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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, ensuring even distribution of leavening and spices.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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