze over the top. Slice and serve!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Bars
- Don't Overmix the Dough: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender.
- Soften Butter Properly: For both the dough and the swirl, softened but not melted butter is key for the best texture (unless specified melted for the swirl).
- Even Swirl: Use a light hand when swirling to get distinct layers of cinnamon.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to glaze warm bars, as the glaze will melt right off. Patience pays off!
These Cinnamon Roll Bars are truly a delightful treat that brings joy with minimal effort. They're sure to become a regular in your baking rotation!
FAQs
Can I make cinnamon roll bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making in advance! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For a firmer texture, you can keep them in the refrigerator.
What's the best way to store leftover cinnamon roll bars?
Once cooled, place the bars in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you'd like to enjoy them warm, a quick reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds works wonders!
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the cinnamon roll bars?
Absolutely! For an added layer of texture and flavor, feel free to fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the cinnamon swirl mixture before spreading it over the dough. This adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.
How can I achieve a thicker or thinner glaze for my bars?
The glaze consistency can be easily adjusted. For a thicker glaze, start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more sparingly, a few drops at a time, until you reach your desired thickness. For a thinner, drizzly glaze, add an extra teaspoon of milk at a time until it's just right.
Easy Cinnamon Roll Bars
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible cinnamon roll bars, featuring a soft, buttery base, a gooey cinnamon swirl, and a sweet vanilla glaze. No yeast, no fuss – just pure dessert heaven in under an hour!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter, egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and 2 tbsp melted butter. Stir well until a smooth paste forms. Drizzle and spread this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
Step 4: Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the dough, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: While the bars are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency), and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 7: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, drizzle the glaze over the top before slicing and serving.
Step 8: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
For an extra touch, you can lightly toast chopped pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them over the cinnamon swirl before baking. Ensure the bars are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
