Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a decadent dessert that captures all the warm, sweet flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make, bar form. With a soft, buttery base, swirls of cinnamon sugar, and a luscious cream cheese glaze, these bars are pure comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are everything you love about cinnamon rolls — without the extra effort of rolling and rising. They are rich, tender, and packed with gooey cinnamon flavor, perfect for brunches, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Easy to slice, serve, and share, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Milk or heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
7. In a small bowl, mix additional brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
8. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over the batter layer, then dollop the remaining batter on top and gently swirl with a knife.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let cool completely before drizzling with a cream cheese glaze made by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk until smooth.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 bars. Preparation takes approximately 20 minutes, baking requires about 25-30 minutes, and cooling plus glazing takes an additional 30 minutes. Total time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl layer.
• Maple Twist: Replace vanilla extract with maple extract for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Chocolate Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips between the batter layers.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free treat.
• Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Store Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual bars for about 10 seconds to refresh their soft, gooey texture. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored covered until ready to serve.

What’s the best way to swirl the cinnamon layer?

Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl without fully mixing the layers.

Can I double the cinnamon swirl?

Absolutely, for a stronger cinnamon flavor, simply double the cinnamon sugar mixture.

How thick should the glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but still pourable; adjust with a little extra milk if needed.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the bars are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds that classic cinnamon roll finish.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work if needed.

What type of cream cheese should I use?

Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for the best consistency in the glaze.

How do I make these bars extra moist?

Be careful not to overbake; remove them as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I add raisins or dried fruit?

Yes, mixing in raisins or dried cranberries can add extra texture and flavor.

Can I cut these bars smaller for bite-size treats?

Definitely, just reduce the baking time slightly if making smaller bars.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are the perfect fusion of classic cinnamon roll flavor and easy-to-make dessert bars. Soft, sweet, and topped with a creamy glaze, they make any occasion feel special. Simple to prepare and even simpler to enjoy, they’ll quickly become a favorite treat for family and friends.

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