Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars capture all the warm, sweet flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make bar form. Soft, tender cake swirled with cinnamon-sugar and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting makes for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the ½ cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in the melted ¼ cup butter until well combined. Drop spoonfuls of this cinnamon-sugar mixture over the base batter. Then spread the remaining batter on top and use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 6: Beat the softened cream cheese and ¼ cup softened butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons milk until the frosting is spreadable.
- Step 7: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra gooey bars, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts along with the cinnamon-sugar mixture before swirling.
- You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of some of the milk in the batter for a tender crumb and subtle tang.
- To make ahead, bake the bars and store unfrosted in an airtight container; frost just before serving.
Storage
Store the frosted Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; thaw completely and then frost.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with vanilla glaze or a simple powdered sugar drizzle if you prefer a lighter topping.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
Savor the delightful flavors of homemade Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, featuring a soft, buttery base swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. These bars capture the essence of classic cinnamon rolls in a quick and easy baked treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Base Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
Cinnamon Swirl
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounce cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the Base Batter: In a large bowl, beat the ½ cup softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternating with the milk, stirring until just combined. Spread half of this batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Assemble the Bars: Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the base batter layer in the pan. Then spoon the remaining batter on top. Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the swirl.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated to enjoy maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Bars, Cinnamon Swirl Bars, Cream Cheese Frosting Bars, Baked Cinnamon Treat, Easy Dessert Bars
