Ingredients
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (2 cans, 8-count size, icing reserved)
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
- Large egg (1)
- vanilla bean paste (1 teaspoon)
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
- Milk (1 tablespoon, or as needed for frosting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Unroll both cans of cinnamon roll dough and separate the rolls; reserve the included icing packets for later use.
- Step 2: Take each cinnamon roll and cut it into four pieces. Spread the cut pieces evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan, gently pressing the dough together to form a cohesive, flat crust across the base of the pan.
- Step 3: Prepare the gooey filling by beating the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla powder, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll dough base.
- Step 4: Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cream cheese layer is set and slightly puffed in the center.
- Step 5: While the bars are still warm, prepare the glaze. Combine the reserved icing packets in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of milk (or more if needed) until the glaze is smooth and easily pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon roll bars.
- Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely (at least 1 to 2 hours) before lifting them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cutting them into squares for serving.
Notes
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week to maintain the freshness of the cream cheese filling.
- If refrigerated, quickly reheat individual squares in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to restore that signature gooey center and slightly melty glaze.
- Elevate this treat by serving the bars slightly warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or chopped pecans.
- For the cleanest cuts and best texture, resist the urge to slice early; the bars absolutely must cool completely (1 to 2 hours) so the cream cheese filling can fully set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Gooey Cinnamon Bar (approx. 1/16th of a 9x13 pan)
- Calories: 360
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g