Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls into an easy, sliceable dessert. Soft, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a creamy frosting, they’re perfect for sharing or indulging on your own.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (divided)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (divided)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream 1/4 cup of the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract. Gradually add half of the dry ingredients, followed by the sour cream, then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Dollop spoonfuls of this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the bar base. Gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or skewer to create distinct streaks.
- Step 3: Bake the bars for 30-38 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack for 1-2 hours until at room temperature.
- Step 4: To prepare the frosting, cream the remaining 1/4 cup softened butter in a large clean bowl until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, then mix in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract. Add the milk one tablespoon at a time, beating until you achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Step 5: Once the bars have completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. For cleaner cuts, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips & Variations
- Use cream cheese in place of butter for the frosting to add a tangy twist.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon swirl for added texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before serving, you can let them come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated after frosting and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, a delightful dessert that blends a soft, cake-like base with a sweet cinnamon swirl and a creamy vanilla frosting. Perfectly baked to golden edges and completed with a luscious frosting, these bars capture the essence of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-cut, shareable form.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (divided into two 1/4 cup portions)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (divided as 1/2 tbsp for batter, 1/2 tbsp for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Bar Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream 1/4 cup of softened butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1/2 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add half of the dry ingredients, followed by the sour cream, then add the remaining dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Spread this batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Craft the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Spoon dollops of this mixture evenly over the bar base and gently swirl into the batter with a knife or skewer to create distinct cinnamon streaks.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 30 to 38 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 to 2 hours until room temperature.
- Whip Up the Dreamy Frosting: In a clean large bowl, cream the remaining 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating until smooth. Mix in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract. Finally, add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating until you achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble and Serve: Once cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top of the bars. For cleaner slicing, chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. Cut into squares and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the bars tender.
- Use softened butter for easier creaming and smoother frosting.
- Cooling the bars completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.
- Chilling the bars after frosting helps achieve clean, neat slices.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for several days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon roll bars, cinnamon swirl dessert, cinnamon bars recipe, easy dessert bars, cinnamon roll inspired dessert
