Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg (50g)
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp (8g) ground cinnamon
  • 2 oz (56g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) milk
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. Cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
  4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
  5. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a thick paste.
  6. Drop small dollops of the cinnamon paste over the raw batter and use a knife or toothpick to swirl the paste into the batter in a figure eight motion.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but springy.
  8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  9. Whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until velvety smooth, then spread evenly over the cooled bars.