Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars – A Soft, Gooey Treat You’ll Love

Imagine the warm, cozy flavors of a freshly baked cinnamon roll packed into a soft, chewy bar that melts in your mouth. That’s exactly what these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars deliver! They have a buttery, cinnamon-swirled base, a gooey, rich texture, and a luscious cream cheese glaze drizzled on top.

Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack with coffee, these bars bring all the comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls—but without the hassle of rolling dough. No waiting for yeast to rise, no complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Whether you’re making these for a weekend brunch, holiday treat, or just because you need a little indulgence, these bliss bars will become a new favorite. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prep Your Oven and Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.

2. Make the Bar Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
• Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix!

3. Create the Cinnamon Swirl

• In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create a thick paste.
• Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
• Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter and use a knife or toothpick to create a marbled effect.
• Pour the remaining batter on top and repeat the swirl pattern with the remaining cinnamon mixture.

4. Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

• In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.

6. Slice and Serve

• Cut into squares or bars and enjoy! These are perfect warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake them by 1–2 minutes.
• Want a deeper cinnamon flavor? Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.
• Customize your glaze by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of maple syrup.
• Make them ahead: These bars store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or gifting.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Equipment

To make these Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars, you’ll need:

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Electric mixer (for the glaze)
• Parchment paper

Helpful Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

• Allow eggs, butter, and cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and prevents the glaze from becoming lumpy.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

• Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars instead of soft and chewy ones.

3. Get That Perfect Cinnamon Swirl

• Use a toothpick, knife, or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter. Don’t overmix; you want distinct, marbled streaks rather than fully blended layers.

4. Line Your Pan for Easy Removal

• Using parchment paper or greasing the pan well helps prevent sticking and makes it easy to lift the bars out for slicing.

5. Don’t Overbake

• The bars should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking will make them dry.

6. Let the Bars Cool Before Adding the Glaze

• If you drizzle the glaze while the bars are too warm, it will melt and soak in rather than sitting beautifully on top. Let them cool at least 20 minutes before glazing.

7. Adjust the Glaze Consistency

• If your cream cheese glaze is too thick, add a little more milk (1 teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, mix in more powdered sugar.

8. Customize the Flavor

• Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of maple syrup to the batter for extra warmth.
• For a richer taste, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.

9. Make Them Extra Indulgent

• Stir in white chocolate chips or caramel bits for added sweetness.
• Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.

10. Store and Reheat Properly

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them soft and gooey again.

Conservation and Storage

These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep, gifting, or simply keeping a sweet treat on hand. Follow these storage tips to keep them fresh and delicious.

Storing at Room Temperature

• Once the bars have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If stacked, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration (Best for Longer Freshness)

• For longer storage, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• The cream cheese glaze will firm up in the fridge, so let the bars sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating for the best texture.

Freezing for Longer Storage

• These bars freeze exceptionally well! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Warm a bar for 10–15 seconds to restore its soft, gooey texture.
• Oven: Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes for a freshly baked taste.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars is how easily you can customize them! Whether you need a diet-friendly swap, a new flavor twist, or just want to experiment, here are some great substitutions and variations to try.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Make It Gluten-Free

• Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur).
• Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.

2. Dairy-Free Version

• Replace butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
• Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk for the glaze.

3. Egg-Free Option

• Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.
• Alternatively, use a flax egg: mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water and let sit for 5 minutes.

4. Lower Sugar Option

• Reduce the brown sugar in the bars by ¼ cup and increase the cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Use powdered monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar in the glaze.

Flavor Variations

1. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Bars

• Replace 1 egg with ¼ cup pumpkin puree.
• Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice blend (or add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon cloves).
• Drizzle with maple glaze instead of cream cheese.

2. Salted Caramel Cinnamon Bars

• Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Stir in butterscotch chips for extra caramel notes.

3. Chocolate Swirl Cinnamon Bars

• Melt ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and swirl it into the batter along with the cinnamon mixture.
• Add ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence.

4. Maple Pecan Cinnamon Bars

• Replace vanilla extract with maple extract for a rich, autumnal flavor.
• Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans for crunch.
• Use maple syrup instead of milk in the glaze for a maple drizzle.

5. Apple Cinnamon Bliss Bars

• Fold in ½ cup finely diced apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith).
• Add ¼ teaspoon allspice for extra warmth.
• Top with a brown sugar streusel before baking for a crumbly texture.

Texture & Mix-In Ideas

• For extra chewiness: Add 1 tablespoon molasses to the batter.
• For crunch: Stir in ¼ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
• For a lighter texture: Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a more tender crumb.
• For extra richness: Swap ½ cup butter for ¼ cup butter + ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Presentation Ideas

• For a bakery-style look: Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze before serving.
• For a thicker glaze: Double the powdered sugar for a frosting-like topping.
• For an elegant finish: Garnish with golden raisins, toasted coconut, or crushed cinnamon cereal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time to 30–35 minutes.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars store well, and the flavors deepen over time.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this batter is ready to bake immediately!

Can I use pre-made cinnamon roll dough?

This recipe is best with homemade batter, but if you’re in a hurry, you can use a cinnamon roll dough base and follow the layering/swirl technique.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are everything you love about cinnamon rolls—warm, gooey, and packed with sweet-spiced goodness—without the hassle of traditional dough-making. They’re quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

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