Amazing Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
If you are searching for a dessert that captures all the cozy, warm, and irresistible flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but with a fun, bar-shaped twist, these Amazing Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are exactly what you need. They combine a tender, buttery crumb with a luscious cinnamon-sugar swirl and a smooth cream cheese glaze, creating a perfect treat for breakfast, snack time, or any sweet craving. The bars deliver the joy of cinnamon rolls in a conveniently sliced form, so you can enjoy that blissful cinnamon goodness without the fuss of rolling dough. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to sweet delight for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to these bars. From the rich butter that creates a soft texture to the cinnamon and brown sugar that add that classic flavorful punch, every item plays a crucial role in making these bars irresistible.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups, 300g): The base of the dough, providing structure and tenderness when combined properly.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, 230g, plus 2 tablespoons): Adds richness and moisture, plus helps create that soft crumb and luscious glaze.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup, 200g): Sweetens the dough and helps with browning for a beautiful golden color.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, 150g): Gives that deep, caramel-like flavor essential to the cinnamon swirl layer.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The soul of this recipe, delivering warm, spicy aroma and taste.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add moisture for soft bars.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle fragrant note.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise gently so they stay soft and fluffy.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, 115g): The star of the glaze, bringing creaminess and tangy balance.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, 120g): Sweet and fine, perfect for making a smooth, dreamy glaze.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Thins the glaze just enough for easy spreading.
How to Make Amazing Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures the bars won’t stick and gives them perfect, clean edges once baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets that help make the bars tender and airy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This enriches your dough with flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the bars tough, so be gentle.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. This filling is the heart of the bars, delivering that sweet and spicy swirl everyone loves.
Step 6: Layer the Dough and Filling
Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top. Then carefully spread the remaining dough over the filling layer—it’s perfectly fine if the top layer is a bit uneven; this adds to the homemade charm.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before adding the glaze—patience here really pays off!
Step 8: Create the Cream Cheese Glaze
Using a mixer, beat cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. This luscious glaze is what takes these bars from delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy your Amazing Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in all their glory.
How to Serve Amazing Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Garnishes
To amp up the visual appeal and flavor, try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon on top of the glaze or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a sweet touch. A few chopped pecans or walnuts scattered over the glaze add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bars.
Side Dishes
These bars pair exceptionally well with a hot cup of coffee or a steaming mug of chai tea, both of which complement the warm cinnamon tones perfectly. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make the experience truly decadent.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Amazing Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars into bite-sized squares for a brunch buffet or package them in a pretty box as a homemade gift. You can also stack layers separated by parchment paper in a decorative jar or tin for a grab-and-go snack option that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor. This also allows the glaze to stay smooth and scrumptious rather than drying out.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To regain that warm, freshly baked feeling, gently warm the bars in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the softness and brings the glaze back to life without melting it away.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best here for its balance of protein and starch, which creates the ideal tender yet sturdy crumb. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flours will change the texture and may require adjustments in liquid ingredients.
Is it possible to make these bars dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan margarine and dairy-free cream cheese. They may alter the flavor slightly but will still result in delicious bars.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a pleasant texture contrast. You might also experiment with raisins or mini chocolate chips, but keep the quantity moderate so the classic cinnamon roll taste shines through.
How thin or thick should the dough layers be?
Try to spread the dough evenly but don’t worry about perfection. The bottom layer should cover the pan completely, while the top can be slightly uneven—this helps create pockets of cinnamon-sugar bliss throughout.
Why is it important to let the bars cool before glazing?
If the bars are warm when you apply the glaze, it will melt and run off, losing that creamy, luscious topping that makes these bars so special. Cooling ensures the glaze stays beautifully spread on top.
Final Thoughts
Making these Amazing Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars is like bottling the soul-soothing comfort of a fresh cinnamon roll into a convenient, shareable form. They’re a perfect treat to brighten any day or impress guests with a homemade dessert that feels both special and entirely achievable. Give this recipe a try and watch these bars become a beloved staple in your kitchen and your heart.
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Amazing Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Amazing Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine all the best flavors of cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make bar dessert. Featuring a soft, buttery dough layered with a cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze, these bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Filling
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Prepare Dough Base: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Make Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup brown sugar with 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon thoroughly to form the cinnamon-sugar filling.
- Assemble Bars: Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough layer. Then, gently spread the remaining half of the dough over the filling. It’s fine if the top layer is a bit uneven.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: Beat together 4 ounces cream cheese, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk until the glaze is smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the cooled bars. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll bliss bars!
Notes
- Make sure the bars are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the cream cheese glaze from melting and becoming runny.
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if you want a gluten-free version, but results may vary slightly.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives and plant-based milk.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- To make slicing cleaner, wipe your knife blade between cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 135 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Cinnamon rolls, cinnamon bars, cream cheese glaze, dessert bars, breakfast bars, cinnamon sugar, easy baked goods
