These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars taste like the soft center of a cinnamon roll, baked into an easy bar you can slice and share. Expect a tender, slightly cakey base, a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a smooth cream cheese glaze that melts into every bite. They’re special because they give you all the comfort of a classic cinnamon roll without the time and fuss of rolling individual buns.
Make them because they’re quick to assemble, use pantry-friendly ingredients, and are perfect for sharing at breakfast, potlucks, or cozy nights in. If you like warm cinnamon treats, you might also enjoy this red velvet cinnamon roll recipe for another festive twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about an hour from start to finish
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Great for serving a crowd or packing for lunch
- Rich cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence
Ingredients
For the Bars/Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions of Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut the cold cubed butter into the dry mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla until a soft batter forms.
- Spread about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until it forms a spreadable paste.
- Dollop the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a knife to gently swirl it into the base, creating a marbled pattern.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the swirl and lightly spread to cover, leaving some swirl showing.
- Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the bars in the pan while you prepare the glaze.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until glossy and spreadable.
- Spread the cream cheese glaze over the slightly warm bars, then chill briefly to set. Slice into squares and serve.
Tips for Success
- Chill the cold butter a bit before cutting into the flour to keep the base tender.
- Don’t overmix the batter stir until just combined for a soft texture.
- Let the bars cool slightly before glazing so the glaze doesn’t run off the edges.
Substitutions & Variations of Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:
- Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Swap the buttermilk for a mix of plant-based milk and 1 tbsp vinegar, and use vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.
Variations:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for crunch.
- Stir a tablespoon of orange zest into the glaze for a bright twist.
- Mix in a handful of raisins or chopped apples into the cinnamon layer for a fruitier bar.
Storage Instructions of Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Refrigerator:
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep chilled because of the cream cheese glaze.
Freezer:
- Freeze unglazed bars wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add glaze before serving.
Make-Ahead:
- Bake the bars a day ahead and refrigerate. Make the glaze the morning you plan to serve and spread it on just before guests arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
How do I tell when the bars are done?
- The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.
Can I skip the glaze?
- Yes the bars are tasty without glaze. Dust with powdered sugar instead for a lighter finish.
Can I make these in a smaller pan?
- Yes, use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars; baking time may increase by 5–10 minutes.
Final Toughts
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are an easy way to enjoy that cozy bakery feeling at home. They’re forgiving, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for mornings when you want comfort without too much fuss. Try them, leave a comment about how they turned out, and don’t forget to give a star rating so others can find this cozy treat.
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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Enjoy a delightful dessert that captures the soft, gooey essence of cinnamon rolls without the hassle of rolling individual buns.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut the cold cubed butter into the dry mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla until a soft batter forms.
- Spread about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until it forms a spreadable paste.
- Dollop the cinnamon mixture over the batter and use a knife to gently swirl it into the base, creating a marbled pattern.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the swirl and lightly spread to cover, leaving some swirl showing.
- Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the bars in the pan while you prepare the glaze.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until glossy and spreadable.
- Spread the cream cheese glaze over the slightly warm bars, then chill briefly to set. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Chill the butter before cutting into the flour to keep the base tender, and don’t overmix the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian