Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars capture all the warm, sweet flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make bar form. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, these bars offer a soft, tender crumb layered with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious glaze.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk (or dairy-free alternative)
Additional brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugars, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine additional brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
Step 7: Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over this layer, then dollop the remaining batter on top and spread it out evenly.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: While the bars cool, prepare the frosting by whisking together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting generously on top. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for a crunchy texture.
If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the swirl mixture slightly.
To make frosting easier to spread, let the bars cool completely to prevent melting.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the frosting before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser and the bars slightly less tender. Consider using 50% whole wheat and 50% all-purpose for a balanced crumb.

What can I use if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease the baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking, but parchment paper makes removing the bars much easier and helps with even baking.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 93 reviews

Delight in these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, a perfect fusion of cinnamon-spiced swirls and a rich, buttery crumb topped with creamy frosting. Inspired by classic cinnamon rolls, these bars are easy to make and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon (plus additional for swirl)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar

Sugars

1 cup brown sugar (divided: 1 cup for batter, additional for swirl)
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus more for frosting)
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided: some for batter, some for frosting)
1 tablespoon milk (or dairy-free alternative)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a tender base.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and salt, ensuring even distribution of leavening and spice.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugars, mixing gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture. Avoid overmixing to prevent toughness.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth blending. Stir in vanilla extract for flavor balance.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine additional brown sugar with cinnamon for the cinnamon swirl layer, adding a spicy, sweet contrast.
Layer the Batter and Swirl: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer. Then, dollop the remaining batter on top and spread it out evenly to create a marbled effect.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
Prepare Frosting: While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, softened butter, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Frost and Serve: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll inspired bars!

Notes

You can substitute dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the swirl mixture slightly.
Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Reheat bars slightly before serving to mimic the warm freshness of a cinnamon roll.

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Bars, Cinnamon Swirl Bars, Easy Cinnamon Dessert, Baked Cinnamon Bars, Sweet Snack Bars, Breakfast Bars