Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut the cold cubed butter into the dry mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla until a soft batter forms.
- Spread about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until it forms a spreadable paste.
- Dollop the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a knife to gently swirl it into the base, creating a marbled pattern.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the swirl and lightly spread to cover, leaving some swirl showing.
- Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the bars in the pan while you prepare the glaze.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until glossy and spreadable.
- Spread the cream cheese glaze over the slightly warm bars, then chill briefly to set. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Chill the butter before cutting into the flour to keep the base tender, and don’t overmix the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian