If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe. These bars capture all the cozy, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a classic cinnamon roll but in a wonderfully simple, slice-and-serve format that’s perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking an extra piece when nobody’s watching. The soft cake base layered with cinnamon swirl and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting truly makes every bite a moment of pure bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to achieve the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color. Each component works together to bring out the gooey cinnamon warmth and creamy topping that make this recipe so irresistible.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb to the bars.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with moisture retention.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add to the cake’s fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Makes sure the bars rise perfectly without being heavy.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture and keeps the texture light and tender.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cinnamon swirl.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes this bar unmistakably cinnamon roll-worthy.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Mixed with cinnamon and brown sugar for that gooey swirl.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a silky frosting that’s tangy and sweet.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the frosting.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with delicious warmth.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for frosting): Adjusts the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Then, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial for creating a soft, airy base. Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until everything is combined, making sure your batter is smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined. This prevents overworking the batter, keeping your bars tender and soft.
Step 3: Layer the Batter and Swirl the Cinnamon Filling
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Then, in a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth and fragrant. Spoon this mixture over the batter in dollops, creating a sticky cinnamon swirl. Pour the remaining batter over the top and gently swirl everything together with a knife to get that marbled cinnamon roll effect. This step is where the magic happens and the signature texture forms.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling perfectly baked bars. Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to frosting. Cooling is key here; the cream cheese frosting will spread more smoothly and won’t melt into the bars.
Step 5: Make the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until they reach a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency. Add powdered sugar gradually, followed by vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated. Adjust the thickness by adding 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk, spoon by spoon, until the frosting is easily spreadable but not runny. This frosting is the final touch that elevates these bars to pure bliss.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars to ensure every bite gets that creamy topping. Cut into squares and serve! Whether for a breakfast treat, a cozy afternoon snack, or a show-stopping dessert at your next gathering, these bars promise smiles all around.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra charm, lightly dust the frosted bars with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or some chopped toasted pecans. These touches add a subtle crunch and a pop of visual interest while emphasizing the warm cinnamon flavor that defines these bars.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars shine brightly with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. A simple bowl of fresh mixed berries can add a refreshing contrast as well, cutting through the richness and enhancing the fruit and spice notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board with a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup on the side for guests to add extra sweetness if desired. Alternatively, stack smaller squares with dollops of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a delightful layered dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them fresh and moist. The cream cheese frosting might become a little firmer at cooler temp but will still taste fantastic.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To bring back that warm, fresh-baked feeling, pop a bar in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This will soften the bars and make the frosting extra melty and delicious. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe experience.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the frosting?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, full-fat cream cheese gives the frosting a richer, creamier texture that complements the bars beautifully. Low-fat versions might be less smooth and slightly tangier.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the bars’ structure.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Making this recipe vegan would require substituting butter, eggs, and cream cheese with vegan alternatives. Plant-based butter, flax eggs, and vegan cream cheese can work well, though the texture may vary slightly.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you could mix white granulated sugar with a little molasses to mimic its moisture and flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar is a good substitute that adds a rich, caramel note.
How thick should the cinnamon swirl layer be?
The cinnamon swirl layer should be generous enough to taste distinct but not so thick that it overwhelms the bars. Spreading it evenly over half the batter and swirling gently with the top batter ensures a perfect balance every time.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comforting aroma and satisfying flavors of the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe fresh from the oven. Whether you’re sharing these with family, friends, or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet memories. Don’t wait to make these your go-to dessert because once you try them, you’ll want to create your own little blissful tradition around this delightful treat!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars deliver the delicious flavors of your favorite cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make, bar form. Featuring a tender, buttery cake layered with cinnamon sugar swirls and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 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
For the Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until all ingredients are well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the milk, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter tender.
- Spread Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly to form the first layer of the bars.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Layer: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then stir in the melted butter until well mixed. Spoon this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Add Remaining Batter and Swirl: Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, then use a knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool Bars: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Adjust the consistency by adding 2-3 tablespoons of milk as needed.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve your delightful Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative, but it might change the final texture slightly.
- Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting to avoid a runny topping.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the cinnamon in the sugar layer.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw completely before frosting.
