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If you’ve ever wished you could capture the magic of a homemade cinnamon roll into an easy-to-make bar, the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars combine tender, buttery cake layers with a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl and a luscious cream cheese frosting, delivering all the cozy comforts of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolling dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these bars bring warm, cinnamon-spiced happiness to your kitchen with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples come together to create layers of flavor and texture in this recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role, making sure your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars come out perfectly soft, sweet, and irresistibly cinnamon-kissed.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base flavor and tender crumb.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a light texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with warm vanilla notes.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the bars that gives them solidity without heaviness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become tender.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the cinnamon flavor.
- ¼ cup milk: Keeps the batter moist and smooth.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Combines with cinnamon for that gooey, caramelized swirl.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the cinnamon-sugar swirl together for that blissful gooey layer.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a luscious, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds a delicate, sweet aroma to the frosting.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for frosting): Adjusts the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan so your bars don’t stick and come out perfectly intact. This simple first step ensures an easy cleanup and flawless presentation later on.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is the foundation of your batter and creaming them well will give a wonderfully tender texture to the bars.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and bring a pleasant aroma that’s indispensable in the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is the dry mix that will give your bars their structure and lift.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Mix and Milk
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined — this helps keep the bars tender and prevents overmixing, which could make them tough.
Step 6: Spread Half the Batter
Evenly spread half of the batter into your prepared pan. This first layer will cradle the cinnamon swirl that makes these bars so addictive.
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
Mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until evenly combined. Spoon this mixture over the batter layer; this is where the cinnamon roll magic really starts to take shape.
Step 8: Add Remaining Batter and Swirl
Spread the remaining batter on top gently, then use a knife to swirl it into the cinnamon-sugar layer below. This creates those beautiful marbled patterns and infuses every bite with cinnamon delight.
Step 9: Bake Until Done
Bake your pan for 25-30 minutes at 350°F, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. This ensures that the bars are cooked through yet remain moist and tender.
Step 10: Cool Completely
Let the bars cool fully on a wire rack. Cooling is essential before frosting so that the frosting melts perfectly without sliding off.
Step 11: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well, and then add milk as needed to reach a creamy, spreadable consistency that’s luscious but not runny.
Step 12: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and prepare for countless compliments from anyone lucky enough to enjoy them.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or a few flaky sea salt crystals over the frosting. A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts can add delightful crunch and complement the cinnamon notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bars shine alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cozy mug of chai tea. For brunch, pair them with fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to balance the indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve on a rustic wooden board with a small jug of warm maple syrup for drizzling, or stack the bars on a tiered dessert stand for a brunch or holiday table centerpiece. Wrapping individual squares in parchment and tying with twine makes an adorable gift or party favor too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh without drying them out, so each bite stays soft and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted bars in a sealed container or tightly wrapped foil for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost just before serving to maintain that fresh cream cheese topping.
Reheating
To enjoy warm bars, microwave a square for 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. Warmed bars bring out the cinnamon aromas and make the frosting irresistibly soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best in this recipe to achieve the ideal texture. Using whole wheat flour might make the bars denser, so if you want to experiment, consider mixing half all-purpose with whole wheat.
Is it possible to make these bars dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I make the cinnamon swirl spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more complex spice flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon.
How thick should the bars be when spreading the batter?
Once spread evenly in the pan, the batter should be about ½ to ¾ inch thick before adding the swirl and second layer. This ensures even baking without drying out or undercooking.
Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
While cream cheese frosting is traditional and adds a lovely tang, you can switch it out for a simple vanilla glaze or skip frosting altogether if you prefer a lighter treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyful about the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe that makes it worth keeping in your go-to dessert lineup. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or just treating yourself, these bars bring cinnamon roll magic without the fuss. Give them a try and enjoy every blissful bite—you might just find your new favorite sweet treat.
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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine all the delightful flavors of a classic cinnamon roll into an easy-to-make, bar-shaped treat. With a tender, buttery cake base swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack any time of day.
Ingredients
Batter
- 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
Cinnamon Swirl
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Spread Batter: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan to create the base layer.
- Add Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon with melted butter, then spoon this mixture over the batter base, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Remaining Batter and Swirl: Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer, then use a knife to gently swirl the layers, creating a marbled cinnamon effect.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting, to ensure the frosting sets properly.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Adjust the consistency with 2-3 tablespoons of milk as needed.
- Frost Bars and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
- Swirling the cinnamon mixture gently aids in a beautiful marbled effect.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute with dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.

