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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

cinnamon roll bliss bars - featured image

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a quick and easy dessert that combines the gooey, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls with the chewy texture of cookie bars. Topped with a creamy glaze, these bars are perfect for brunches, potlucks, or whenever you crave a sweet treat without the fuss of yeast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 1/4 cups (250g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for cinnamon swirl)
  • 3 ounces (85g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons milk (any kind, for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter for the cinnamon swirl. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup melted butter, 1 1/4 cups brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, stir together 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gently fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients with a spatula until just combined.
  5. Spread half the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Dollop the remaining batter on top and carefully spread it out. Finish with the rest of the cinnamon swirl, using a butter knife to gently swirl it through the top layer.
  6. Bake on the center rack for 28–32 minutes, or until the bars are golden and just set in the center. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
  7. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Meanwhile, beat together 3 ounces cream cheese, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and pourable.
  8. Drizzle the glaze over warm (not hot) bars using a spoon or piping bag.
  9. Lift bars from the pan, slice into 16 squares, and enjoy.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Lining the pan with parchment paper makes for easy removal. Bars are best slightly warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and vegan butter/milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll bars, dessert bars, easy cinnamon dessert, quick brunch recipe, cinnamon roll bliss bars, cream cheese glaze, potluck dessert, kid-friendly dessert