Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars capture all the warm, spicy flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make bar form. With a soft, buttery base, a cinnamon sugar swirl, and a sweet frosting finish, these bars are perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.

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 smoothly.
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

Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives to make these bars vegan-friendly.
For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar layer before adding the top batter.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a more complex spice profile.
If you like your frosting thinner, add a little more milk a teaspoon at a time until desired consistency.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. If refrigerated, allow bars to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften the frosting if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.

How do I prevent the bars from drying out?

Don’t overbake the bars; check them a few minutes before the suggested time. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps retain moisture and keep them soft.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 61 reviews

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a delightful fusion of classic cinnamon roll flavors transformed into a soft, easily shareable bar form. Featuring a cinnamon-swirled batter with a rich, creamy powdered sugar frosting, these bars bake up moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat.

Author: Marco
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
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Sugars and Fats

1 cup brown sugar (plus additional for cinnamon swirl)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for frosting)

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (or dairy-free alternative) for frosting

Frosting

1 cup powdered sugar
Softened butter (amount approximately 1/4 cup)
Vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon)
A splash of milk

Additional

Additional brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl (about 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon mixed)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy bar removal.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the bars.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, ensuring even distribution of leavening and spices.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugars, mixing gently until just incorporated to avoid over-developing gluten and tough bars.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for proper emulsification, then stir in vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine extra brown sugar and cinnamon which will be layered to emulate that delightful cinnamon roll swirl inside the bars.
Layer Batter and Swirl: Spread half of the batter evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer, then dollop the remaining batter on top, spreading it out gently to cover the swirl layer.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully cooked but still moist.
Make Frosting: While bars cool, prepare the frosting by whisking together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious topping.
Frost and Serve: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top. Cut into squares and enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-spiced bliss!

Notes

For dairy-free options, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk.
Ensure the bars have cooled fully before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
Do not overmix the batter to keep bars tender and fluffy.
Use parchment paper for easy bar removal and neater edges.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: cinnamon roll bars, cinnamon swirl dessert, easy cinnamon bars, cinnamon sugar bars, baked cinnamon dessert