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
