Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to share another one of my absolute favorite comfort food creations. Get ready to meet the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars, a dessert so good, it turns any regular day into a celebration! These aren’t your average bars; they’re a symphony of sweet cinnamon spice, tangy cream cheese filling, and buttery crumb topping. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer.
This recipe came about from a late-night craving for something sweet but with a little bit of zip! I wanted something that would be simple to make, yet deeply satisfying, and that’s when the idea of combining the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a crumb bar struck me.
The first time I made these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars, the aroma alone was enough to get my whole family flocking to the kitchen. The warm, inviting scent of cinnamon filled the air, promising a treat that was both comforting and exciting. And let me tell you, they were not disappointed!
What really makes these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars special is the way the creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese filling contrasts with the sweet, crunchy crumb topping. It’s a flavor combination that just works, creating a dessert that’s rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible. The best part? It is ridiculously easy to make – perfect for those weeknight cravings or weekend gatherings!
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor in every bite! Let’s get started on this delicious flavor adventure!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Plus, most of these are pantry staples that you probably already have. And if not, you can grab everything you need during your normal shopping trip. Ready to make some magic? Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these amazing bars:
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Flavor Boosters:
This Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars gets its amazing taste from the perfect balance of sweet and spice. I love adding a pinch of nutmeg to the crumb topping for an extra layer of warmth. Sometimes, I will even add a tablespoon of bourbon to the cream cheese mixture for a little kick!
Ingredient Swaps:
No worries if you don’t have brown sugar – I use coconut sugar all the time in my Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars, and it works just as well! You can also substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular kind, and the recipe will still turn out great.
Storage Tips:
To keep your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 5 days – if they last that long!
Prep Shortcuts:
For a quick weeknight version, I sometimes use store-bought crumb topping. I also use pre-softened cream cheese so I don’t have to wait.
Let’s Make Some!
Ready to dive into the delicious magic of making Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars? Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey bars in no time! I am so excited to get started with you!
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This step is crucial to make sure your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars don’t stick!
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. Don’t worry if your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars filling looks a little thin. It will firm up in the oven!
- Assemble the Bars: Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a crust. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the filling.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set. In my kitchen, these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars usually take about 32 minutes to reach golden perfection.
- Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This will help them hold their shape and prevent the filling from oozing out.
- Enjoy! Now comes the best part – devouring your amazing Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars!
While your Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars are doing their thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! Your kitchen should smell absolutely incredible right now. The combination of cinnamon, butter, and cream cheese is simply divine!
Personal Cooking Discoveries:
I discovered that adding a layer of caramel sauce between the crust and the cream cheese filling takes these bars to a whole new level. It adds a rich, gooey sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly. Give it a try – you won’t regret it!
How to Serve Up This!
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right accompaniments! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them up:
- Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The warm bars and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: Take these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars to the next level with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Alongside a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The perfect afternoon treat! The cinnamon and cream cheese flavors complement coffee and tea beautifully.
- As Part of a Dessert Platter: These bars make a great addition to any dessert platter, especially during the holidays.
- Served at Room Temperature: These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars are fantastic served up on their own at room temperature!
Bold Flavor Pairings:
I love serving these bars with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream. The saltiness of the ice cream balances the sweetness of the bars perfectly. For a drink pairing, try a spiced chai latte. The warm spices in the chai complement the cinnamon in the bars beautifully.
Perfect Occasions:
These bars are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. They’re also a great option for bake sales or gifting to friends and neighbors.
Presentation Ideas:
To make these bars extra special, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. You can also arrange them on a pretty platter with a sprig of mint or a few fresh berries.
Creative Leftover Transformations:
If you have any leftover bars (which is rare!), you can crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious topping. You can also use them as a base for a trifle or parfait.
People literally do happy dances when these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars hit the table with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! They are the perfect comfort food for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!
If you are craving some more crumb bars, check out these Peach Crumb Bars – Homemade In The Kitchen.
FAQs:
Got questions about making these amazing Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe:
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: Yes! You can definitely use gluten-free all-purpose flour. I’ve experimented with almond flour, and while it works, it does change the texture slightly.
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A: Absolutely! Coconut sugar or maple sugar are great alternatives to granulated sugar. They’ll add a slightly different flavor, but they’ll still be delicious.
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars?
A: 100%! This recipe is super easy to follow. Even if you’ve never baked before, you’ll be able to make these bars.
Q: What if I mess up my Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Don’t stress! Even if your bars don’t look perfect, they’ll still taste amazing. Baking is all about experimenting and having fun. If your crumb topping is too dry, just add a little more butter. If your filling is too thin, it will still firm up in the oven!
Q: How can I prep this Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars for busy weeknights?
A: You can make the crumb topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also mix the cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the bars and pop them in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars?
A: Yes, you can! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Q: Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?
A: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition. I’ve even added chopped almonds for a little extra crunch.
Q: My filling is lumpy! What did I do wrong?
A: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before you start mixing. If it’s still cold, it will be difficult to get it smooth.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from burning?
A: If you notice the crust is browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
I have had so many readers ask if it is possible to make this vegan. I am happy to say that these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars have an amazing vegan cousin! Check out Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake!
CONCLUSION:
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars bring me so much joy because they’re a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, they always bring a smile to everyone’s face.
My Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars Flavor Secrets:
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is the key to a crumbly topping. Don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the crumb topping will result in a tough, dense topping. Mix until just combined.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt in the cream cheese filling enhances the sweetness and adds a depth of flavor.
Delicious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars Variations:
- Caramel Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars: Add chopped apples and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a fall-inspired twist.
- Berry Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars: Add a layer of fresh berries between the crust and the cream cheese filling.
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars: Add chocolate chips to the crumb topping for a decadent treat. These remind me a bit of these Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites!
Each version is perfect for different occasions! The caramel apple version is great for Thanksgiving, the berry version is perfect for summer potlucks, and the chocolate chip version is a hit any time of year.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Trust your taste buds, get creative, and don’t be afraid to try new things. I’m so excited for you to try these Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars and make them your own. Let me know what variations you come up with! And if you are already in the baking mood, you may also want to give these Cherry Cream Cheese Puff Pastries a try!
Thanks for joining me on this delicious flavor adventure! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy baking! 🔥💕 The warm spice and cheesy decadence in these Cinnamon Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Shortbread Crumb Bars is also worth a try! These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars are also not too far off from the taste you’ll get from these Pumpkin Cheesecake Crumb Bars | Serena Bakes Simply From …!
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Crumb Bars are a delightful treat with a buttery crumb topping, a creamy, tangy filling, and a hint of cinnamon in every bite. Perfect for a sweet snack, dessert, or even a brunch addition!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust and Crumb Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the cream cheese filling.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper and cutting into bars.
- Serve: Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle the cooled bars with a simple powdered sugar glaze.