Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make bar form. Soft, sweet, and topped with a creamy glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want a cozy treat.

The image shows two square cinnamon rolls stacked on top of each other on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture behind. Each roll has three visible layers: a base layer of golden brown baked dough with a crumbly texture, a middle layer of light brown cinnamon filling swirled evenly within the dough, and a thick top layer of creamy, white icing with a smooth surface decorated by a spiral pattern of cinnamon powder. The background has several more cinnamon rolls out of focus, creating depth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (or any non-pork variety)
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)
1 tablespoon milk (or a non-dairy milk alternative)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-combined. The batter should be thick but spreadable.
Step 3: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cake batter.
Step 5: Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cinnamon roll effect.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden and the top slightly firm.
Step 7: Let the bars cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Step 9: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, ensuring each piece is generously coated.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature butter for a smoother batter and better texture.
Do not overmix the cinnamon swirl to preserve the signature swirled look.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy contrast.
Top with a drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate for an indulgent twist.
Make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; flavors improve after resting.

Storage

Store the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain that fresh-baked warmth before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows two square cinnamon roll bars stacked on top of each other, each with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a dense, light brown dough base, slightly crumbly in texture. The middle layer is a darker cinnamon filling, rich and slightly moist, visible within the dough. The top layer is a thick, creamy white icing with a smooth texture, swirled with a cinnamon brown spiral pattern that mirrors a classic cinnamon roll look. In the background, more cinnamon roll bars are slightly out of focus on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, any yellow or vanilla cake mix works well. If you prefer, dairy-free or egg-free cake mixes can be used to accommodate dietary needs.

How do I prevent the bars from drying out?

Using melted butter in the batter helps keep the bars moist. Also, avoid overbaking by checking with a toothpick near the end of baking time.