Introduction

These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars bring all the flavor of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make, shareable tray bake. With a tender, buttery base, swirls of cinnamon sugar, and a rich cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup milk
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until combined. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top. Use a knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter for a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Beat softened cream cheese and ¼ cup softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is spreadable.
Step 6: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over cooled bars. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra gooeyness, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the frosting before serving.
Use whole milk or buttermilk instead of regular milk for a richer batter.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar layer for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving or microwave briefly for a soft, warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the bars in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge and add the frosting just before serving for the best texture.

Can I freeze the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars?

Absolutely. Freeze unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.

Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 108 reviews

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, featuring a soft vanilla base swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast & Snacks
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Batter

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup milk

Cinnamon Swirl

½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Make the Base Batter: In a large bowl, beat the ½ cup softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the ¼ cup milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Spread half of this batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted ¼ cup butter until evenly blended. Spoon dollops of this cinnamon sugar mixture over the base batter layer in the pan. Then, gently spread the remaining batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter, creating a marbled effect.
Bake the Bars: 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. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ¼ cup softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until fully combined. Gradually add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Frost and Serve: Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut the bars into squares and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.

Notes

Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
You can adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar swirl according to your personal preference.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cinnamon roll bars, cinnamon swirl, cream cheese frosting, breakfast bars, sweet snack