Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
If you’re craving the comfort of a cinnamon roll in a bar you can share (or secretly keep for yourself), Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a soft, buttery base swirled with rich cream cheese and crowned with a sweet vanilla glaze—these bars are pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a brunch crowd, a family treat, or a little self-care moment, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a dessert that tastes like a warm hug. Get ready to fall in love with every blissful, cinnamon-swirled square!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling off these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars is easier than you think, thanks to a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one brings something special—flavor, structure, or that irresistible swirl—so don’t skip or swap if you want the full magic!
- Unsalted Butter (softened): The backbone of our bars, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth richness and soft crumb.
- Light Brown Sugar (packed): Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the base moist and tender.
- Eggs: Two for the base and one yolk for the swirl, creating structure and a perfect, chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warmth of the cinnamon and rounds out all the sweet flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure that holds the bliss bars together.
- Baking Powder: Gives the bars just enough lift to keep them light but satisfying.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, lending that classic cinnamon roll aroma and flavor throughout the base.
- Cream Cheese (softened): For the swirl, it delivers tangy richness and creamy pockets in every bite.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer so it pops against the cinnamon base.
- Egg Yolk: Helps the swirl set without being too firm, keeping it luscious.
- Powdered Sugar: The key to our silky, sweet glaze.
- Milk: Just a splash makes the glaze pourable and glossy.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the edges for easy lifting. Give it a light greasing, and you’ll thank yourself later when the bars come out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Mix the Buttery Cinnamon Base
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed light brown sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and looks like caramel clouds. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and beautifully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk your flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon—this ensures the cinnamon is evenly distributed. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it! Spread this dreamy dough evenly into your prepared pan.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until you have a creamy, luscious mixture. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the base, then use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it through—think ribbons, not full-on mixing. This is where the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars get their iconic look and that tangy, creamy surprise in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are lightly golden and a center that’s just set—don’t overbake, as a slightly gooey middle is part of the bliss! Let the bars cool completely in the pan; patience pays off here.
Step 5: Glaze and Slice
Once cooled, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the bars and let it set—if you can wait! Once the glaze is firm, lift the whole slab out (thanks, parchment!) and slice into neat squares. You’re officially ready to savor your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Garnishes
These bars are gorgeous with just the glaze, but you can take them to the next level with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a handful of chopped pecans, or even a dusting of extra powdered sugar. For a special touch, add a few curls of white chocolate or a drizzle of caramel—pure decadence!
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars pair beautifully with fresh berries or a cool fruit salad to balance their richness. If you’re serving them for brunch, try them alongside a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte for the ultimate cozy spread. They’re also a delightful finish to a homey weekend breakfast or an afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Stack them in a rustic basket lined with parchment for a picnic treat, or wrap individual bars with twine and a tag for sweet edible gifts. Presentation is half the fun, and these bars are show-stoppers however you serve them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars keep wonderfully in the refrigerator. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh, moist, and delicious for up to five days. The flavors even deepen a bit after a night in the fridge, making them excellent make-ahead treats.
Freezing
Want to save some bliss for later? No problem! Freeze the cooled, unglazed bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Reheating
If you love your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. They’ll be perfectly soft and the glaze will get that gooey, just-baked vibe! If you’ve frozen them, let them come to room temperature or give a quick microwave zap before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in a good quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The bars may be slightly more delicate, but you’ll still get all the flavor and swirl.
What’s the best way to swirl the cream cheese layer?
Use the tip of a sharp knife or a toothpick and gently drag it through the cream cheese dollops in a figure-eight motion. Don’t overmix—you want those pretty ribbons and pockets of cream cheese throughout your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! You can easily double the recipe and bake it in two 9×13-inch pans, or use a larger sheet pan if you have one. Keep an eye on the baking time—depending on your oven and pan size, you might need to adjust it slightly.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Since they contain cream cheese, it’s best to store Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in the fridge if you’re not eating them within a few hours. They stay fresh and delicious, and you can always bring them to room temperature before serving.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the bars?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, while golden raisins or dried cranberries bring a sweet-tart surprise. Just fold them into the base before spreading in the pan.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you absolutely have to try these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars. They’re everything you adore about cinnamon rolls, reimagined as a shareable, fuss-free treat. Once you taste that swirl of creamy goodness and warm cinnamon, you’ll want to make them again and again—so don’t be surprised if they become your favorite go-to bake!
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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine the soft, buttery richness of cinnamon rolls with a delectable cream cheese swirl, finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings with a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure the bars do not stick.
- Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
- Make the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture over the bar base. Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the base to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges turn a light golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare and Add the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Let the glaze set before slicing into bars for serving.
Notes
- These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the glaze before it sets or top with chopped pecans.
- Ensure the bars are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- You can use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version, though the texture may be slightly different.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
