If you’re craving a sweet treat that perfectly balances melt-in-your-mouth softness with a hint of cinnamon spice, this Chewy Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It captures all the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but in a simpler, bar form that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying any time of day. These bars are chewy, tender, and topped with a luscious glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness, making them irresistible for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Trust me, once you try this Chewy Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You'll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly straightforward but carefully selected to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role — from the nutty almond flour giving structure and moisture, to the warming cinnamon and natural sweeteners that bring a cozy sweetness to every bite.
- 3 Cups Almond Flour: Provides a moist, tender base and adds a subtle nuttiness perfect for the bars’ texture.
- ¼ Cup Coconut Flour: Absorbs moisture and helps give the bars a chewy consistency without crumbliness.
- ⅓ Cup Coconut Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and keeps things naturally sweetened.
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ Cup Maple Syrup: Brings moisture and a rich, earthy sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- ⅓ Cup Coconut Oil (melted & cooled): Adds tenderness and a slight tropical hint, ensuring the bars stay chewy.
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Boosts the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 Egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and keeps the bars soft—room temperature is critical for even mixing!
- ⅓ Cup Almond Butter: Intensifies the richness and creates the delightful cinnamon filling layer.
- ⅓ Cup Maple Syrup (for filling): Sweetens the filling for that perfect gooey cinnamon swirl effect.
- 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon (for filling): The star spice that gives these bars their irresistible warmth.
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for filling): Enhances the depth of flavor in the filling.
- 1 ¼ Cups Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener (or powdered sugar): Creates a smooth glaze without overpowering sweetness.
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup (for glaze): Adds liquid sweetness and shine to the glaze topping.
- ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon (for glaze): Gives a final cinnamon kick to tie all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Chewy Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just the right temperature to bake these bars evenly without drying them out. Then, line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper—this makes sure the bars come out easily and keeps them from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, and kosher salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the batter and sets the foundation for the chewy texture.
Step 3: Blend in the Wet Ingredients
Now, add in the maple syrup, melted and cooled coconut oil, vanilla extract, and the room temperature egg. Stir everything together until fully combined and smooth with no lumps—this ensures your bars will bake with the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Form the Base Layer
Take half of the batter and spread it evenly into your prepared baking pan using a spatula. Smoothing this base layer carefully creates a stable foundation for the cinnamon filling that goes on next.
Step 5: Prepare and Spread the Cinnamon Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this luscious mixture evenly over the base layer, creating that classic cinnamon roll swirl effect within the bars.
Step 6: Top with Remaining Batter
Dollop the remaining batter over the cinnamon filling. Use your spatula to spread it gently into an even layer on top. This top layer seals the filling inside and bakes into a beautifully chewy crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 26 minutes until the bars are set and golden around the edges. This baking time locks in moisture while creating that wonderfully chewy texture.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Cooling is crucial because it lets the bars firm up so they slice into perfect squares without crumbling.
Step 9: Whisk Up the Glaze
While the bars are cooling, mix powdered monk fruit sweetener (or powdered sugar), maple syrup, and cinnamon in a bowl. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and lump-free. If you want it thinner, stir in a tablespoon of water at a time until you get the perfect pourable consistency.
Step 10: Drizzle and Slice
Pour the glaze over the cooled bars in a generous layer. Once glazed, slice the bars into evenly sized squares, and they are ready to serve. This final step adds a sweet, cinnamon-spiced finish that elevates these bars from delicious to unforgettable.
How to Serve Chewy Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a tiny pinch of extra cinnamon on top of the glaze immediately before serving enhances that warm, aromatic spice. You can also scatter chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch contrast. If you’re feeling indulgent, a light drizzle of cream cheese frosting would elevate these bars to pure bliss.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own but pair charmingly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte for the ultimate cozy experience. A dollop of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey on the side adds balanced creaminess and tang, making breakfast or snack time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make your Chewy Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe party-ready in seconds. Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of nuts, fresh berries, or whipped cream around. For a fun twist, use these bars as a base layer for cinnamon roll-inspired parfaits layered with cream cheese and fruit. Everyone will be impressed by your creativity and taste buds will thank you!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bars tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for up to one week while maintaining that signature chewiness and fresh flavor, great for quick snacks or breakfast on busy mornings.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully. Place slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They stay delicious for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge overnight without losing texture.
