Get ready to experience a heavenly fusion of soft cinnamon rolls and buttery dessert bars with these irresistible Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars. If you love the comforting aroma and flavors of cinnamon rolls but crave the convenience of a handheld treat, this recipe will be your new favorite. Each bite is packed with layers of cinnamon sugar, a luscious glaze, and a tender cookie-like base that melts in your mouth.
A Decadent Twist on Classic Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars combine the best parts of classic cinnamon rolls – the warm spices and the sweet, creamy glaze – with the ease of a bar dessert. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or an indulgent weekend treat, these bars are as delightful to eat as they are simple to make.
Whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or packing them for a party, these bars are guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into the magic of making these delectable treats!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
To create these indulgent Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few special ingredients that bring the recipe to life. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving that signature cinnamon roll flavor, with layers of sweetness, warmth, and creaminess.
- For the Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Making these bars is simpler than making traditional cinnamon rolls, but they still deliver that same comforting flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dessert:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
Step 2: Add the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and stir until it resembles damp sand. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the base layer of dough.
Step 3: Create the Swirled Top Layer
Take the remaining one-third of the dough and drop small spoonfuls over the cinnamon sugar layer. Gently spread the dough using your fingers or a spatula, leaving some gaps for a swirled, rustic look.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before glazing.
Step 5: Drizzle the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars in a spiral or zigzag pattern to mimic a classic cinnamon roll.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the glaze has set, slice the bars into squares and serve. These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
How Long to Bake Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
The baking time for these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars ensures that they have a soft, tender base with a perfectly golden edge. Here are some tips for achieving the ideal bake:
- Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- Check the bars around the 25-minute mark. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should be set but still slightly soft.
The bars will continue to firm up slightly as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars (lucky you!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
To ensure your Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars come out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Use Softened Butter: Softened butter is key to achieving a smooth dough that’s easy to work with.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
- Even Cinnamon Sugar Layer: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly for a consistent flavor in every bite.
- Let Them Cool Before Glazing: Allow the bars to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze to prevent it from melting and running off.
- Experiment with Additions: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon layer for extra flavor and texture.
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 19 minute
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are the perfect marriage of the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and the convenience of a dessert bar. With a soft, buttery base, a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a sweet glaze on top, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Whether for a holiday brunch or an afternoon snack, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking dish to form an even base layer.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the base layer of dough.
- Drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the cinnamon sugar layer, spreading gently to create a swirled top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled bars.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling before baking.
- To store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more milk (for thinner) or powdered sugar (for thicker).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes