What a treat these Cinnamon Roll Crumb Bars are! With a soft, buttery base, a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a thick golden crumb topping, they bake up soft in the center and perfectly crisp on top. Finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze, these bars are cozy, indulgent, and dangerously easy to bake.
I fear I have outdone myself with this recipe. These easy cinnamon bars are SO addicting.
The base and crumb are the same which makes for simple prep and less cleaning. The crumb is made from 5 pantry ingredients you probably already have in your cupboard.
The bars get layered with a 3 ingredient cinnamon sugar filling that is thick, gooey, and so good. It's the same filling you would find inside of a cinnamon roll.
Whether it's for a delicious brunch, the holidays, or a cinnamon craving, these crumb bars deliver bakery-style flavours in every bite. I am simply obsessed!
Step by step instructions
Here is how to make and bake these Cinnamon Roll Crumb Bars. You will need a 9×9 baking pan lined with parchment paper, 3 mixing bowls, and a spatula.
Step 1 - Make the crumb. In a large bowl, add butter, flour, white sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix together using a fork or your hands, until big and small crumbs form (see photo below for reference). Set aside about 1 1/2 cups of the crumb for the topping.
Step 2 - Bake the base. Transfer the remaining crumb into the prepared pan and firmly press it down and up slightly along the sides. Bake for 20 minutes.
Step 3 - Make filling. Combine melted butter, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until combined.
Step 4 - Layer. Once the base has baked, spread the filling on top without disturbing the base layer. Then add the remaining crumb evenly.
Step 5 - Bake. The bars bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
Step 6 - Make the glaze. For the glaze, heat the heavy cream and sour cream together and whisk until combined. Then remove from the heat and add in the vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.
Drizzle the cooled bars, allow to set, and enjoy!
FAQ
How do I store these bars?
These bars are best stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They may also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Why do you add sour cream in the glaze?
Instead of cream cheese, I added sour cream, and it's not random I promise. The tangy helps balance the sweetness. It also makes the glaze slightly thicker, and is much easier to mix together than cream cheese (which usually has to be softened and whipped).
Are these bars soft or crunchy?
The middle of the bars are soft and tender, while the buttery crumb edges crisp up in the oven.
If you prefer them softer, underbake them by a few minutes.
Can I make these bars without the glaze?
Absolutely. The bars are already so delicious on their own. However, I do think the glaze adds a subtle tangy flavor to them that helps to balance the sweetness.
If you don't glaze them, feel free to dust them with powdered sugar, or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum!
Can these bars be frozen?
Yes, they freeze very well. Once the bars are baked, allow them to cool and then slice them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic saran wrap.
They stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, allow to thaw at room temperature or warm them at 15 second intervals in the microwave.
If you're planning ahead for a party, you may even freeze the entire slab, then thaw, glaze, slice, and serve!
PS : If you enjoyed this recipe, please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW down below! I'd love to stay connected on Instagram @taffeybakery! To get more recipes follow me on TikTok @taffeybakery!
Cinnamon Roll Crumb Bars
Ingredients
For the crumb
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/4 cup white sugar*
- 3/4 tsps baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the cinnamon roll filling
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 3/4 cups dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
For the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 1 tbsp sour cream room temperature
- 1 tbsp heavy cream room temperature
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 tsps milk optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉/180℃. Line a 9x9 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
For the crumb
- Add the flour, softened butter, white sugar, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Mix with your hands or a fork until a crumb forms. Set 1 1/2 cups aside for the topping.3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup white sugar*, 3/4 tsps baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- With the remaining crumb, transfer it into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Press down gently but not to firmly, and slightly up the side of the pan as well.
- Bake the base for 20 minutes.
For the filling
- Melt the butter and pour it into a bowl. Then add the brown sugar and cinnamon in and mix until combined.6 tbsp unsalted butter, 3/4 cups dark brown sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon
- Once the base is baked, remove from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 375℉/190℃.
- Gently spread the filling on top, making sure not to disturb the base layer and leaving about 1cm around the edges. Take the remaining crumb and sprinkle it on top.
- Place the bars back in, and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top has become a light golden brown color.
For the glaze
- In a pot over medium heat, add the heavy cream and sour cream and whisk together until combined. Remove from heat, then add in vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar. Whisk to combine until smooth. If the glaze is to thick for your liking, add 1 tsp of milk and mix.1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp sour cream, 1 tbsp heavy cream, 1/4 tsp vanilla, Pinch of salt, 1-2 tsps milk
- Drizzle the cooled bars, allow to set, slice, and enjoy!
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