Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Cinnamon roll bliss bars are soft, sweet dessert bars inspired by the warm, spiced flavors of classic cinnamon rolls. With a buttery base, swirls of cinnamon-sugar, and a creamy glaze on top, these bars taste like a shortcut to cinnamon roll heaven—without the hassle of yeast or waiting for dough to rise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love cinnamon roll bliss bars because they give me all the cozy vibes of a cinnamon roll in a quick, sliceable form. They’re soft and chewy with a tender crumb, layered with cinnamon sugar and finished with a smooth glaze. Whether I serve them for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, they’re always a comforting treat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bars:

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Brown sugar

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

For the cinnamon swirl:

• Brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Melted butter

For the glaze:

• Cream cheese, softened

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Milk or cream (to thin)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, I cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

3. I add the eggs and vanilla, beating until smooth.

4. I mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.

5. I spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

6. In a small bowl, I combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the swirl.

7. I spoon the cinnamon mixture over the batter and gently swirl it in with a knife or toothpick.

8. I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden.

9. While the bars cool, I mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to make a pourable glaze.

10. Once cooled, I drizzle the glaze generously over the bars and let it set before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–16 bars. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 25–30 minutes to bake, and another 10 minutes to cool and glaze, so I can have them ready in under an hour.

Variations

I sometimes add chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch. For a maple twist, I replace the vanilla in the glaze with maple extract. When I want an extra-decadent version, I double the glaze and spread it on like frosting instead of drizzling.

storage/reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5. I reheat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness. They also freeze well without the glaze—I just thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the bars a day ahead and glaze them the next day before serving for best texture and flavor.

Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?

Sure—I can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk if I want a lighter topping.

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

These are best from scratch, but I’ve used a vanilla or yellow cake mix base in a pinch and added cinnamon sugar and glaze on top.

How do I get the perfect swirl?

I dollop the cinnamon mixture in multiple spots and gently drag a knife through in a zigzag or figure-8 motion for a pretty swirl pattern.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The bars still come out soft and flavorful.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll bliss bars are my go-to when I want all the comfort of a cinnamon roll without the wait. They’re soft, sweet, swirled with cinnamon, and topped with luscious glaze—easy enough for a casual treat, yet indulgent enough to share for special occasions. Every bite is pure bliss.

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