Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
If you’re craving that warm, cozy feeling of a classic cinnamon roll but want something quicker and less fussy, these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are your new best friend. Imagine soft, buttery layers packed with cinnamon sugar swirls, all baked into a satisfying bar form that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence. These bars capture the essence of cinnamon roll magic without the hassle of rolling dough, making them an absolute joy to bake and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible texture and flavor of these bars. Simple yet thoughtfully chosen, they work together to deliver that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add a fluffy lift.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure that holds these bars perfectly.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives a gentle rise for a light texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the flavors.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice creating that signature swirl.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon swirl): Combines with cinnamon for a sugary sparkle.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Key for the luscious glaze topping.
- 2 tbsp milk: Helps achieve that silky smooth glaze consistency.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a finishing touch of flavor to the glaze.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your bars come out cleanly and maintain their perfect edges. Preparation is key to smooth baking, so take a moment to set this up.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar until they’re perfectly smooth and combined. This decadent mixture forms the rich base of your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars. Follow by beating in the eggs and vanilla extract, which will add moisture and flavor, making every bite tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend is essential to getting that soft but structurally sound texture that makes these bars so blissfully satisfying.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The batter should be smooth but not overworked—this helps keep the bars tender and soft, just like a cinnamon roll without the fuss.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Swirl
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Then, mix cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl to create the irresistible cinnamon swirl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter, giving every bite that iconic cinnamon roll warmth. Top with the remaining batter and use a knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating a beautiful marbled effect that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your creation for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures the bars are perfectly baked—moist, fluffy, and full of tender crumb without being dry.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely. While waiting, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this heavenly topping over the bars for that classic cinnamon roll finish—sweet, creamy, and utterly addictive.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Garnishes
Though these bars are delicious on their own, you can elevate them with a few simple garnishes. Try a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra warmth. Fresh whipped cream or a few fresh berries alongside can offer a lovely contrast in texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars with a hot cup of coffee or spicy chai tea for a wonderful snack or breakfast combo. They also make a fantastic companion to a creamy vanilla yogurt or a simple glass of cold milk—any of these options highlight the bars’ comforting, cinnamon-sweet notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings and parties, cut your bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter. You can drizzle extra glaze on top just before serving for an irresistible glossy finish. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming edible gift that shows just how much you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars left, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bars soft and the glaze deliciously fresh, so every bite tastes as good as the first.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before popping them in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars back to life, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This softens the bars and refreshes the glaze, making them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid over-seasoning. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor balance.
How do I make the swirl look more distinct?
To get a more pronounced swirl, spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly and try using a skewer or a thinner knife to create tighter swirls. Doing this gently avoids mixing the batter too much and keeps the swirl pattern visible.
Are these bars gluten-free?
The traditional recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend if needed, but be aware it might slightly change the texture.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans or plump raisins can add delightful texture and flavor that complement the cinnamon sugar beautifully. Mix them into the batter before layering.
How thick should the bars be for the best results?
Using a 9×13-inch pan gives you the perfect thickness—about an inch thick bars. Thinner layers may overbake quickly, while thicker ones may need extra baking time to cook through.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the simple pleasure of homemade Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars to brighten your day or impress your friends. With a handful of everyday ingredients and a straightforward process, you get a treat that tastes like it took hours in the kitchen. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked by that tender, cinnamon-swirled bliss and the cozy moments they bring to your table.
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Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine the irresistible flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make bar dessert. Featuring a buttery, soft base swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, these bars are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Ingredients
Base Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the two large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Mix Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to form a thick batter.
- Layer Half the Batter: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth base layer.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the first layer of batter.
- Add Remaining Batter and Swirl: Spread the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Then prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the bars.
- You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free glaze option.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar layer before adding the second batter layer.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat bars slightly before serving for a soft, fresh-baked taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll bars, cinnamon swirl bars, cinnamon dessert bars, easy cinnamon bars, cinnamon roll recipe, baked cinnamon bars
