Cinnamon Roll Bars With Cardamom Cream Cheese Swirl

Looking for a comforting and utterly delicious dessert? These Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cardamom Cream Cheese Swirl are the answer! We’ve taken the classic cinnamon roll and transformed it into an easy-to-make, shareable bar form, packed with warm spices and a luscious cream cheese swirl. The addition of cardamom elevates the flavor profile, adding a subtle floral note that perfectly complements the cinnamon. These bars are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. Get ready to experience cinnamon roll perfection in every bite!

What You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour (250g / 2 ¼ cups): The foundation of our dough, providing structure. Using all-purpose flour ensures a tender yet chewy texture.
• Granulated Sugar (30g / ¼ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
• Instant Dry Yeast (5g / 1 tsp): The leavening agent that makes our bars light and fluffy. Instant yeast doesn’t require proofing, making it convenient to use.
• Salt (5g / 1 tsp): Enhances the flavors and controls the yeast activity.
• Warm Water (60ml / ¼ cup, about 40 °C/105 °F): Activates the yeast and helps form the dough. Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Warm Whole Milk (60ml / ¼ cup): Adds richness and moisture to the dough, contributing to a softer texture.
• Unsalted Butter, Melted (30g / 2 Tbsp): Provides flavor and tenderness to the dough. Melting the butter ensures it incorporates easily.
• Large Egg, Room Temperature (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds richness and structure. Using a room-temperature egg helps it emulsify better.
• Unsalted Butter, Softened (75g / ½ cup) – for cinnamon spread: The base of our flavorful cinnamon spread, providing a rich and buttery base for the spices.
• Brown Sugar (50g / ¼ cup): Adds a molasses-like sweetness and moisture to the cinnamon spread.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp): The star spice of cinnamon rolls, providing warmth and aroma.
• Ground Cardamom (1 tsp): A fragrant spice that adds a unique floral and citrusy note to the cinnamon spread and cream cheese swirl.
• Cream Cheese, Softened (100g / ½ cup, microbial-rennet): Creates a tangy and creamy swirl within the bars. Using full-fat cream cheese ensures a rich and smooth texture. Microbial-rennet cream cheese is preferred for its stability.
• Powdered Sugar (30g / ¼ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese swirl and adds a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp, alcohol-free): Enhances the flavors of the cream cheese swirl. Alcohol-free extract is a good option for those avoiding alcohol.
• Maple Syrup (30ml / 2 Tbsp): Used in the glaze to add a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.
• Pecans, Toasted and Coarsely Chopped (30g / ¼ cup): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the glaze. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor.
• Optional: Extra Ground Cinnamon: For dusting, adding an extra touch of cinnamon flavor and visual appeal.

Substitutions & Variations

Feel free to customize these bars to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Flour: You can substitute up to 50g of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
• Milk: Almond milk or soy milk can be used in place of whole milk for a dairy-free option.
• Pecans: Walnuts or other nuts can be used instead of pecans.
• Cardamom: If you’re not a fan of cardamom, you can omit it or substitute it with a pinch of nutmeg.

Let’s Bake: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant dry yeast, and salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for consistent rising and texture.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate cup, combine the warm water, warm milk, melted butter, and the room temperature egg. The water and milk should be warm to the touch (around 40°C/105°F) – this temperature range activates the yeast without killing it. Whisk well to combine.
3. Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and knead. You can do this by hand for about 8-10 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes. The dough should come together into a smooth, elastic ball. Kneading develops the gluten, giving the bars their structure.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with the grease. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. A warm environment encourages the yeast to work efficiently.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon-Cardamom Spread: While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon spread. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom until light and fluffy. This spread is the heart of the cinnamon roll flavor, so ensure it’s well combined.
6. Make the Cardamom Cream Cheese Swirl: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cardamom until smooth and spreadable. The cardamom adds a subtle, aromatic complexity to the cream cheese filling.
7. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 30 x 40 cm (12 x 16 in) rectangle. Rolling evenly ensures consistent thickness and baking.
8. Spread and Sprinkle: Spread the cinnamon-cardamom butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1 cm (½ in) border along one of the long edges. Sprinkle a thin layer of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the butter for an extra burst of flavor and a delightful crunch.
9. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 even slices. Floss creates a cleaner cut, preventing the rolls from being squished.
10. Arrange in Pan: Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 in) baking pan. Arrange the cinnamon roll slices in the pan, spacing them slightly apart to allow for expansion during the second rise.
11. Swirl in the Cream Cheese: Drop a teaspoon of the cardamom cream cheese mixture onto the center of each roll. Use a thin skewer or knife to gently swirl it through the dough, creating a visible ribbon. Be gentle to avoid tearing the dough.
12. Second Rise (Proofing): Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls proof for another 30 minutes in a warm place. This allows the rolls to become light and fluffy.
13. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cream cheese ribbons are set and slightly caramelized.
14. Prepare the Maple-Pecan Glaze: While the bars are baking, gently heat the maple syrup in a small saucepan. Stir in the toasted pecans and remove from heat.
15. Glaze and Finish: Once the bars are warm (but not hot), drizzle the maple-pecan glaze over each piece. Finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon and a few extra toasted pecan pieces for added texture and visual appeal.

