Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

Love cinnamon rolls but don’t have time to wait for dough to rise? These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars bring all the warm, spiced flavor and creamy glaze you crave—in an easy, no-fuss dessert bar form. With a soft, chewy base swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze, these bars are perfect for brunch, holidays, or anytime you want a sweet, cozy treat without the yeast.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Yeast, No Fuss – All the flavor of cinnamon rolls without rising or rolling.
Soft and Gooey – With cinnamon sugar swirls and a dreamy glaze.
Perfect for Sharing – Ideal for brunch spreads, bake sales, and dessert trays.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays soft and flavorful for days.
Classic Flavor – Familiar, comforting cinnamon roll goodness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bliss Bars:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Extra cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
• Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts
• White chocolate chips

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Offset spatula
• Knife or toothpick for swirling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
2. Set aside to swirl into the batter later.

Step 2: Prepare the Bar Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Spread half of the bar batter into the prepared pan.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter.
3. Gently spread the remaining bar batter on top.
4. Use a knife or toothpick to lightly swirl the layers for a marbled effect.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
2. Let cool in the pan completely before glazing.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

1. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, and beat until you get a smooth, pourable glaze.
3. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Cut into bars and serve at room temperature.
2. Enjoy immediately or store for later—they taste even better the next day.

Tips for Perfect Bliss Bars
Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined for a tender texture.
Cool Before Glazing – The cream cheese glaze will melt if the bars are warm.
Use Parchment – Makes lifting and cutting easier.
Chill Before Slicing – For cleaner, more defined squares.
Add Texture – Sprinkle with nuts or chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Serving Suggestions
Brunch Favorite – Pair with coffee or tea for a sweet brunch treat.
Holiday Dessert Table – A crowd-pleaser at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Lunchbox Treat – Great for kids or midday office pick-me-ups.
With Ice Cream – Serve warm bars with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Gift-Worthy – Wrap and gift in a bakery box for a sweet homemade present.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Store up to 5 days for best texture and flavor.

Freezing:

• Freeze tightly wrapped bars or a full tray (unglazed) for up to 2 months. Thaw, glaze, and enjoy.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Warm individual bars for 10–15 seconds to soften and slightly melt the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-made cinnamon roll dough?
This recipe is for a homemade batter, but you can swirl cinnamon sugar into other bar bases or use it as inspiration for cinnamon roll upgrades.

2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check all ingredients for gluten-free certification.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger sheet pan and adjust baking time accordingly (add 5–8 extra minutes).

4. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but the glaze adds the classic cinnamon roll finish. A simple drizzle of icing sugar + milk also works.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is best for taste and texture, but margarine will work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are everything you love about cinnamon rolls—sweet, buttery, and swirled with spice—in a quicker, easier bar form. Perfectly chewy and topped with rich cream cheese glaze, they’re ideal for any time you want something comforting, warm, and totally delicious.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your bliss bars in action.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Bar):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 140mg

Print