Ingredients
Base and Cake Layers
- 2 cups All purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened, divided
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cup Whole milk, room temperature
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar, packed, divided
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
Cinnamon Swirl Topping
- 2 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar, packed (remaining from total)
Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 0.25 cup Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars once baked.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. Add one egg and the vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Alternate with Milk: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Press Cake Base: Press half of the prepared cake batter evenly into the lined baking pan to form the golden base layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Spread this cream cheese layer evenly over the pressed cake base.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining brown sugar with the ground cinnamon until combined to create the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Add Remaining Cake Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cake batter evenly over the cream cheese layer, gently spreading if necessary to cover most of the surface.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top cake batter layer to create a flavorful swirl effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set when gently touched.
- Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This ensures the cream cheese layer sets properly and prevents the glaze from melting.
- Prepare Vanilla Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Spread the vanilla glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Once the glaze sets slightly, cut into 16 bars using a sharp knife and serve.
Notes
- For best results, make sure all dairy ingredients like butter, cream cheese, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting.
- Sifting the flour ensures a tender and light cake texture.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
