Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make bar form. With a buttery spiced swirl layered between soft cake-like batter and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Batter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the bars don’t stick during baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which gives the bars a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the two eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Layer batter and cinnamon swirl: Pour and spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Then combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create the cinnamon swirl and spoon it over the batter layer.
- Add remaining batter and swirl: Spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon mixture and use a knife to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully baked.
- Cool: Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then adjust the consistency with 2-3 tablespoons of milk.
- Frost and serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened for easy mixing and a smooth frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
- The swirling step creates beautiful layers but avoid excessive mixing to preserve texture.
- Bars can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins into the cinnamon swirl before adding the remaining batter.