The Magic of Cardamom: Why It Elevates These Rolls

Cardamom isn’t just a pretty spice; it’s a flavor powerhouse that complements cinnamon beautifully. Its complex, floral, and slightly citrusy notes add depth and sophistication to these cinnamon roll bars. Historically used in Scandinavian baking, cardamom’s warmth pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness of cinnamon and the richness of cream cheese. It prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying, creating a more balanced and nuanced flavor profile.

Tips for Perfectly Soft and Chewy Bars

Achieving that perfect soft and chewy texture is all about a few key techniques. First, don’t overbake the bars! Start checking for doneness at 20 minutes. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars. Second, using softened (but not melted) butter for both the dough and the cinnamon spread is crucial. Softened butter incorporates air, leading to a lighter texture. Finally, allowing the bars to cool slightly before glazing helps the glaze adhere properly without melting completely.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

These Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cardamom Cream Cheese Swirl are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds, or bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes. A quick warm-up will restore some of their original softness and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant dry yeast? Yes, but you’ll need to activate it in warm water with a pinch of sugar for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the other ingredients.
• Can I make these bars gluten-free? You can try substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Can I freeze these cinnamon roll bars? Yes, you can freeze them (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing and serving.

A Sweet Ending

These Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cardamom Cream Cheese Swirl are a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of warm cinnamon, fragrant cardamom, and creamy cream cheese is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access later!

Cinnamon Roll Bars With Cardamom Cream Cheese Swirl

---

• Author: Elina Mirkle
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars
• Diet: General

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Cinnamon Roll Bars with Cardamom Cream Cheese Swirl offer a comforting and delicious dessert experience. They transform the classic cinnamon roll into an easy-to-make, shareable bar form with warm spices and a luscious cream cheese swirl.

---

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour (250g / 2.25 cups): Provides structure for the dough.
• Granulated Sugar (30g / 0.25 cup): Adds sweetness and activates the yeast.
• Instant Dry Yeast (5g / 1 tsp): Leavens the dough for a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt (5g / 1 tsp): Enhances flavors and controls yeast activity.
• Warm Water (60ml / 0.25 cup): Activates the yeast.
• Warm Whole Milk (60ml / 0.25 cup): Adds richness and moisture.
• Unsalted Butter, Melted (30g / 2 Tbsp): Provides flavor and tenderness.
• Large Egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds structure.
• Unsalted Butter, Softened (75g / 0.5 cup): For cinnamon spread, providing a rich base.
• Brown Sugar (50g / 0.25 cup): Adds molasses-like sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp): The key spice for cinnamon roll flavor.
• Ground Cardamom (1 tsp): Adds a unique floral and citrusy note.
• Cream Cheese, Softened (100g / 0.5 cup): Creates a tangy and creamy swirl.
• Powdered Sugar (30g / 0.25 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese swirl.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavors.
• Maple Syrup (30ml / 2 Tbsp): Adds natural sweetness to the glaze.
• Pecans, Toasted (30g / 0.25 cup): Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the glaze.

---

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Activate Yeast: Combine warm water, milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. Form Dough: Knead wet and dry ingredients until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Let dough rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour.
5. Prepare Cinnamon Spread: Cream butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
6. Make Cream Cheese Swirl: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cardamom.
7. Roll Out Dough: Roll dough into a 30x40cm rectangle.
8. Spread & Sprinkle: Spread cinnamon spread and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
9. Roll & Slice: Roll into a log and cut into 12 slices.
10. Arrange in Pan: Place slices in a greased baking pan.
11. Swirl Cream Cheese: Add cream cheese mixture and swirl into each roll.
12. Second Rise: Let proof for 30 minutes.
13. Bake: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.
14. Prepare Glaze: Heat maple syrup and stir in pecans.
15. Glaze & Finish: Drizzle glaze and dust with cinnamon.

Notes

For best results, avoid overbaking to maintain a soft and chewy texture. Using softened butter is crucial for a lighter texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, cardamom, cream cheese, bars, dessert, breakfast, brunch, baking, sweet treat