Description
Delight in these Cinnamon Roll Blondie Bars, a perfect blend of buttery blondies swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. These bars offer the cozy flavors of a cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make bar form, ideal for sharing or enjoying as a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 1 cup butter, melted (salted preferred)
- 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cream or milk (plus extra if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (if using glass or dark nonstick pan, reduce to 325°F). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch metal pan or line it with parchment or foil and grease to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to blend.
- Add Eggs and Flour: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually stir in the flour until the batter is smooth with no dry streaks.
- Spread Batter: Evenly spread the batter in the prepared pan to form a smooth and level base for the cinnamon swirl.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: Mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Use a butter knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter by moving back and forth gently.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the bars are golden on top and the edges start to puff. The center should be just set but remain soft. Add additional time if the batter is too wet, but avoid overbaking.
- Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool fully in the pan to set before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until light and creamy (about 30-45 seconds). Add powdered sugar and cream or milk; mix until smooth. Adjust with extra cream or milk if frosting needs thinning.
- Frost and Serve: Transfer the frosting into a piping or plastic bag with a snipped corner. Pipe zigzag or straight lines over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use salted butter for enhanced flavor or unsalted if preferred, just add a pinch more salt to the batter.
- If using glass or dark pans, lowering the oven temperature prevents over-browning.
- The cinnamon swirl can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less sugar and cinnamon.
- For easier frosting application, ensure bars are completely cooled to prevent melting.
- Leftover bars keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days; warm slightly before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American