Introduction

These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars capture the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make bar form. Soft, buttery, and swirled with cinnamon sugar, they’re finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite irresistible.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup milk
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the ½ cup of softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Add the melted ¼ cup of butter and stir until well combined. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the base batter, then add the remaining base batter on top. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture throughout the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Gradually add the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
Step 6: Spread the creamy cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars. Cut the bars into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use light brown sugar for a milder cinnamon flavor or dark brown sugar for a richer taste.
For extra gooey bars, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar layer.
Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier texture and a slight health boost.

Storage

Store the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm briefly before serving. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months and frost them after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and vegan cream cheese. The texture and taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking?

Dropping spoonfuls of the cinnamon-sugar mixture onto the base batter and then adding the remaining batter on top helps keep the swirl suspended. Swirling it gently with a knife just before baking also distributes it evenly without it sinking.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews

These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make bar form. Featuring a tender, buttery base swirled with cinnamon-sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for breakfast or dessert. With a simple baking method and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite treat.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12–15 bars 1x
Category: Breakfast & Snacks
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Batter

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup milk

Cinnamon Swirl

½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounce cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoon milk

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking.
Make the Base Batter: In a large bowl, beat ½ cup of softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Pour the melted butter into the mixture and stir until it forms a well-mixed cinnamon-sugar paste. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the base batter in the baking pan.
Layer and Swirl: Spread the remaining half of the base batter on top of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Using a sharp knife, cut into squares and serve your delicious Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars.

Notes

Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
You can store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For a more intense cinnamon flavor, increase cinnamon to 3 tablespoons in the swirl mixture.
If you prefer a thinner frosting, add milk gradually until you achieve desired consistency.
These bars freeze well – wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Bars, Cinnamon Bliss Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting, Breakfast Bars, Easy Cinnamon Recipe, Swirled Cinnamon Bars