Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There’s something truly irresistible about the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls baking. But let’s be honest, making traditional cinnamon rolls can be a bit of a project. That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars! These bars capture all the gooey, sweet, cinnamony goodness of your favorite cinnamon rolls, but in an incredibly easy-to-make bar form. They’re truly a sweet slice of heaven that comes together with minimal fuss.

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a dessert that delivers maximum comfort and flavor with surprising ease? I am absolutely obsessed with Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars because they take the beloved elements of a classic cinnamon roll – the tender, buttery dough, the sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, and that luscious cream cheese frosting – and condense them into a convenient, bake-in-a-pan format. They’re fantastic for breakfast, a delicious coffee break treat, or an easy dessert for parties and potlucks. Plus, the gooey texture and rich flavor make them incredibly satisfying, guaranteeing smiles all around. They truly are “bliss” in every bite!

The Evolution of the Bar Dessert

Bar desserts are a beloved category in American baking, valued for their convenience, portability, and ease of serving a crowd. They evolved from traditional cakes and cookies, offering a simpler, often less fussy alternative to more elaborate baked goods. The “Cinnamon Roll Bar” is a genius adaptation, transforming the yeasted, rolled, and frosted complexity of a cinnamon roll into a more straightforward baked good.

This particular recipe for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars captures the essence of that classic breakfast pastry. Instead of individual rolls, a tender, cake-like dough is spread into a pan, layered with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and then baked until golden. The crowning glory is always a generous slathering of tangy cream cheese frosting, mimicking the traditional glaze. This innovation allows home bakers to enjoy the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll with significantly less effort, making it a perfect fit for busy schedules and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these truly blissful Cinnamon Roll Bars:

For the Bars:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended, at room temperature)

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (if needed for consistency)

Swaps and Notes

• Sour Cream: This is a key ingredient for the incredible moisture and tenderness of the bars, and it adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best texture. Plain full-fat Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
• Butter: Ensure butter for the bars and frosting is properly softened to room temperature. Melted butter is used for the cinnamon swirl.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your preference. For an extra rich swirl, you can add a tablespoon of melted butter to the brown sugar and cinnamon before sprinkling.
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is best for a rich, creamy frosting. Ensure it’s very soft for a lump-free result.
• Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar is crucial for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Add-ins (Optional): You could add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl or sprinkle them on top of the frosting for extra crunch. A pinch of nutmeg in the cinnamon swirl could also be nice.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s bake up this sweet slice of heaven!

1. Prepare Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients (Bars): In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar (Bars): In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Add Wet Ingredients (Bars): Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet (Bars): Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, whisk together the packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until a thick, paste-like mixture forms.
7. Assemble & Swirl: Pour about two-thirds of the bar batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter in the pan. Carefully dollop the remaining one-third of the batter over the cinnamon swirl. Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the top layer of batter to create ribbons of flavor. Don’t overmix.
8. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bars (avoiding a large pocket of cinnamon swirl) comes out clean.
9. Cool Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This is crucial!
10. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the bars cool, in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer until very smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Beat in the vanilla extract. If the icing is too thick, add milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
11. Frost & Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth, cohesive batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will develop gluten, leading to tougher bars. Mix only until just combined.
• Gentle Swirl: When creating the cinnamon swirl, aim for distinct ribbons rather than fully blending it into the batter.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting warm bars will cause the frosting to melt. Patience is key for a beautiful result.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: This prevents lumps in your cream cheese frosting, ensuring a silky-smooth texture.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a versatile sweet treat perfect for any time of day:

• Breakfast or Brunch: A delicious grab-and-go option with your morning coffee or tea.
• Coffee Break: The perfect sweet accompaniment to an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Dessert: Serve a square after dinner, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Potlucks & Parties: Easy to transport and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Gifts: Cut into squares and package in decorative boxes for a lovely homemade gift.
• Beverage Pairings: A warm cup of coffee, a comforting tea, or a glass of cold milk are perfect companions.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars store wonderfully due to their moistness and cream cheese frosting.

• Refrigerate: Store frosted bars, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing (Unfrosted): The unfrosted bars can be frozen. Once completely cool, wrap the entire pan (if tightly sealed) or individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost and serve.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed creating these delightful and easy cinnamon roll bars, you might also like these other sweet treats:

• For a truly indulgent chocolatey treat, you have to try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
• If you’re a fan of classic peanut butter and chocolate, my recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot) is a definite winner.
• Looking for a fun and whimsical dessert that’s always a hit? Check out How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick.
• And for a delightful fall treat in bite-sized form, don’t miss These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat in Bite-Sized Form.
• For an incredibly easy no-bake summer dessert, try This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert.

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Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a testament to how comforting, flavorful, and easy a dessert can be. They capture all the best qualities of a cinnamon roll in a convenient, crowd-pleasing bar format, making them an absolute dream for any occasion. Get ready to experience true “bliss” in every bite!

I hope you give this amazing recipe a try and enjoy every sweet, gooey piece! Let me know in the comments below if these become your new favorite go-to bar dessert, or what other classic treats you love to adapt into bar form. I always love hearing from you! Happy baking!