Reheating
Warm your bars slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness. A quick reheat makes these bars taste like they just came out of the oven, perfect for satisfying your cinnamon roll cravings anytime.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond flour in this recipe?
Almond flour is key to the chewy texture and nutty flavor, but if needed, you can try using finely ground hazelnut or cashew flour. Keep in mind the texture and moisture levels might shift slightly, so you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
Is coconut sugar necessary, or can I use regular brown sugar?
Coconut sugar provides a subtle caramel note and keeps things natural, but regular brown sugar can be used as a substitute. It may alter the flavor slightly, making it a bit sweeter and less complex, but the bars will still be delicious!
What is the best way to ensure the egg mixes well into the batter?
Using a room temperature egg is essential because it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients without clumping, resulting in a smoother batter. To bring your egg to room temperature faster, place it in a bowl of warm water for about 5-10 minutes before using.
Can I make these bars vegan?
For a vegan version, swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, chilled for 5 minutes). Use maple syrup or agave syrup in all places where sweeteners are listed. The texture will be slightly different but still quite chewy and tasty.
How thick should the layers be in the baking pan?
The base and top layers should be roughly equal in thickness to properly encase the cinnamon filling. Spreading the batter evenly, about ½ inch to ¾ inch thick, ensures that the bars bake uniformly and that each bite delivers that perfect balance of dough and cinnamon filling.
Final Thoughts
This Chewy Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves cinnamon rolls but values convenience and simplicity. The way the flavors meld together with that tender, chewy texture is pure magic, making it a no-fail crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to make these bars your go-to treat for cozy mornings or sweet snacks — they’re bound to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Chewy Cinnamon Roll Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-26 minutes
- Total Time: 35-36 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chewy Cinnamon Roll Bars are a delicious, gluten-free treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon with a moist, chewy texture. Made with almond and coconut flours and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and monk fruit sweetener, these bars are perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack. Topped with a smooth cinnamon glaze, they offer a guilt-free way to enjoy the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls in bar form.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 Cups Almond Flour
- ¼ Cup Coconut Flour
- ⅓ Cup Coconut Sugar
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt
- ½ Cup Maple Syrup
- ⅓ Cup Coconut Oil (melted & cooled)
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 Egg (room temperature)
Filling Ingredients
- ⅓ Cup Almond Butter
- ⅓ Cup Maple Syrup
- 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 ¼ Cups Powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener (or substitute regular powdered sugar)
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
- ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Water (optional, to thin glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cinnamon roll bars.
- Line the Baking Pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are covered for easy removal later.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, and kosher salt. Mix well to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Add maple syrup, melted and cooled coconut oil, vanilla extract, and the room temperature egg to the dry mixture.
- Mix the Batter: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until fully incorporated and smooth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add Batter to Pan: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula, smoothing the surface.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Add the Filling Layer: Spread the almond butter filling evenly over the base layer in the pan.
- Add Remaining Dough: Dollop the remaining batter on top of the filling layer and use a spatula to gently spread it into an even layer.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 26 minutes, or until the bars are set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bars cool, combine powdered monk fruit sweetener (or powdered sugar), maple syrup, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Whisk the Glaze: Whisk the glaze mixture until smooth and free of lumps. If necessary, add water one tablespoon at a time to achieve desired consistency.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the smooth cinnamon glaze evenly over the cooled bars, spreading gently if needed.
- Slice into Squares: Once the glaze sets, slice the bars into 12 even squares for serving.
- Store, Serve, and Enjoy: Serve these delicious cinnamon roll bars immediately, or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Use parchment paper with overhang to lift bars easily from the pan.
- To make glaze thinner, add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within one week for best freshness.
- Substitute powdered monk fruit sweetener with regular powdered sugar if desired.
- Make sure coconut oil is cooled but still liquid to avoid cooking the egg.
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