Imagine biting into a dessert that perfectly balances the warm, comforting embrace of cinnamon with the rich, velvety smoothness of cream cheese. These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bars are not just a treat; they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a moment of pure bliss. With a buttery, crumbly crust and a luxurious cream cheese filling, these bars are about to become your new obsession – guaranteed to impress family, friends, and even the most discerning dessert critics!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly, cohesive dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm and uniform base layer.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
- Add the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, powdered sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the cream cheese. Mix until the filling is completely smooth and well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Optionally, dust the tops with additional cinnamon or powdered sugar before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature is Key: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted. This helps create a smooth, lump-free filling and ensures even mixing.
- Don't Overmix the Crust: When preparing the base, mix just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense crust.
- Parchment Paper Trick: The overhanging parchment paper makes removing and cutting the bars a breeze. It also prevents sticking and helps for clean, professional-looking squares.
- Oven Watching: Keep an eye on your bars during the last 5 minutes of baking. You want a slightly jiggly center – it will set as it cools.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner slices.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, dust with powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
