If you’re craving a treat that brings the cozy, buttery goodness of cinnamon rolls but with a wonderfully rich and chewy texture, you’re in for a real delight with this Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe. These blondies capture that perfectly sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl and a luscious cream cheese glaze, all baked into a dense bar that’s naturally gluten free. They’re absolutely ideal for breakfast, snack time, or whenever you want to feel hugged by something sweet and comforting. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and appearance. From the richness of melted butter to the warm spices and creamy glaze, each component adds its special something that will make these blondies sing.
- 1 egg: Acts as the binder, giving structure to the blondies.
- 1/4 cup apple sauce: Adds moistness without extra fat, enhancing tenderness.
- 1/2 cup butter (melted): Provides richness and helps create that tender crumb.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Contributes a deep caramel flavor and moisture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste: Offers a natural, aromatic vanilla essence.
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free all purpose baking flour: The gluten free base that keeps these blondies soft and chewy (can swap for regular flour if desired).
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Warms up the batter with its signature spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup white sugar: Used for the cinnamon sugar swirl, adding crisp sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Mixed into the sugar for that iconic swirl.
- 3 tablespoons plain cream cheese: Makes the glaze rich and tangy; can be dairy-free or regular.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- 1-2 tablespoon milk: Adjusts glaze consistency, dairy or non-dairy works great.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Added to the glaze for an extra vanilla kick.
How to Make Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting the right temperature upfront is important to ensure your blondies bake evenly and develop a lovely golden-brown top without drying out.
Step 2: Combine Cinnamon and Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the white sugar and the cinnamon. This fragrant cinnamon sugar will be the star in your swirl, infusing each bite with that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Into a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, light brown sugar, apple sauce, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the rich, moist base that keeps the blondies tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the gluten free flour, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Be sure to spoon and level the flour rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid packing in too much flour, which can dry out your blondies. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is just combined to maintain that perfectly chewy texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Batter Layers
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Spread half of the batter evenly in the pan. Then sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mixture on top—this creates that irresistible cinnamon swirl inside each blondie.
Step 6: Add the Remaining Batter and Swirl
Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, using a rubber spatula to smooth it out gently. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top. Take a toothpick and swirl it through the batter to create beautiful cinnamon ribbons that will bake into gorgeous patterns.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 21 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake—these blondies should be soft and a bit gooey in the middle, with a slightly crisp exterior. Allow them to cool completely to set up nicely before adding the glaze.
Step 8: Whisk and Drizzle the Glaze
While your blondies cool, whisk together the plain cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and creamy. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the top of the cooled blondies. The tangy cream cheese glaze perfectly balances the sweetness and adds an elegant finishing touch.
How to Serve Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of flavor and texture, dust your blondies with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans. A few fresh berries on the side can add a lovely contrast that brightens up the warm spice.
Side Dishes
These blondies pair wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee, spiced chai tea, or a creamy latte. For a cool contrast, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, turning this treat into a decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the blondies into bite-sized squares and serving them on a decorative platter with little wooden picks—perfect for parties or cozy brunches. You can even layer pieces between vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit cups, turning these blondies into a delightful layered parfait that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the refrigerator helps maintain their shape and freshness without hardening the glaze too much.
Freezing
Gluten free blondies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months and are a fantastic make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated blondies, simply microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds or warm them in a low oven until just heated through. This refreshes the soft texture and brings the glaze back to that melty, irresistible consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?
Absolutely! The recipe was developed using gluten free all purpose flour, but swapping in regular flour will still give you delicious blondies with the same great texture and flavor.
Is the cream cheese glaze necessary?
The glaze adds a lovely creamy tang and sweetness, but if you prefer, you can skip it or substitute with a simple vanilla icing. The blondies themselves are delightful even without it.
Can I make these dairy free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and a non-dairy milk for the glaze, and swap butter for a plant-based alternative. The blondies will still come out wonderfully moist and flavorful.
How long do these blondies keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated, they stay fresh and tasty for about 3 to 4 days.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly—start checking at around 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe enough if you love treats that combine the warmth of cinnamon rolls with the chewy indulgence of a blondie. It’s an easy recipe that brings big smiles to any gathering and makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. Give it a try, share with friends, and watch these blondies vanish in no time at all!
Print
Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Blondies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Blondies combine the soft, chewy texture of classic blondies with the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon rolls. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a gluten free treat with a luscious cream cheese glaze, offering a comforting dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Blondie Batter
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup apple sauce
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free all purpose baking flour (can swap for regular)
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 3 tablespoons plain cream cheese (dairy free or regular)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking your blondies evenly.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small dish, mix together the white sugar and cinnamon; set aside to use for the swirl layers.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, light brown sugar, apple sauce, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Carefully add the gluten free all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt. Use a wooden spoon to stir until just combined, ensuring not to overmix for a tender texture.
- Layer Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper. Spread half of the batter evenly into the pan and sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it.
- Add Remaining Batter and Swirl: Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top and use a toothpick or skewer to create swirled patterns gently.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 21 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove and allow to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: While the blondies cool, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and drizzleable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cooled blondies. Cut into 16 equal slices and enjoy your gluten free cinnamon roll blondies!
Notes
- For best results, spoon and level the gluten free flour rather than scooping to avoid packing and dense results.
- You can substitute regular all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern.
- The cream cheese glaze can be made dairy-free by using plant-based cream cheese and milk alternatives.
- Ensure the blondies cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
- Use parchment paper in the baking pan for easy removal and clean-up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American