Name: Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups All purpose flour, sifted; 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened, divided; 0.5 cup Granulated sugar; 2 large Eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 cup Whole milk, room temperature; 0.5 cup Brown sugar, packed, divided; 8 oz Cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoon Ground cinnamon; 0.5 cup Brown sugar, packed (remaining from total); 2 cups Powdered sugar; 0.25 cup Heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 28 reviews

If you have a soft spot for cinnamon rolls but crave a faster, fuss-free treat, the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine biting into layers of golden cake base, a luscious cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth, and a wonderfully cinnamon-spiced swirl all topped with a thick, velvety vanilla glaze. This recipe delivers the comfort of classic cinnamon rolls but in a simple bar form that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or just sneaking a second piece when no one’s looking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of different baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are eleven containers: a clear glass bowl with white flour at the left top, a small white bowl with two cinnamon sticks on top of a mound of brown powder beside it, and a white bowl with two blocks of butter to the right. Below these, there is a small white plate with a few pats of butter and a white bowl filled with white sugar next to a tiny clear glass jar with dark liquid. A thick brown powder fills a white bowl near the center bottom, accompanied by a wooden bowl holding three brown eggs. Toward the lower area, there is a white pitcher with milk, a small jar with brown sugar, a small glass bowl holding amber liquid, and a white cream pitcher. To the bottom right, a rectangular white box is full of powdered sugar. Everything is clearly seen with soft natural light, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the rich, tender, and flavorful layers that make the bars so irresistible. From the sifting of flour to the careful balance of sugars and spices, every component contributes to the perfect texture and depth of flavor.

2 cups All-purpose flour: Sifted to ensure the bars stay tender and light.
1 cup Unsalted butter: Softened for easy creaming and divided to keep layers distinct.
1 cup Brown sugar: Packed and split to blend sweetness and caramelized flavor into the base and topping.
0.5 cup Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to the cake base without overpowering.
2 large Eggs: At room temperature for smooth mixing and structure.
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Pure extract gives warm, aromatic depth.
1 teaspoon Baking powder: Freshly measured for that perfect rise and light crumb.
0.5 teaspoon Salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
0.5 cup Whole milk: At room temperature to keep the batter smooth.
8 oz Cream cheese: Softened to creamy perfection for the luscious middle layer.
2 tablespoon Ground cinnamon: The star spice for that unforgettable swirl topping.
2 cups Powdered sugar: For making the luscious glaze that finishes the bars.
0.25 cup Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create a silky glaze texture.
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with sweet warmth.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F, a steady temperature that guarantees a golden crust without overbaking. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step isn’t just about convenience; it helps you lift the bars out without losing any of that precious cinnamon swirl.

Step 2: Build the Cake Base

Start by creaming ¾ cup of softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is where magic begins as air is incorporated for a tender crumb. Beat in one egg and the vanilla extract until well combined. Then, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding the dry ingredients with whole milk to the butter mixture, folding gently for a smooth batter. Press half of the cake batter evenly into your prepared pan; this will be the sturdy yet soft foundation of your bliss bars.

Step 3: Create the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This creamy middle layer is what transforms these bars from ordinary to unforgettable, creating that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth sensation. Spread it carefully over the base layer to form an even blanket of irresistible richness.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Topping

Mix the remaining brown sugar with the ground cinnamon to create your signature cinnamon swirl topping. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cake batter in dollops over the cream cheese layer — don’t worry about perfection here; the rustic look adds charm. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top to infuse every bite with warm spice.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown color and a center that’s set but still soft. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is pure bliss and promises deliciousness just moments away.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once out of the oven, cool the bars completely in the pan; this step is crucial to prevent the glaze from melting when applied. While waiting, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread this luscious glaze over the cooled bars, adding the final sweet, smooth finish that ties all the layers together beautifully.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a three-layer square dessert piece on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, soft-looking golden cake with a slightly crumbly texture. Above that is a middle layer of smooth, creamy white filling with some thin swirls of light brown, giving it a marbled effect. The top layer is a thin brown layer, and it’s covered with a thick drizzle of shiny white icing in curved lines across the surface. The edges are clean, showing the distinct layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or some finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the glaze. These add a hint of crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft bars and deepen the flavor dimension. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also give a bakery-ready look that makes them feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or cozy chai tea to enhance their warm, comforting spices. If you’re serving them as a brunch treat, a bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can brighten the plate and balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming dessert display, cut the bars into neat squares and stack them on a tiered tray. Wrap individually with clear cellophane tied with a ribbon to give as thoughtful homemade gifts. You could even serve small bites alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe keeps very well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, making it easy to prepare ahead for gatherings or to satisfy sweet cravings midweek. The flavors even deepen a bit after resting, so leftovers are never a disappointment.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars anytime, they freeze beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their signature texture and flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen bars, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm gently in a microwave or oven just until soft. The glaze might soften, but the cinnamon swirl and cream cheese layers remain satisfyingly rich and cozy, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

Cream cheese is essential for that signature tangy creaminess in the middle layer; however, if you need a substitute, mascarpone cheese works well, though it will be slightly less tangy. Avoid using yogurt or sour cream as they alter the texture.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help maintain the texture. The baking powder must be gluten-free as well. Keep in mind the bars might be a touch more delicate but still delicious.

Can I prepare the bars vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps, yes. Replace butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives, use plant-based milk, and opt for a vegan cream for the glaze. For eggs, flaxseed meal or commercial egg replacers can be tried, though it may slightly change the texture.

What is the best way to prevent the bars from becoming soggy?

Make sure to cool the bars fully before glazing, as applying glaze on warm bars can cause sogginess. Also, avoid storing them in a tightly sealed container before they’ve cooled completely to keep the base crisp.

How thick should the batter layers be for perfect bars?

Press the cake base evenly to about half the depth of your pan. Spread the cream cheese layer smoothly without making it too thick, and drop the remaining batter roughly in spoon-sized dollops for a rustic cinnamon topping. This balance ensures each bite has all three layers in harmony.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting and soul-satisfying about the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe. It’s like a big, warm hug in dessert form, with all the classic flavors you love but with less work and more shareability. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, these bars are bound to become a beloved favorite. Give them a try and watch your kitchen fill with irresistible cinnamon-scented joy!