Soft Cinnamon Roll Blondies
Thick, soft cinnamon roll blondies with a buttery brown sugar base, ribbons of cinnamon swirl, and a sweet vanilla glaze on top. All the flavor of a cinnamon roll—without yeast, kneading, or waiting.
Ingredients
- ½ cup dairy-free butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp dairy-free milk
- ¼ cup dairy-free butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp flour
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp dairy-free milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1Prep the Pan & Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- 2Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until smooth and thick. Set aside.
- 3Mix the Blondie Base
In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, and vanilla until glossy.
- 4Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and mix until thick batter forms. Do not overmix.
- 5Layer the Batter
Spread about ⅔ of batter into the prepared pan. Dollop cinnamon swirl mixture over batter. Top with remaining batter in spoonfuls.
- 6Swirl the Cinnamon Layers
Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter for ribbons of cinnamon flavor. Do not over-swirl.
- 7Bake Until Soft & Set
Bake for 26–32 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Slight underbake = best texture.
- 8Cool Slightly
Let cool for 20–30 minutes in the pan.
- 9Glaze Like a Cinnamon Roll
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm bars.
- 10Slice & Serve
Lift from the pan and cut into squares. Best slightly warm.
